If your child or teen plays sports, orthodontic treatment in Palo Alto can raise a lot of practical questions. Will braces be uncomfortable during games? Is Invisalign® safer for contact sports? Will orthodontic treatment interfere with performance or confidence on the field? As a Board Certified Orthodontist in Palo Alto, Dr. Tajaddod recommends the following:
The good news is that both Invisalign® and traditional braces can be compatible with an active lifestyle during your orthodontic care in Palo Alto. However, there are important differences when it comes to comfort, safety, and daily routines, especially for athletes. Understanding these differences can help parents make the right decision for their child’s smile and overall well-being.
Playing Sports with Braces
Traditional braces are a reliable and effective orthodontic option, but they do require extra precautions for athletes. Because braces are fixed to the teeth, they remain in place during practices and games. This means that any impact to the mouth carries a higher risk of irritation to the lips, cheeks, and gums.
For children who play contact sports such as soccer, basketball, football, or hockey, wearing a properly fitted orthodontic mouthguard is essential. Mouthguards help protect both the braces and the soft tissues of the mouth, reducing the risk of cuts or broken brackets. While braces don’t prevent children from playing sports, they do require consistent protective measures.
Another consideration is comfort. Even with a mouthguard, braces can sometimes feel bulky, especially during high-impact activities. For some athletes, this may affect confidence or focus during play, particularly early in treatment.
Playing Sports with Invisalign®
Invisalign® clear aligners offer a different experience for active kids and teens. Because the aligners are removable, they can be taken out during sports and replaced with a custom athletic mouthguard. This can significantly reduce the risk of mouth injuries caused by brackets or wires.
Without fixed hardware in the mouth, many athletes find Invisalign® more comfortable during games and practices. There’s less chance of cuts or irritation, and the aligners themselves are smooth and flexible when worn outside of sports activities.
Invisalign® can also offer an advantage when it comes to confidence. Clear aligners are nearly invisible, which can be especially appealing to teens who are already navigating the social pressures of school and team environments.
Safety Considerations for Young Athletes
Whether a child has braces or Invisalign®, safety should always come first. With braces, an orthodontic-specific mouthguard is non-negotiable. With Invisalign®, aligners should be removed during sports and replaced with a protective mouthguard designed for athletic use.
It’s important for children and teens to develop consistent habits around wearing their aligners as directed outside of sports. Invisalign® requires responsibility, as aligners must be worn 20–22 hours per day to be effective.
Performance, Comfort, and Daily Life
Both orthodontic options allow children to continue playing sports without interruption. However, Invisalign® often provides greater flexibility for athletes with busy schedules, tournaments, and travel. Being able to remove aligners during games and replace them afterward can make daily routines simpler and more comfortable.
Braces, on the other hand, may be better suited for certain orthodontic needs, particularly in more complex cases where constant force is required. An experienced orthodontist can help determine which option best supports both treatment goals and an active lifestyle.
Choosing the Right Option in Palo Alto and the Bay Area
At Merna Tajaddod Orthodontics, we understand that many of our patients in Palo Alto and across Silicon Valley are highly active, competitive athletes. Part of choosing between Invisalign® and braces comes down to ensuring treatment fits seamlessly into your child’s life.
Dr. Merna Tajaddod, with advanced training from the University of Pennsylvania and Harvard, carefully evaluates each child’s orthodontic needs, facial growth, and lifestyle before recommending a treatment plan. Using advanced digital imaging and customized planning, she helps families choose the option that balances effectiveness, comfort, and safety.
If your child is active in sports and needs orthodontic treatment, a complimentary personalized consultation can provide clarity and confidence. With the right plan and the right guidance, your child can continue playing the sports they love, while building a healthy, confident smile for the future.
