Best Sports with Aligners: Low-Impact vs. High-Impact

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A boy holding a basketball in one hand and aligners in the other hand

Are you a sports enthusiast wearing clear aligners and thinking of safe games to keep your teeth straightening on track? Here is the good news: you don’t have to compromise on your favorite games. Whether you're wondering if you can wear aligners while swimming or wear aligners while playing soccer or football, this guide answers it all.

Sports can be categorized into high-impact and low-impact sports. Explore this blog to learn whether you can play high-impact or low-impact sports while wearing clear aligners.

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Low-Impact Sports

An image showing low-impact activities
An image showing low-impact activities

Alt Text: An image showing low-impact activities


Low-impact sports include swimming, cycling, yoga, dance, rowing, strength exercises, and many more. These are some of the best sports with aligners, offering minimal risk while staying active.

Aligners and Low-Impact Sports

You can wear clear aligners while playing non-impact sports. These sports have minimal physical contact and reduce the risk of dental injuries. Playing sports with aligners, like yoga, cycling, and swimming, is generally safe and keeps your orthodontic treatment on track. Low-impact sports let you stay active without disrupting your teeth straightening progress. If you're asking, can you wear aligners while swimming? The answer is yes. Just ensure proper hygiene after.

ALIGNERCO Clear Aligners

 A girl wearing clear aligners
Clear Aligners

ALIGNERCO offers the most affordable, convenient, and effective way to straighten your teeth without leaving your home. ALIGNERCO caters to both night and daytime wearers.

Why Choose ALIGNERCO Clear Aligners?

  • Custom-Made: These aligners are specially designed to fit comfortably.
  • Remote: Start your teeth straightening journey without leaving your home.
  • Travel-Friendly: Can be easily carried during travel.
  • Safer Material: Made from FDA-approved material.

Protect Your Smile While Enjoying Low-Impact Sports

Try ALIGNERCO clear aligners – comfortable, discreet, and designed to keep your teeth on track.

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High-Impact Sports

An image of people playing contact sports
High-Impact Sports

High-impact sports have direct physical contact that increases the risk of dental injuries while playing them. These sports include tennis, soccer, basketball, football, hockey, gymnastics, rugby, and others. So if you're wondering, can I wear aligners while playing soccer or can I wear aligners while playing football, it is generally recommended to remove them before starting.

Aligners and High-Impact Sports

High-impact sports carry a greater risk of physical injury. Wearing aligners during these types of sports can be dangerous, as the clear aligners can break due to their flexible and soft plastic material. Experts suggest that you remove aligners for sports that involve direct contact or collisions. Also, if you're asking, Can I wear aligners while jumping, or Can I wear aligners while playing baseball, please know that removing them first is advised to prevent damage.

Mouthguards

Colorful mouthguards
Mouth Guards

A mouthguard is a device that helps protect your teeth against dental injuries while playing high-impact sports. They also help manage conditions like teeth grinding and sleep apnea. Below are the common types of mouthguards:

Mouthguards for Sports

Purpose: Protects teeth, gums, and jaw during contact sports like football, boxing, and hockey.

Pros:

- Prevents teeth and jaw injuries

- Absorbs shock from collisions

Cons:

- May feel bulky, especially store-bought versions

- Needs replacement if damaged or chewed

Mouthguards for Teeth Grinding

A girl smiling and holding a nightguard
Night Guards for Teeth Grinding

Purpose: Worn during sleep to prevent enamel wear, jaw pain, and headaches caused by nighttime grinding.

Pros:

- Reduces enamel erosion

- Reduces jaw pain and morning headaches

- Can improve sleep quality

Cons:

- May take time to get used to

- Requires regular cleaning to prevent odor and bacterial buildup

Sleep Apnea and Snoring Mouthguards

Purpose: Helps keep airways open by repositioning the jaw, reducing snoring and mild obstructive sleep apnea symptoms.

Pros:

- Reduces snoring and mild sleep apnea symptoms

- Travel-friendly

Cons:

- Not effective for severe sleep apnea

- May cause jaw discomfort or teeth shifting over time

In addition to their types, mouthguards are available both online and in stores.

