Can I Play Sport with My Invisalign Retainer In?
One of the major problems with traditional braces is how uncomfortable they are for people who play sport regularly. Many of our patients ask whether they will be able to continue their extracurricular activities once they start Invisalign treatment. There are many benefits to Invisalign, and Titirangi Dental is here to answer your questions so you know what to expect.
How Does Invisalign Work?
Invisalign is a modern alternative to traditional metal braces, offering a more comfortable and discreet method of straightening teeth. The clear retainers are made of smooth plastic, meaning they don’t irritate your gums or cheeks. If you want a metal-free smile that doesn’t hinder your daily life in any way, Invisalign is the way to go.
You Can Still Play Sport with Invisalign
With traditional braces, playing sport can be hazardous to the braces themselves and also to your teeth and gums. Invisalign removes many of these fears by offering a smooth retainer instead of a metal device. Of course, different sports have different levels of contact, intensity and risk, so it’s important to take necessary precautions when playing.
Invisalign fits snugly in your mouth so there is little chance of the aligner tray falling out while you play a sport or have a sudden accident. Some of the sports that are unaffected by Invisalign include:
- Soccer
- Tennis
- Basketball
- Athletics
- Cycling
- Gymnastics
High-Contact Sports May Damage Your Aligner
Although the risks are low, there’s still a chance that full-contact sports may damage your aligner. A damaged aligner means higher treatment costs and longer treatment times. Luckily, Invisalign can easily be removed and replaced with a specialised gum shield while playing high-impact sports. You can buy these gum shields at sporting stores.
Remove your Invisalign when playing certain sports, including:
- Boxing
- Rugby and AFL
- Wrestling
- Martial arts
- Hockey
- Polo
How to Look after Your Invisalign Retainer
Make sure you keep your retainer in its case whenever you remove it from your mouth to avoid losing or damaging your device. As long as you make sensible decisions, wearing your Invisalign shouldn’t impact your daily life in any way. An easy rule of thumb is to remove your Invisalign whenever you aren’t sure about a situation just to be on the safe side.
Start Your Invisalign Treatment Today
The professional team at Titirangi Dental can help you start your Invisalign journey today. Achieve straighter teeth in less time without hindering your daily life in the slightest. To find out whether Invisalign is right for your needs, make an appointment with our West Auckland dental clinic by calling 09 817 6057 or contacting us online.
