Sports with Aligners: Safety, Comfort, and Performance Tips

Thinking about straightening your teeth but worried it might get in the way of your workouts or game days? Whether you're out on the ice, hitting the court, running drills on the pitch, or just grinding it out at the gym, a lot of Canadians wonder if clear aligners can keep up with an active lifestyle, and the good news is, you don’t have to pick between staying in top form and getting that straighter smile.

In this guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know about sports with aligners, when to keep them in, when to take them out, and how to protect your teeth when the action gets intense.

Can You Play Sports with Aligners?

Yes, you can absolutely play sports with aligners! In fact, one of the biggest perks of choosing clear aligners over traditional braces is flexibility. Unlike metal brackets and wires that may cause injury during contact sports, clear aligners are smooth, removable, and far less likely to cause cuts or mouth injuries.

But, and it’s a big but, you’ll need to take a few precautions to keep your treatment (and your teeth) on track.

Precautions to Take When Wearing Aligners during Sports

Clear aligners and physical activity can be a great pair. Whether you're playing hockey, basketball, soccer, or doing CrossFit, here are some key tips to follow:

Use a Mouthguard for Contact Sports

If your sport involves physical contact (think rugby, football, or hockey), wearing a protective mouthguard is essential. Take out your aligners and wear a regular sports mouthguard to make sure your mouth is protected from dental trauma and your aligners stay damage-free.

Stay Hydrated - But Avoid Sugary or Colored Drinks

Always remove your aligners before drinking sports drinks like Gatorade, juices, or energy drinks. Sugary and acidic beverages can get trapped under your aligners and lead to tooth decay or staining.

Pro Tip: Stick to water while wearing aligners, and rinse your mouth before popping them back in.

Cleanliness Is Key

Sports often mean sweat, dust, and quick meals on the go. Be sure to rinse your aligners after practice or a game, and brush your teeth before putting them back in. This helps prevent plaque buildup and bad breath.

Pro Tip: Low-impact activities like yoga, jogging, and strength training are among the best sports with aligners, letting you stay fit without disrupting your treatment.

The 30-Minute Rule: Don’t Leave Them Out Too Long

Aligners need to be worn 20–22 hours per day. If you take them out for a game, make sure to put them back in as soon as possible. If they’re out of your mouth for more than 30 minutes, especially frequently, it could delay your treatment progress.

So, if you’re heading into a match or a long training session, plan ahead. Keep your aligners safe in a protective case and pop them back in as soon as you can.

Benefits of Clear Aligners for Athletes

If you're comparing aligners to braces, here’s why they’re often the better choice for active individuals:

• No metal brackets or wires: Less chance of oral injuries from impact
• Removable: Take them out for high-intensity games or training
• Discreet: Keep your confidence up, both on and off the field
• Comfortable fit: No irritation or poking, even during cardio or strength training

What about Aligners as a Mouthguard?

Clear aligners are not a substitute for a sports mouth guard. While they offer some cushioning, they are not designed to absorb impact. Using them in place of a mouthguard can result in cracked trays or worse, injured teeth.

Best Practice: Remove your aligners and wear a proper mouthguard during high-impact sports. Use a retainer-style case to store them safely while you play.

Custom Mouth Guards with ALIGNERCO

For athletes who wear clear aligners, a custom mouthguard can be a game-changer. ALIGNERCO now offers high-impact, dentist-grade custom mouthguards, designed to protect your smile during intense activity without compromising comfort or fit. Whether you’re on the field or in the ring, our mouthguards are built to perform.

Aligners and Physical Activity: Everyday Tips

Even for low-contact sports like running, yoga, tennis, or dance, there are some best practices:

• Stay hydrated with water only while aligners are in
• Brush or rinse after snacking mid-workout
• Keep a travel toothbrush and case in your gym bag
• Always check your aligners after activity for cracks or wear

Kids and Teens in Sports: What Parents Should Know

If your child or teen is using ALIGNERCO aligners and plays sports regularly, communication and consistency are key. Encourage them to:

• Wear aligners at all times except during games
• Clean them after every activity
• Store them properly to avoid losing or damaging them

Playing Sports with Clear Aligners

Aligners vs. Braces for Athletes

Ready to Align Your Smile without Missing a Game?

Straightening your teeth doesn’t mean putting your active lifestyle on pause. Whether you're sprinting, lifting, diving, or dancing, clear aligners give you the freedom to move, perform, and protect your smile all without the discomfort and risks that come with metal braces. From wearing aligners safely during training to swapping them out for a custom mouthguard on game day, you’ve now got the tools and tips to stay in the game and on track with your treatment.

With ALIGNERCO, it’s not about choosing between form and function, it’s about fitting your smile goals into your real, active life. So go ahead, play hard and smile harder.