Whether you are a baseball fanatic, tennis enthusiast, or future football superstar, you don’t want your braces to get in the way. Fortunately, it doesn’t have to! Thanks to Invisalign’s sleek design and comfortable trays, you can continue to participate in all of your favorite sports without worry. With that being said, it is completely natural to have a few questions on your mind before committing to orthodontic treatment. Keep reading for the answers to a few of the most common ones.
Can I Still Participate in Sports While Wearing Braces?
In short, the answer is yes! No matter what sport you play, you’ll be happy to know that many athletes forget they have an appliance after a few minutes. Even traditional orthodontic treatment won’t stop you from participating in your favorite game. Just make sure to take a few extra steps to protect your teeth and your braces during the game.
How Do I Keep My Teeth Safe?
Whether you play a contact or non-contact sport, all it takes is one accidental elbow to the face or one rogue ball to wind up with a knocked-out tooth or broken wire. To prevent this from happening, you should wear an orthodontic mouthguard. That way, your teeth have an additional layer of protection! You can buy a one-size-fits-all one at your local sporting goods store but getting a custom one from your dentist is much more ideal.
What If I Sustain an Oral Injury During Sports?
If you do sustain a smile-related injury, do your best not to panic. Instead, get in touch with your dental team right away. From there, they can walk you through the next best steps over the phone and even provide first-aid instructions if needed. Next, they will schedule a time for you to come see the orthodontist, so you can get the fast, effective treatment you need ASAP, whether you are struggling with a protruding wire or a broken aligner.
Braces and Invisalign can effectively address crowded, gapped, and misaligned teeth, leaving you with a camera-ready, winning smile. If you are considering an orthodontic treatment to make your smile goals a reality, don’t let being an athlete stop you! Get in touch with your orthodontist today and take the next step toward the beautiful smile you deserve.
About the Author
Dr. William “Vaughn” Holland graduated Magna Cum Laude from the University of Florida College of Dentistry, making his lifelong dream of becoming a dentist a reality. From there, he completed a five-year dual specialty program in Prosthodontics and Orthodontics. Although he has received multiple awards for his skill and dedication to his craft, he continues to undergo continuing education with professional organizations like the American Association of Orthodontics. If you are interested in getting braces or have a sports-related question about orthodontic treatment, don’t hesitate to visit his website or give him a call at 904-388-4600.