Invisalign has become a household name, offering a comfortable and discreet path to a healthier, more beautiful smile. Since its debut in 1997, it has become the preferred choice over traditional metal braces for countless teens and adults. With Invisalign, the pain and discomfort often associated with orthodontic work are a thing of the past.
The aligners are clear and removable, allowing you to eat, drink, brush, and floss without hassle. By wearing them for at least 22 hours a day, you can transform your smile in a year or less. Invisalign is an ideal solution for crooked teeth, crossbites, overbites, and other common orthodontic issues. In fact, our dentist colleagues at River Run Dental Spa in Midlothian, VA, frequently refer patients to us for these very conditions.
A common question we get at RVOrthodontics is whether NFL players wear Invisalign as a mouthpiece during games. Patients see plastic in players’ mouths on television and wonder if they’re undergoing treatment.
The short answer is no. Invisalign is not designed to protect teeth during high-impact sports like football. What you’re likely seeing is a mouthguard. Unlike Invisalign aligners, mouthguards are built to reduce the risk of knocked-out teeth and other oral injuries. While they can’t entirely prevent a concussion, they can lessen its severity. Although not mandatory in the NFL, mouthguards are highly recommended, and many players wisely choose to wear them.
If you play a sport yet want to straighten your teeth, know that you can’t utilize Invisalign as a mouthguard. You’ll need to remove your aligners before every practice or game and put in a custom-fitted mouthguard. Our team will be more than happy to recommend one for your unique situation.
Contact RVOrthodontics
If you have further questions about Invisalign or mouthguards, don’t hesitate to contact our Richmond, VA orthodontics office today at 804-884-9906. We look forward to hearing from you!