Many patients undergoing clear aligner treatment continue to lead an active sporting life — and this is entirely possible. However, contact sports bring risks to the mouth and teeth that need to be managed a bit differently. In this article, we cover what to keep in mind when playing sports during clear aligner treatment, and how to approach mouthguard use.
Is It Safe to Play Sports While Wearing Clear Aligners?
Yes, undergoing clear aligner treatment doesn’t stop you from playing sports. The fact that aligners are removable is actually a significant advantage compared to fixed braces in this regard. However, in contact sports (such as football, basketball, boxing, judo, or hockey), any impact to the jaw or face means you need to take extra precautions to protect your teeth and mouth.
Should I Keep My Aligners In or Take Them Out During Training?
This depends on the type of sport you’re doing:
Non-contact sports (running, swimming, cycling, yoga, fitness, etc.): Aligners can generally stay in. Since there’s no risk of impact, your treatment isn’t interrupted.
Contact sports with impact risk (football, basketball, judo, boxing, hockey, etc.): In these cases, depending on your orthodontist’s recommendation, two options are typically considered:
- Removing the aligner during training or matches and wearing a separate mouthguard instead
- Using a dedicated protective device designed specifically for sports
The most important thing to keep in mind when removing your aligner is making sure it doesn’t interfere with your recommended daily wear time (20–22 hours) — factor your training schedule into your daily wear plan.
Why Isn’t Wearing Just the Aligner Enough for Sports?
Clear aligners are made from a thin material designed to move your teeth — they aren’t thick or flexible enough to protect your mouth and teeth during an impact. In contact sports:
- A hard impact can damage both the aligner and your teeth.
- Since the aligner can’t sufficiently absorb the force of impact, the risk of injury to soft tissue (cheeks, lips) also increases.
For this reason, it’s recommended to always use a mouthguard, either alongside or instead of the aligner, in sports that carry a risk of contact.
Mouthguard Options for Athletes Wearing Clear Aligners
Ready-Made (Boil-and-Bite) Mouthguards
These are general mouthguards sold at pharmacies or sporting goods stores, softened in hot water and shaped by biting into them. They’re affordable, but may not fit perfectly as your tooth position changes during treatment.
Custom-Made (Clinic-Fabricated) Mouthguards
These are made from an impression of your mouth taken by your dentist or orthodontist. They offer the best fit and comfort. Since your teeth continue to move throughout clear aligner treatment, these mouthguards may also need to be updated periodically alongside your treatment progress — it’s worth planning this with your orthodontist.
What to Keep in Mind Before and After Training
- Before training: Make sure your aligner or mouthguard is clean before putting it in.
- When removing your aligner: Store it in its designated case throughout training; never leave it exposed, to reduce the risk of losing it or having it damaged.
- After training: Rinse your mouthguard with lukewarm water, and brush your teeth or at least rinse your mouth before putting your aligner back in.
- Checking after an impact: If you take a hard hit to the mouth or jaw area during training or a match, check your aligner for any cracks or warping, and contact your orthodontist if you have any concerns.
Conclusion
Thanks to its removable design, clear aligner treatment fits well with an active sporting life. You can generally keep your aligners in during non-contact sports; for contact sports, choosing the right mouthguard and planning around your daily wear time helps protect both your treatment progress and your oral health.
At Dr. Murat Kaptaç’s clinic, we offer tailored recommendations for our active, sports-playing clear aligner patients.
Contact us with any questions about wearing clear aligners while playing sports.