Store-Bought Mouthguards

Purpose: Available over the counter in standard sizes or boil-and-bite varieties, more affordable but less comfortable and durable.

Pros

- Affordable and easily accessible

- Quick solution for temporary use

Cons:

- Shorter life span

- May not fit comfortably

- No customization option

- Less comfortable than custom options

- Limited protection for intense activities

Online Mouthguards

Purpose: These mouthguards are usually custom-made, designed by experts based on your dental impression for accurate comfort, fit, and protection.

Pros

- Long-lasting and durable

- Maximum comfort and protection

- Ideal for all-night wear or high-impact sports

Cons:

- More expensive than store-bought options

These are ideal if you're engaged in physical activity while wearing aligners and need added protection. Custom designs accommodate aligner wearers more comfortably than generic options.

Stay Safe during Contact Sports

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Importance of Using a Custom-Fit Mouthguard

If you are an athlete, don’t compromise on your smile and invest in an effective custom-made mouthguard. Unlike over-the-counter mouthguards that offer a generic fit or boil-and-bite options, a customized mouth guard is specially designed according to your unique dental structure. Whether you want to play football with aligners , or another fast-paced, high-impact sport, a custom mouth guard is your best protection against dental injuries.

The following are some key features that reflect the importance of using custom mouthguards during high-impact sports.

  • Comfortable Fit: The snug fit allows you to stay focused on your sport without worrying about dental trauma.
  • Ultimate Protection: A custom-fit mouthguard gives superior protection to your teeth against physical impacts during contact sports.
  • Easy Breathing: The custom fit allows for better breathing while playing high-impact sports.

ALIGNERCO Custom Mouthguards

ALIGNERCO Mouthguards
ALIGNERCO Mouth Guards

ALIGNERCO offers affordable custom-fit mouthguards for athletes to have ultimate protection against dental injuries while playing high-impact sports.

Why Choose ALIGNERCO Mouthguards?

- Colors to Vibe: Variety of colors available to match your vibe.

- Custom-Made: Specially tailored according to your dental structure.

- Safer Material: These aligners are made of durable, BPA-free material.

- Superior Protection: Gives you ultimate protection against high impact during contact sports.

See What Others Say about Alignerco Mouthguards

I needed a durable mouthguard for boxing and didn’t want to overspend. ALIGNERCO delivered exactly what they promised. The fit was custom, the process was easy, and the protection is solid. – James R.


The impression kit was easy to use. My mouthguard came back fitting perfectly. It doesn’t feel bulky and stays in place while I train. Definitely recommend. – Sophie M.


There was a small issue with my first mold. The support team guided me through a redo, and the final result was great. They were quick to respond throughout. – Daniel K.


The guard fits well and feels comfortable. However, the delivery was slower than expected. Worth it if you're not in a rush. – Alyssa T.


Affordable and effective. It took two tries to get the mold right, but overall a great alternative to more expensive dental guards. – Brandon L.

Ready to Protect Your Smile during High-Impact Sports?

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Sports with Aligners: Is It Safe?

If you are thinking of starting or have already started your clear aligners journey, you don’t have to compromise on much, but there are a few adjustments to make. This aligner activity guide helps you navigate what's safe. You can play all low-impact sports like running, cycling, swimming, yoga, golf, and similar activities while wearing your aligners. However, if you are someone who enjoys high-impact sports, don't forget to re

FAQs

1. Can you play sports with aligners?

Yes, playing sports with aligners is safe when limited to non-impact sports like swimming, cycling, yoga, and golf. For impact sports, consider removing them and wearing a mouthguard.

2. Can I wear aligners while playing soccer?

You should remove aligners for sports like soccer, as the risk of contact injuries is high.

3. Can I wear aligners while playing football?

No. Always remove your aligners before playing football and wear a custom mouthguard instead.

4. Can I wear aligners while playing baseball?

It is safer to take them out. Use a mouthguard if you’re worried about impact.

5. Can I wear aligners while jumping?

If the activity is non-contact, like jump rope or fitness jumping, it is safe. For contact jump sports, remove them to avoid damage.

Citations:

Professional, C. C. M. (2025e, June 30). Mouth guard. Cleveland Clinic. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/10910-mouthguards

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  • Jonathan Windsor

    Jonathan Windsor

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