Invisalign and Sports: A New Guide for Active Patients
If you’re an athlete or an active individual considering Invisalign, you probably have a few pressing questions. Can you keep playing sports with aligners in? Will you need to change your game-day routine? The good news is that you can absolutely continue both contact and non-contact sports during Invisalign treatment, with a few smart adjustments. Stephen Forrest, DDS, at Des Moines Cosmetic Dentistry Center will walk you through everything you need to know about wearing Invisalign while staying active. You’ll learn how to protect your teeth (and your aligners) on the field, court, or gym, and get tips to make sure your orthodontic treatment doesn’t miss a beat while you pursue the sports you love. Let’s get started with the basics.
Yes, You Can Stay Active with Invisalign
Invisalign is designed for real life, and that includes sports and exercise. You don’t have to sit on the sidelines just because you’re straightening your teeth. For most sports and physical activities, Invisalign aligners won’t get in your way. Many athletes actually prefer clear aligners over braces because there are no metal brackets to cause cheek or lip injuries during play. The aligners are smooth and custom-molded to your teeth, so they’re unlikely to cause discomfort or distraction when you’re focusing on your game.
Non-Contact Sports
For non-contact sports, think running, cycling, track, swimming, tennis, golf, you can usually leave your aligners in with no issues. The aligners are snug-fitting and won’t suddenly “fall out” during a sprint or a swim lap. They’re also clear and slim, so they won’t affect your breathing or your concentration. If you’re out for a run or doing yoga with your Invisalign trays in, you might even forget they’re there. Many patients report that after a short adjustment period, playing sports with Invisalign feels natural.
Contact Sports
Contact sports, on the other hand, do require a bit more caution, and this is where a slight change in routine comes in. In high-impact sports like football, hockey, basketball, soccer, wrestling, or martial arts, it’s recommended to remove your Invisalign aligners during play. Why? A strong hit to the mouth could damage your aligners or even hurt your teeth or gums. While Invisalign trays do offer a tiny bit of cushioning, they are not a substitute for a proper sports mouthguard. If you left them in during a rough tackle, the force could crack an aligner, which means getting a replacement tray and possibly slowing down your treatment. Even worse, a cracked aligner could have sharp edges that injure your gums or tongue. For any sport with potential blows to the face, it’s best to play it safe, take your aligners out and wear a mouthguard for the game. We’ll talk more about mouthguards in a moment, but the key point is that removing your trays for contact sports protects both your orthodontic investment and your oral health.
Water Sports
Water sports fall somewhere in between. If you’re doing swimming or water polo, you won’t have physical contact with others, so keeping your aligners in is usually fine. Just be careful not to lose them if you’re in open water, and remember to rinse your aligners after swimming, especially in a chlorinated pool or lake. Pool chemicals or lake water can leave residue on the trays, so give them a quick rinse or gentle brush with clear water when you’re done.
Using a Mouthguard with Invisalign
If you play a contact sport, you’re likely already familiar with mouthguards. Mouthguards are essential for protecting your teeth, they cushion blows and can prevent serious injuries like broken teeth, cut lips, or bitten tongues. When you’re undergoing Invisalign treatment, you might wonder how a mouthguard fits into the picture. Here’s the play-by-play:
Never Wear Aligners and a Mouthguard at the Same Time
A standard sports mouthguard won’t fit correctly over your Invisalign trays (the aligners add extra thickness to your teeth), and trying to force it could distort your aligner or the mouthguard, or both. Always remove your Invisalign trays before popping in your mouthguard for practice or a game.
Consider a Custom Mouthguard
Since you’ll be taking aligners out during games, it’s worth investing in a well-fitted mouthguard. There are special mouthguards that can be made to fit over aligners, but many athletes simply use a normal custom-fit guard after taking aligners out. Talk to your dentist about the best option. A custom guard will fit your teeth (with aligners out) much better than “boil-and-bite” store guards, offering superior protection. Plus, if your sport is seasonally based, your dentist can adjust the mouthguard as your teeth move during Invisalign treatment.
Use Your Case, and Don’t Forget to Put Your Aligners Back in
Before the game starts, store your aligners in their case (never wrap them in a napkin or toss them in your bag unprotected, that’s how they get lost or dirty). As soon as you’re off the field or the match is over, retrieve your trays and put them back in your mouth after a quick rinse. One of the advantages of Invisalign is you can remove the aligners when needed, but you also have to remember to wear them for the recommended ~22 hours per day. An average sports game or practice might last 1-3 hours, it’s okay to have your aligners out for that time, just as long as you wear them diligently the rest of the day. Consistency is key to keeping your treatment on track. A good habit is to make aligners the first thing you put back in after you’re done with your mouthguard, before you even leave the locker room or sideline.
