Being active is a lifestyle, and if you’re an athlete who’s also wearing clear aligners, you might be wondering how to juggle both. Whether you're out on the football field, hitting the basketball court, or practicing your martial arts routine, your smile still needs protection.
So, can you safely play sports while undergoing clear aligner treatment? Absolutely! But there are a few important things to keep in mind to avoid damage to your aligners—or worse, your teeth.
Let’s break it down.
It depends on the sport.
If you’re doing non-contact activities like jogging, yoga, pilates, or weightlifting, wearing your aligners during the workout is perfectly fine. They’ll stay snug and won’t interfere with your performance.
But for contact sports—think football, rugby, hockey, boxing, MMA, or even basketball—it’s a different story. In these types of sports, there’s a real risk of getting hit in the mouth. Wearing aligners during impact can actually make injuries worse and might damage the aligners themselves.
Bottom line: Remove your aligners before any high-contact physical activity.
Here’s where a good mouthguard becomes your best friend.
A custom sports mouthguard is designed to absorb shocks and protect your teeth, gums, and jaw during impact. It’s way more protective than wearing your aligners—and essential if you’re serious about avoiding dental injuries.
If you’re currently in aligner treatment, your orthodontist or dentist can help you get a mouthguard that fits properly and doesn’t interfere with your progress.
So you’ve taken your aligners out. Now what?
Always store them in a case — not a napkin, not your pocket, and definitely not loose in your bag.
Don’t leave them out too long — aligners need to be worn 20–22 hours a day for best results, so pop them back in as soon as the game is over.
Rinse before reinserting — give your aligners a quick rinse and clean your mouth so you’re not trapping bacteria.
Here are a few handy tips for athletes managing aligners:
Keep a dental kit in your gym bag with a case, toothbrush, and some travel-sized mouth rinse.
Hydrate with water only when aligners are in—sports drinks and sugary beverages can sneak under the trays and cause cavities.
Set a reminder or use an aligner tracking app to stay consistent with your wear time, especially if you take them out for practices and games.
Not if you're careful and consistent.
Taking your aligners out for a one-hour game or sparring session won’t ruin your progress—as long as you’re making up for the time and not skipping hours frequently.
If you play contact sports regularly, talk to your provider. They may recommend a more flexible wear schedule or discuss custom mouthguard options that work with your treatment.
Playing sports with clear aligners is totally doable—and safe—as long as you follow a few simple rules:
✅ Remove them for high-impact activities
✅ Use a custom mouthguard for protection
✅ Stick to your wear schedule
✅ Keep your aligners clean and stored properly
Orthodontic treatment shouldn’t hold you back from doing what you love. With a little planning, you can stay active, stay protected, and still work your way toward a confident, healthy smile.
Got questions about aligners and your active lifestyle?
Reach out to your orthodontic provider or dental care team to get personalized advice that fits your training and treatment goals. Your smile deserves it—on and off the field.
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