The Truth About Invisalign Double Duty: Mouthguard or Not?
Invisalign has been gaining popularity as a discreet and effective way to straighten teeth. But some people have started to wonder if Invisalign can also serve as a mouthguard during sports activities. After all, it looks like it covers the teeth, so it must provide some protection, right? In this blog post, we’ll discuss whether Invisalign doubles as a mouthguard or not.
First off, let’s talk about what a mouthguard actually does. Its main purpose is to protect your teeth, gums, and lips from impact during sports activities. A properly fitted mouthguard acts as a cushion between your teeth and any blows to your face. It also helps to prevent dental injuries that could end up being costly and painful.
On the other hand, Invisalign is a clear aligner system designed to gradually shift your teeth into a straighter position. With this cosmetic option, each aligner is custom-made to fit your teeth, but it’s not intended to provide any protection or cushioning during sports activities.
In fact, using Invisalign as a mouthguard could potentially damage or alter the aligners. The aligners, crafted from flexible plastic, should be worn for approximately 22 hours daily but aren’t designed for sports impact. Using Invisalign as a mouthguard may damage the aligners, potentially disrupting your treatment.
Another point to consider is that using Invisalign as a mouthguard could be uncomfortable and lead to an improper fit. The aligners are designed to fit snugly around your teeth to apply pressure to specific areas to shift your teeth. Using them as a mouthguard may cause improper fit, leading to discomfort or injury.
What about using a mouthguard with Invisalign?
It’s definitely possible to wear a mouthguard over your Invisalign aligners, but it’s important to do so correctly. You should always remove your aligners before putting in your mouthguard. After sports, rinse your mouthguard and clean aligners before reinserting.
In conclusion, Invisalign does not double as a mouthguard. It’s important to use a properly fitted mouthguard during sports activities to protect your teeth and prevent injuries. Avoid using Invisalign as a mouthguard to prevent aligner damage and treatment delays. If you have any questions or concerns about using a mouthguard or Invisalign, don’t hesitate to schedule an appointment with us at Green Dental Care in Parker, Colorado. Dr. Green can provide guidance on the best solutions for protecting your teeth both during and after Invisalign treatment.