Extra-curriculars are fun, and as orthodontists, we want to help you continue to do what you love to do in your day to day life! Invisalign is a tooth straightening tool that is easy to use and won’t drastically change you or your teen’s daily life habits! Invisalign is an excellent option for individuals who love to live active lives! It is clear, smooth, and comfortable for everyday wear. This makes it a great contender for a variety of different activities.
Invisalign with Sports
Non-Contact Sports
If you play non-contact or low contact sports, like dancing, running, tennis, or golf, Invisalign can be worn while you play, practice, or perform! The aligners are slim enough so they won’t hinder your breathing, while also maintaining their proper position in your mouth through the help of attachments on your back teeth. Attachments look like small handles that help keep the tray in place. Overtime, wearing your Invisalign will feel natural and be virtually unnoticeable!
Contact Sports
If you play contact sports like football, rugby, or martial arts, you are usually required to wear a mouthguard while you play. In this case, it is best for you to remove your Invisalign aligners before putting on your mouthguard. This is because your mouth guard should be snug to your teeth. Invisalign should not be worn underneath your mouthguard because it could become damaged. Replacing your current tray can potentially increase treatment time. Wearing Invisalign under your mouthguard will become uncomfortable due to the tight space that’s found between your teeth and the protective layer of the mouthguard. Forcing your mouthguard on over Invisalign can also cause damage to your guard.
It is strongly recommended that you do not play contact sports with your Invisalign acting as a mouthguard. While Invisalign can and does protect your teeth, it does not provide the same type of protective barrier that a mouthguard does. It is intended to safely move your teeth into a healthier position.
It is encouraged that you wear your Invisalign for at least 20-22 hours a day. You can take out your aligners for your practice or game, but make sure to put it back in right after you step off the field!
Water Sports
Generally speaking, wearing your aligners during water sports is okay. If you are doing an activity that is more dangerous, like water skiing, it is better to take out your aligners to prevent any damage. There are two things to keep in mind for when you participate in water sports and have Invisalign. Number one, make sure you don’t lose your aligners in the water! Invisalign is clear, making it more difficult to find them in the water if they do get lost. And number two, make sure that you are properly cleaning your aligners once you are done in the water. Sometimes chlorine or lake water can lead to the plastic discolouring. Give your aligners a gentle clean afterward.
Caring For Your Invisalign During and After Sports
When playing sports, it’s important to try your best to drink only clear liquids. Coloured electrolyte drinks can stain your aligners, additionally, high sugar content drinks can increase the risk for potential cavities. If you do drink a sugary clear liquid while doing your sport, make sure you brush your teeth and your aligner after.
Invisalign and Music
Wind or Brass Instruments
Invisalign can be worn while playing wind or brass instruments! By having Invisalign in your mouth, the way your tongue, lips, and cheeks rest will be slightly different than usual. This means you may have to alter your current playing method if you have a wind or brass instrument. It may take a little bit for you to get used to the way your mouth feels, but practice makes perfect! Most musicians can adjust relatively quickly.
Sometimes, your mouth can become a little drier than usual when you have Invisalign in. The best way to combat this is to keep water on hand and stay hydrated while you play.
Singing
In the first few days of wear, you may discover that when you talk or sing, you have a slight lisp. Over time as you become more comfortable wearing your aligner, this lisp will disappear and your speech will return to normal.
There are a few methods you can use to shorten the amount of time it takes you to adjust. Make sure you are talking frequently with your aligners, in addition, make sure you are practicing your singing while wearing your Invisalign. Practice diction and pronunciation drills to get familiar with the way you may have to slightly change your tongue or lip placement. Like with wind or brass instruments, remember to stay hydrated to prevent dry mouth.
Conclusion
In the end, Invisalign Clear Aligners are the perfect option for you if you are someone who loves to participate in sports or music, but is worried about traditional braces interrupting your extracurricular activities. If absolutely necessary, you can take your aligners out for a short amount of time each day. This time can be used for when you have a game or performance. Always make sure to put your aligners back in immediately after!
Are you curious about learning more about Invisalign? You can book an appointment with us here at Belmar Orthodontics in Lakewood, Colorado.