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Clear aligners are a popular and effective way for teens to straighten their teeth without the look and feel of traditional metal braces. They’re nearly invisible, comfortable, and easy to manage—making them a go-to choice for image-conscious, on-the-go teens in South Ogden.
But for teens involved in sports or other physical activities, a common question comes up: Do clear aligners protect the teeth like a mouthguard would? Or do they need something more?
The short answer? Yes—teens with clear aligners still need mouthguards, especially when playing contact sports. Let’s take a closer look at why mouth protection is so important and how to keep your teen’s treatment on track while keeping their smile safe.
Why Mouthguards Matter for Teens With Aligners
Clear aligners are made from durable, medical-grade plastic—but they’re not designed to absorb impact. They provide excellent orthodontic control, but little to no protection in a sports setting. Without the protection of a proper mouthguard, your teen’s teeth, gums, and jaw are vulnerable to injury.
Even a minor collision or accidental elbow to the face can lead to:
- Cracked, chipped, or broken teeth
- Injuries to the cheeks, tongue, or gums
- Damage or warping of the aligners
- Increased risk of jaw fractures or joint strain
A properly fitted mouthguard provides a cushion that absorbs and distributes impact forces, helping to protect your teen’s mouth from serious injury—while giving you peace of mind as a parent.
Should Teens Wear Aligners During Sports?
As a general rule, teens should remove their clear aligners when playing sports or engaging in any high-impact activity. That includes football, basketball, wrestling, hockey, and even non-contact sports like gymnastics or mountain biking where falls or collisions are possible.
Here’s how to manage aligners during sports:
- Remove aligners before play and store them safely in their case.
- Wear a properly fitted mouthguard during practices and games.
- Put the aligners back in immediately afterward to maintain wear time.
Because clear aligners need to be worn 20–22 hours per day for optimal results, teens should be diligent about wearing them before and after sports to stay on track.
Custom Mouthguards vs. Store-Bought: What’s Best?
While you can find boil-and-bite mouthguards at your local pharmacy or sporting goods store, custom mouthguards offer significantly better protection—especially for teens in orthodontic treatment.
Why custom mouthguards are better:
- Precision fit — Molded to your teen’s unique bite for maximum comfort and protection
- Better retention — Less likely to fall out during play
- More comfortable — Easier to breathe and talk while wearing
- Adjustable over time — Especially helpful as teeth move during treatment
At Albrechtsen & Fanelli Orthodontics, we can help determine the best mouthguard option for your teen based on their activity level and stage of treatment.
Can You Wear a Mouthguard Over Clear Aligners?
Some teens wonder if they can simply wear a mouthguard over their aligners for added protection. While this might seem like a good idea, it’s not recommended in most cases.
Wearing a mouthguard over aligners can cause:
- Improper fit and uneven pressure
- Warping or cracking of the aligners
- Interference with tooth movement
- Discomfort or a bulky feel
The best approach is to remove the aligners before sports, use a separate mouthguard during activity, and replace the aligners as soon as it’s safe to do so.
Protecting Your Teen’s Smile in South Ogden
A straight, healthy smile is a lifelong asset—and it deserves to be protected. While clear aligners are an excellent choice for many teens, the right mouthguard is essential to prevent setbacks caused by dental trauma.
At Albrechtsen & Fanelli Orthodontics, we understand the busy, active lives teens lead. That’s why we provide guidance and solutions that make it easier to balance orthodontic treatment with sports, school, and everything else life brings.
Whether your teen is already in aligners or you’re exploring options, we’re here to help you make informed, confident choices every step of the way.
Need Help Finding the Right Mouthguard?
Our team offers expert advice and custom-fit mouthguard options tailored to your teen’s smile and treatment needs. We’ll help you choose the best solution to protect their teeth—and their progress.
Schedule a free consultation at our South Ogden office today to learn more about keeping your teen’s smile safe, straight, and strong!