Keeping Your Aligners Clean and Safe During Sports
Sports can be messy, sweaty business, and that means your Invisalign aligners will need some TLC to stay clean and clear. Whether you leave them in or take them out during activity, here are some tips for keeping your trays (and your teeth) in top shape:
Stay Hydrated with Water
When you’re exercising or playing hard, it’s crucial to drink water frequently. Sipping water not only keeps you hydrated but also helps wash away dry mouth or any debris. If your aligners are in while you exercise, stick to plain water. Avoid sports drinks or energy drinks with aligners in your mouth, sugary or acidic beverages can seep under the trays and increase the risk of tooth decay or staining. If you really need a sports drink during a long practice, take out your aligners, have the drink, rinse your mouth with water, and then put the aligners back in. But water is always the safest choice.
Clean Aligners After Play
After a game, when you hit the showers (or at least once you’re home), take a moment to clean your Invisalign trays. You can rinse them under lukewarm water and gently brush them with a very soft toothbrush. This removes any dried saliva or sweat and prevents bacteria buildup. For a deeper clean, use Invisalign cleaning crystals or a clear, mild anti-bacterial soap. Keeping the trays clean will also keep them from developing odors. Never use hot water (it can warp the plastic) and avoid harsh cleaners. Regular gentle cleaning is usually enough, since you switch to new aligners every couple of weeks.
Mind Your Oral Hygiene
Don’t let the hustle of sports make you slack on brushing and flossing. In fact, you’ll likely be removing aligners more often on game days (for mouthguard use, eating, etc.), which means more opportunities to clean your teeth. Ideally, brush your teeth before putting your aligners back in after sports. If that’s not possible immediately, at least rinse your mouth with water or mouthwash. This extra step ensures you’re not trapping any food particles or plaque under the aligner, which could cause bad breath or cavities. Athletes often consume snacks, protein bars, or sports drinks, so be mindful of sugar sticking to your teeth. Good oral hygiene paired with Invisalign will keep your breath fresh and your smile healthy.
Use the Right Storage
Always carry your Invisalign case in your sports bag. If you remove your aligners to play, put them in the case every single time. It sounds simple, but in the excitement of a game it’s easy to misplace clear trays (they’re nearly invisible, after all!). A bright-colored case can help you spot it in your bag. Also, avoid leaving aligners in direct sun or a hot car during games, extreme heat can warp the plastic. Keeping them with you (in a case) is best.
Performance, Comfort, and Confidence
One common worry is whether Invisalign will affect your performance. Rest assured, Invisalign aligners are lightweight and won’t impede your ability to breathe, run, or react when worn during non-contact activities. You might notice them at first, but there’s no bulky metal or sharp edges. Athletes who’ve worn both braces and Invisalign often comment on how much easier Invisalign was to live with during games and workouts. There’s less irritation inside the mouth, meaning you can focus on scoring that goal or hitting that PR, not on a poking wire or aching bracket.
Invisalign can also give a subtle confidence boost. Knowing that your orthodontic appliance is basically invisible might make you feel more at ease during team events or when facing the crowd. You don’t have to be self-conscious about a mouth full of metal in team photos or post-game interviews (for the star players out there!). This psychological comfort, not worrying about your smile, can translate into better focus and confidence on the field. When you feel good, you play better.
That said, remember that Invisalign isn’t magic gear that will improve your jump shot or shave a second off your sprint, but it will steadily straighten your teeth while you continue doing what you love. Over the months of treatment, you’ll see your smile becoming aligned. Many patients find this motivating, your smile’s getting in shape at the same time you are! Just keep in mind the real gains come from sticking to your aligner schedule (20-22 hours a day wear) and following your dentist’s instructions. Think of it as part of your training regimen for a healthier smile.
What If an Aligner Gets Lost or Damaged?
Despite best efforts, accidents can happen, especially in sports. An aligner might get lost in the locker room or a tray could get cracked by an unfortunate impact or even an accidental step if it was left on a bench. If something like this happens, don’t panic. Here’s what to do:
- If your aligner cracks or breaks while in your mouth: Remove it carefully. Do not continue wearing a broken aligner, as it could have sharp bits that irritate your gums or it might not hold your teeth in the correct position. Place it in your case. Inspect the damage, sometimes a small crack at the edge doesn’t prevent you from wearing it until you get a replacement, but large breaks mean it’s done.
