Many teenagers worry orthodontic treatment means they will have to give up playing the sports that they love to keep their braces or Invisalign safe. The concern is unfounded, as it is possible to undergo orthodontic care while continuing to pursue athletics. Of course, certain precautions have to be taken before playing sports with braces. Here are the basics that athletic patients should be aware of before beginning their treatment.
Playing Sports with Traditional Braces
Braces will not interfere with the patient’s breathing or cause distracting amounts of discomfort, meaning they will not impede with the ability to participate in sports in any way. The primary concern, therefore, should be to make sure that the teeth and braces are as safe as possible during physical activities. It is often recommended patients active in sports receive an orthodontic mouthguard. Like regular athletic mouthguards, it is designed to protect the mouth from any blows that it might suffer over the course of playing sports. However, it is custom designed to fit comfortably over braces, thus providing the best possible protection without adversely affecting the brackets and wires. If an accident does occur and the braces are damaged despite the use of a mouthguard, it is essential to get in touch with an orthodontist in Lockport right away to make the necessary repairs.
Playing Sports with Invisalign
Even though Invisalign fits over the teeth in much the same way that a mouthguard does, it does not provide the level of protection needed to keep the teeth safe during contact sports. Thus, it is best to get a traditional athletic mouthguard during Invisalign treatment. Patients can take out their aligners during practice and competitions so that they can wear a traditional mouthguard instead. Remember, Invisalign clear aligners need to be worn for a certain amount of time each day, it is important to be mindful of how long the aligners have been removed.
Which is Recommended for Athletes?
If traditional braces and Invisalign are both viable options for orthodontic treatment, athletes should take time to consider the advantages and disadvantages of both. With braces, there is no risk of losing the orthodontic appliance or leaving it out of the mouth too long, but at the same time there will always be the risk of the brackets and wires being damaged during a game. Invisalign can be taken out of the mouth during athletic activities, but caution will need to be taken so that they are not lost. Often, this involves establishing a routine for placing Invisalign in its proper container and storing the holder in the same spot before each practice or game.
Ultimately, it is up to each individual patient to listen to their orthodontist’s recommendations and to choose the form of treatment that conforms best to their lifestyle while successfully straightening the teeth. There is no need to choose between athletics and a better smile; both can be pursued at the same time.
About the Practice
At Grand Dental – Lockport, we provide personalized orthodontic care for patients of all ages. Our in-house orthodontist is skilled in using both traditional braces and Invisalign to correct smiles, and he is more than happy to go over the pros and cons of each so that you can select the one that works best for your lifestyle. To schedule an orthodontic consultation, visit our website or call (815) 836-0001.