Protecting Smiles on the Field, Court, & Beyond
Invisalign has become a go-to option for teens who want a straighter smile without the look of traditional braces. But if your teen is an athlete, you may be wondering: Can you wear a mouthguard with Invisalign? And how does it work during sports?
At Garcia Orthodontics, we help active teens across Miami safely stay in the game while undergoing Invisalign treatment. Here’s everything you need to know about mouthguards and how to protect your teen’s smile while playing sports.
Yes, Teens with Invisalign Can—& Should—Wear Mouthguards
Wearing a mouthguard is crucial for any teen playing contact or high-impact sports, regardless of whether they’re wearing braces, Invisalign, or have perfectly aligned teeth. A well-fitted mouthguard can help prevent:
- Cracked or broken teeth
- Jaw injuries
- Soft tissue damage to the lips, cheeks, and tongue
- Damage to the Invisalign aligners themselves
Even in sports that aren’t typically “contact” (like soccer or basketball), accidental collisions can happen, so mouthguard protection is always a smart move.
Do You Wear a Mouthguard With or Without the Aligners In?
For most sports, it’s best for teens to remove their Invisalign aligners and wear a sports mouthguard directly over their teeth during play. Here’s why:
- Most standard mouthguards are not designed to fit over aligners and may cause damage or interfere with tooth movement.
- Playing with the aligners in could risk warping or cracking them if impact occurs.
- Aligners should be stored safely in their case during games or practice and put back in as soon as the sport is finished.
That said, removing the aligners should only be temporary—your teen should get them back in quickly afterward to maintain the required 20–22 hours of daily wear.
Custom Mouthguards vs. Boil-and-Bite
There are two main types of sports mouthguards:
1. Boil-and-Bite Mouthguards
These are available at most sporting goods stores and offer a semi-custom fit. They’re affordable and can be molded at home using hot water. While convenient, they may not fit as securely or comfortably as a custom-made option, especially for teens with changing dental structures.
2. Custom Orthodontic Mouthguards
Designed by your orthodontist, these provide the best fit, comfort, and protection, especially for athletes undergoing orthodontic treatment. They’re shaped to fit around growing teeth and can be updated throughout treatment as needed.
At Garcia Orthodontics, we can help you choose or create a mouthguard that works seamlessly with your teen’s Invisalign plan.
Tips for Teens Managing Sports & Invisalign
- Always use the case: When your teen removes their aligners for sports, they should place them in a protective case to avoid damage or loss.
- Clean both the aligners and mouthguard: Encourage your teen to rinse and clean their mouthguard after every use, just like their aligners.
- Stick to the wear schedule: Even with sports breaks, it’s important to meet that 20–22 hours/day Invisalign requirement to stay on track.
- Talk to your orthodontist: Let us know what sport your teen plays—we’ll tailor advice to keep their treatment safe and effective.
We know how important it is for your teen to stay active, confident, and comfortable while working toward a great smile. That’s why Garcia Orthodontics offers personalized Invisalign treatment and practical guidance for every lifestyle, including athletes.
