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Imagine this: you are in the middle of an intense soccer match or ice hockey game, and suddenly you feel that your clear aligners slip or even break. What can be done to protect this investment and still enjoy your favorite sport? Clear aligners invisibly and efficiently straighten one’s teeth. However, it is important to take care of them during sports activities.
In this blog, we’ll explore how you can protect your clear aligners on the ice, field, or court, ensuring they stay intact and your treatment continues smoothly.
Why Sports Protection for Clear Aligners Is Important
Aligners are designed to move your teeth into their ideal place, gradually. Consistency is key to the best outcome. However, sports can be detrimental to this. Basketball, hockey, soccer, and other contact and fast-paced sports can easily knock out aligners, worse, render them useless.
This can lead to missing days of treatment or creating unnecessary delays. A damaged aligner might affect treatment time, or even worse, extra visits and added costs. Protecting clear aligners in Renton is the only sure way to keep your journey to a beautiful smile on track.
Best Practices for Protecting Clear Aligners During Sports
1. Remove Your Aligners During Sports
The easiest way to keep your clear aligners safe is, of course, by taking them out during high-contact activities. Sports, such as football, basketball, or hockey, that involve body contact or fast motion may easily destroy aligners or misplace them. Taking your aligners out keeps them safe, and they will not be subjected to being knocked around or broken.
2. Wear a Sports Mouthguard
If you want to engage in low-contact sports or practice with your aligners on, you will need a sports mouthguard. It can be either custom or boil-and-bite. In that way, you can protect your clear aligners from impacts but still wear them. A sports mouthguard creates a protective layer between your aligners and any potential force, minimizing the risk of cracks or chips.
3. Proper Storage
Whenever taking out your aligners, always store them in a protective case. Not only does placing them in a case prevent them from getting lost, but it also keeps them free from dirt and bacteria, among other destructive elements. Never leave your aligners in a pocket or on the bench. Instead, a case is the best place for safekeeping.
4. Stay Hydrated
Sports can be demanding, and the need to stay hydrated is important. Drinking water will help to keep your aligners clean of any bacteria or food particles. Don’t consume any sugar drinks or acidic beverages that might stain or ruin your aligners while you’re on the go.
Special Tips for Athletes
Clear aligners also present different challenges with various sports. If you play a contact sport, such as football or ice hockey, it is in your best interest to take your aligners out to avoid breaking them. For other low-contact sports, including tennis and swimming, you may have no problem leaving your aligners in, especially while wearing a mouthguard.
Be sure to consult with your orthodontist about specific precautions related to your sport to ensure your clear aligners work with your routine.
In addition, protecting your clear aligners during sports is important in preserving your investment and maintaining your treatment on course. Be it removing them for high-contact activities or using a mouthguard, storing them properly any other steps you take to protect your aligners-will all help keep you on the path toward a great smile.
Enjoy the game, protect your aligners, and consult us for personal advice. Keep your smile healthy and your treatment running smoothly!
FAQs
What sports require removing clear aligners?
Sports with high contact, like football, hockey, or basketball, require removing clear aligners to prevent damage. Low-contact sports may allow you to wear them with proper protection.
Do clear aligners affect my ability to breathe during sports?
Clear aligners are designed to fit snugly and shouldn’t obstruct your breathing. However, if you find discomfort while wearing them during sports, consult your orthodontist for adjustments.
Do I need to adjust my clear aligners after a sports injury?
If you experience a sports-related injury to your mouth or aligners, visit your orthodontist for an evaluation. They may need to adjust your treatment or provide new aligners.
Can clear aligners cause discomfort during sports?
Some people may experience slight discomfort when wearing clear aligners during sports. If the aligners irritate your mouth or gums, consult your orthodontist for adjustments to improve comfort.
What happens if my aligners get dirty during sports?
If your aligners get dirty during sports, clean them immediately with water and a soft brush. Avoid using toothpaste, as it can scratch the surface, affecting their appearance and fit.
