For student athletes looking to straighten their teeth and improve the overall appearance of their smile, Invisalign can be a great option. Specifically, the Invisalign system works by using a series of clear, plastic aligners to gradually straighten and re-position the teeth over time. Invisalign can be used to treat just about any orthodontic issue that traditional braces can (including gaps, over-crowding, bite problems, and more) without the unsightly metal brackets and wires.
And for athletes (both professional and recreational), Invisalign can provide a number of notable benefits over traditional metal braces.
Avoid Costly Damage and Injury
Depending on the sport you play, traditional braces could be a bad decision because blows to the head or other high-impact activities could cause damage to either your braces or your teeth! Wires could pop out of place, as can brackets, causing damage to your braces and potentially resulting in a mouth injury. Since Invisalign trays are custom-fit over your teeth and gums, you’ll enjoy a snug fit so that falls, blows and other impacts should not jostle your aligners out of place or damage them in any way. And these aligners can always be removed before a game or practice for added peace of mind (just be sure to replace them once you’re done to avoid delays in treatment time).
Enjoy Added Confidence
After scoring the winning touchdown or making an impressive play, athletes enjoy nothing more than celebrating with their teammates and smiling back at a cheering crowd. Unfortunately, traditional metal braces could make you feel self-conscious about flashing your smile in public, especially in front of so many people at a game or match.
Because Invisalign trays are clear and designed to fit inconspicuously over your teeth, fans in the stands (and maybe even some of your teammates) won’t even notice that you’re wearing braces. As a result, you can proudly flash your smile and celebrate those victories with your team!
Save Money on Mouth Guards
With metal braces, traditional “boil-and-fit” mouth guards don’t usually fit right and can actually cause damage to your braces if made incorrectly. As a result, athletes will most likely need to have a mouthguard custom made by a local dentist or orthodontist. This can be quite expensive, especially for those in high-impact sports where more than one mouthguard may be needed throughout the course of a season.
With Invisalign clear aligners, it’s much easier to protect your mouth and teeth while playing a high-impact sport. Simply remove your aligners before you participate and keep them in safe place until after the game or practice. This allows you to wear a traditional mouthguard comfortably and avoid the extra cost of a custom-fit mouthguard.
These are just a few of the most compelling reasons to consider Invisalign treatment as an athlete. If you’ve been exploring your options for beautifying your smile and are interested in finding out more about Invisalign, be sure to schedule a consultation at Gardner Orthodontics for your student athlete. As a Diamond Invisalign Provider, Dr. Gardner has treated countless patients with the Invisalign clear aligner system and will provide excellent care during your child’s Invisalign journey. Contact us for your complimentary consultation today!
