Do You Need a Mouth Guard if You Wear Aligners While Playing Sports?

If you’re wearing clear aligners and play sports regularly, you’ve probably wondered: Do I need a mouth guard if I wear aligners while playing sports? Short answer: Yes. But let’s dive into the “why”, the risks, and the best protective options available to ensure your treatment (and your smile) stays safe.

Why Sports Protection for Teeth Is Crucial?

Whether you’re hooping, tackling, sparring, or shredding pavement, sports-related tooth injuries happen more than you think. According to the American Dental Association (ADA), athletes without mouth guards are 60 times more likely to endure dental trauma.

Wearing aligners during sports? Your teeth are a bit more at risk. Aligners keep your mouth in flux, gently moving teeth into place. So if you take a hit to the face, it can:

• Crack your aligners
• Damage your teeth
• Hurt your lips and gums
• Interrupt your treatment progress

Can You Wear a Mouth Guard Over Aligners?

Clear aligners are designed to fit snugly over your teeth, gently guiding them into their correct positions. Sports mouth guards, on the other hand, are designed to cup and cover your teeth, fitting closely against them to cushion and pad them and prevent injuries if you’re struck in the mouth while playing sports.

Because of this, they are incompatible with each other. You shouldn’t wear a sports mouth guard over your clear aligner trays. It would feel bulky, and uncomfortable, and just wouldn’t work well. You’ll need to pick one or the other.

But here’s the upside: you only need to wear clear aligners for 20 to 22 hours each day. You’re already taking them out to eat, drink, and brush, so you can also remove them for contact sports.

As long as you stay within your daily wear time, it’s fine to remove aligners for sports and pop in your mouth guard instead. That way, you can protect your progress and your smile.

When Should I Take My Aligners Out for Sports?

As a rule of thumb, if the sport usually requires a mouth guard, take your aligners out. This goes for high-contact activities like:

• Football
• Hockey
• Wrestling
• Martial Arts
• Boxing

Ensure your mouth guard does its job properly; never wear it over your aligners.

Which Sports Can I Keep My Aligners In For?

For lower-risk, non-contact sports, you’re usually fine to leave your clear aligners in. These activities might involve some movement or light impact, but they’re not intense enough to risk serious injury to your teeth. It's generally safe to keep your aligners in while playing:

• Soccer
• Basketball
• Cycling
• Tennis
• Gymnastics

Aligners and Mouth Guards: How to Make It Work?

When balancing aligners and mouth guards, timing and routine are key. Here's how to stay on track:

Take Aligners Out before the Game

If you’re gearing up for a contact sport, take your aligners out and store them safely in their case. Don’t wrap them in a tissue—you could easily toss them out by mistake.

Use a Custom-Fit Mouth Guard

While boil-and-bite guards offer minimal protection, athletes in orthodontic treatment benefit more from a custom mouth guard that fits just right.

Use Aligners Immediately after the Game

Once the game’s over, rinse your mouth and your aligners, then put them back in promptly to keep your treatment on schedule.

Best Mouth Guard for Braces or Aligners

Orthodontic treatment isn't just for kids—more teens and adults are using clear aligners than ever before. So, choosing the best mouth guard for braces or aligners is essential.

Shock Doctor Braces Mouth Guard

• Specifically designed for orthodontic wearers
• Fits over braces or can be customized for aligner wearers
• Latex-free and comfortable

Venum Challenger Mouth Guard

• Popular among martial artists and boxers
• Offers dual-layer protection
• Can be molded for a semi-custom fit

Custom Mouth Guards from Your Dentist

• The gold standard for fit and protection
• Your dentist can create a guard that fits your specific needs if you’re in active aligner treatment

Always talk to your orthodontist before choosing a mouth guard while using aligners—they might provide one made specifically for your situation.

Mouth Guard for Athletes with Aligners: Do You Need It?

Absolutely. A mouth guard for athletes with aligners is more than just a precaution—it’s an essential piece of gear. It helps:

• Protect your teeth from impact
• Prevent costly damage to aligners
• Ensure your treatment stays on track
• Reduce the risk of jaw injury

Without a mouth guard, one wrong elbow or tackle could mean a cracked tooth, delayed treatment, or hundreds of dollars in repairs.

What If You Forget Your Mouth Guard?

If you forget your mouth guard:

• Remove your aligners anyway. It’s better to go unprotected briefly than to risk breaking your aligners.
• Avoid risky play or position changes—stay out of the way of direct contact if possible.
• Replace the guard as soon as possible and keep a backup in your gym bag or locker.

ALIGNERCO Mouth Guard for Sports

Custom-built just for you, the 4mm ALIGNERCO Sports Mouth Guard is crafted with athletes of all ages in mind. Made from premium, BPA-free plastic, it delivers top-tier impact protection and long-lasting durability.

Key Features

4mm Thickness

The optimal thickness for protection and comfort.

Custom Fit

Crafted from BPA-free materials and molded to your unique bite.

Impact-Resistant

Engineered to handle the roughest, high-impact sports.

Multiple Colors

Pick a color that fits your vibe and style.

Includes Storage Case

Keep it clean, safe, and ready to go.

How Does It Work?

• Order & Receive Your Kit : Buy the mouth guard and we’ll send you a complete impression kit.
• Make Your Impressions : Use our step-by-step instructions to mold your teeth accurately.
• Send Back Your Impressions : We include prepaid shipping—just drop them in the mail.
• Get Your Custom Guard: We’ll craft and ship your mouth guard straight to your door.
• Use & Protect : Wear it during games and practices to shield your smile from impact.

Final Takeaway: Protect Your Smile, Stay in the Game

Playing sports while straightening your teeth doesn’t mean you have to choose between protection and progress. With the right mouth guard, you can keep your teeth safe and your aligner treatment on track. For athletes—especially those in contact sports—a well-fitted mouth guard helps prevent dental injuries and protects your aligners from damage. Whether you're playing football with aligners or just want extra peace of mind, using both aligners and a mouth guard is a smart move to defend your smile and stay on schedule.

ALIGNERCO Sports Mouth Guards are the perfect solution—built for comfort, strong protection, and seamless compatibility with your treatment. With ALIGNERCO, you can stay active and confident, knowing your teeth are protected both during the game and off the field.