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Being active does not have to stop when you start clear aligner treatment. In most cases, aligners and sport work together without issue, but there are some situations that require a little more thought, particularly if you play contact sports.
Non-Contact Sports
For the vast majority of sports and physical activity, including running, cycling, swimming, gym training, yoga, tennis, golf, and similar activities, wearing your aligners is perfectly fine. You can and should keep them in during these activities to maintain your daily wear time.
Swimming is worth a specific mention. Pool water is safe for aligner plastic and will not damage the trays. Wearing aligners while swimming is fine, though some people prefer to remove them for open water swimming where there is a risk of the aligner coming loose and being lost.
Contact and Collision Sports
Sports that involve physical contact, collision, or a significant risk of impact to the face and mouth require more consideration. Rugby, AFL, boxing, martial arts, basketball, hockey, and similar sports all carry a risk of a blow to the mouth.
Wearing clear aligners alone during contact sports is not recommended. Aligners are not designed to absorb impact, and a blow to the mouth while wearing them could drive the plastic against your teeth and gums, potentially causing lacerations or damage to the aligner.
Many sporting codes that require a mouthguard specify the type, so check your sport's regulations before making a decision about what to wear.
Aligners and Mouthguards
Using a standard over-the-counter boil-and-bite mouthguard over clear aligners is not recommended. These mouthguards are formed to the shape of the tooth surface and will press against the aligner, potentially distorting it.
A custom-made mouthguard fitted over your aligners by a dental professional is the better option for contact sport athletes undergoing aligner treatment. This type of mouthguard accommodates the aligner and provides proper protection. Alternatively, some athletes remove their aligner and wear a standard custom mouthguard during training and matches, accepting the temporary reduction in wear time as a necessary trade-off.
If contact sport is a regular part of your life, discuss your options with the Jawology clinical team before treatment begins so a practical plan can be factored into your treatment schedule.
Staying Hydrated During Sport
Sports drinks, electrolyte drinks, and flavoured hydration products should not be consumed with aligners in. The sugar and acid content in these drinks creates a high-risk environment for decay when trapped under the aligner. Drink plain water during training and sport. If you need a sports drink, remove your aligners first and rinse before reinserting them.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to remove aligners to exercise?
No, not for most exercise. Running, gym training, cycling, swimming, and similar activities can all be done with aligners in. Keeping them in during exercise helps you maintain your daily wear time.
Can I wear clear aligners for contact sport?
Not without additional protection. For contact sports, a custom mouthguard fitted over the aligners is recommended. Wearing aligners alone during contact sport risks injury to the mouth if you take a blow to the face.
Can I swim with clear aligners?
Yes. Pool water and salt water do not damage aligner plastic. Most people leave aligners in while swimming. In open water where there is a risk of the aligner coming loose, some people choose to remove them as a precaution.
Can I drink sports drinks with aligners in?
No. Sports drinks contain sugar and acid that become concentrated against your teeth under the aligner. Drink plain water during sport, and remove aligners before consuming sports drinks.
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