- If you lose an aligner during practice or a game: First, do a quick search in the immediate area (if you notice right away). Clear aligners can be hard to spot, but check the ground, your clothing, gym bag, etc. If it’s truly lost, again, no need to panic.
- Contact your dentist or orthodontist as soon as possible. They will advise you on the next steps. In many cases, if you lose or break an aligner, the dentist may tell you to start wearing your previous set or the next set in the series. The guidance can vary depending on where you are in your treatment. For example, if you were on tray 10 and it’s lost, they might have you go back to tray 9 for the time being, or move on to tray 11 a bit early. It’s important a professional guides this decision, because the goal is to keep your teeth moving correctly without interruption.
- Keep your old aligners as a backup until your treatment is completely done. It’s a good idea to hold on to your most recent previous aligner. If tray 10 goes missing, tray 9 (the one you wore before) can serve as a temporary retainer to prevent your teeth from shifting back while you wait for a new tray 10 to be made. Wearing the previous tray is not a long-term solution but it’s much better than wearing nothing for days.
- Stay on schedule: If you do have to go without an aligner for a short period (say a day or two until you get a replacement), be extra diligent when you get the new one. You might need to wear the new tray a bit longer to make up for the gap. Again, your dentist will provide the specific instructions. Most providers can get a replacement aligner from Invisalign relatively quickly if needed.
An errant pass or a hard tackle might knock out a tooth in a worst-case scenario, but it’s far less dramatic with Invisalign. A lost aligner is a hassle, not a disaster. As long as you communicate with your dental care team promptly, your treatment will stay on course.
Pro Tips to Balance Sports and Invisalign
To wrap up the practical advice, here’s a quick list of pro tips for athletes in Invisalign:
- Build Aligners Into Your Routine: Treat putting your aligners back in as part of your cool-down. Just like you wouldn’t forget to take off your cleats and put on your regular shoes after a game, don’t forget to swap your mouthguard for your aligners after the final whistle.
- Set a Timer if Needed: If you’re the type who might take the trays out and then get distracted, set a timer on your phone as a reminder to put them back in. This is especially useful during half-time or water breaks, you might remove them for a quick drink or pep talk and risk leaving them out. A 15-minute timer can nudge you before too much time passes.
- Communicate with Coaches (and for kids, with Parents): If you’re a younger athlete, let your coach or a team staffer know that you wear Invisalign and might need a minute before and after games to manage your aligners. It’s nothing to be embarrassed about, it’s like managing contact lenses or any other personal equipment. If you’re a parent reading this, you can help your child athlete by reminding them about their aligners before heading to practice and having a system in place (like a dedicated spot in their bag for the case).
- Keep an Emergency Kit: Consider keeping a small kit in your sports bag with an extra aligner case, a travel-size toothbrush and toothpaste, and a spare packet of aligner cleaning crystals or wipes. This way, if there’s an unexpected snack break or the aligners need a quick clean before going back in, you’re prepared.
The Final Whistle: You, Invisalign, and Your Sport
Invisalign and sports can absolutely coexist; thousands of student-athletes and weekend warriors alike are living proof. With a little planning and a few new habits, you or your child can continue excelling at your sport while on the path to a healthier, straighter smile. Remember that the keys are: wear your aligners as directed when you’re not on the field, protect your teeth with a mouthguard when you are, and keep everything clean and stored properly. These small efforts will pay off with great results.
Every athlete’s situation is unique. If you ever have questions about how Invisalign might affect your specific sport or vice versa, don’t hesitate to reach out for professional advice. Stephen Forrest, DDS, at Des Moines Cosmetic Dentistry Center, is here to help you navigate your orthodontic treatment and athletic pursuits. Dr. Forrest has experience working with patients of all ages, including active teens and adults, and can guide you on best practices for Invisalign use during sports. Feel free to call our Des Moines office or schedule a consultation.
Your goal is a winning smile at the end of treatment and plenty of wins in your athletic season, with the right care, you can achieve both. So, keep up your training, keep popping in those aligners, and play with confidence knowing your smile is in good hands! We’re cheering you on every step of the way toward a straighter smile and a great game.
