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Clear aligners have quickly become one of the most popular orthodontic treatments for teens. They're discreet, removable, and often more comfortable than traditional braces. But for active teens—especially those who play contact sports—parents often ask: Do they still need to wear a mouthguard?
The short answer? Yes—in most cases, mouth protection is still important. Even though clear aligners offer some coverage over the teeth, they aren’t designed to function as athletic mouthguards. That means additional protection may still be needed.
In this post, we’ll break down when a mouthguard is necessary, how clear aligners factor into sports safety, and how to protect your teen’s smile without interfering with their orthodontic treatment.
What Are Clear Aligners?
Clear aligners are removable trays made from medical-grade plastic. They work by gradually shifting the teeth into alignment through a series of custom-made trays. Teens typically wear them 20–22 hours a day and remove them to eat, brush, or play certain instruments or sports.
Because aligners cover the surface of the teeth, many parents assume they provide enough protection for sports—but that’s not their purpose.
Are Clear Aligners Enough Protection During Sports?
While aligners do fit snugly over the teeth, they don’t offer the same shock absorption or cushioning that a sports mouthguard provides. They also weren’t designed to withstand high-impact forces.
Here’s why aligners alone aren’t enough for sports:
- Minimal impact resistance — Aligners may crack or break under force
- Limited gum protection — They don’t cover the gum tissue or soft tissues of the mouth
- Risk of injury — A blow to the face while wearing only aligners can cause dental or jaw injuries
So while aligners add a small layer of protection, they’re not a substitute for a proper athletic mouthguard—especially in contact sports.
When Should a Teen Athlete Wear a Mouthguard?
If your teen plays any sport that involves physical contact, flying equipment, or the risk of falling, a mouthguard is strongly recommended. This includes both team sports and individual activities.
Common sports that require a mouthguard include:
- Football
- Basketball
- Soccer
- Wrestling
- Hockey
- Lacrosse
- Martial arts
- Skateboarding
- Mountain biking
- Baseball or softball (especially for infielders and catchers)
Even in non-contact sports like gymnastics or track and field, falls can happen—so a mouthguard may still be a good precaution.
Can You Wear a Mouthguard Over Clear Aligners?
In most cases, orthodontists recommend removing the aligners during sports and wearing a separate mouthguard instead. This ensures that your teen’s teeth are fully protected while minimizing the risk of damaging the aligners.
Wearing both at the same time can cause problems, including:
- Pressure on the aligners that causes warping
- Reduced protective performance of the mouthguard
- Discomfort or improper fit
For the best protection, have your teen remove their aligners before playing, store them safely in their case, and insert a high-quality mouthguard during the activity. After the game or practice, they can clean their mouthguard, rinse the aligners, and put them back in.
What Kind of Mouthguard Is Best for Teens with Aligners?
There are several types of mouthguards, but not all are ideal for orthodontic patients. The right choice balances comfort, protection, and fit.
Recommended options:
- Boil-and-bite mouthguards — Affordable and moldable, offering decent fit and protection
- Custom mouthguards — Made by a dentist or orthodontist for a precise, comfortable fit
- Orthodontic-specific mouthguards — Designed to work with changing teeth positions
Avoid rigid “off-the-shelf” mouthguards that don’t offer adjustability—especially for teens whose teeth are still shifting during treatment.
Tips for Managing Aligners and Mouthguards
Juggling orthodontic care and sports can be simple with the right habits. Here are a few tips for keeping everything on track:
- Use a labeled aligner case — Prevent loss or damage during practice or games
- Rinse aligners after removing them — Keep them clean before reinserting
- Clean the mouthguard regularly — To avoid bacteria buildup and odor
- Talk to your orthodontist — They can recommend the best mouthguard for your teen’s treatment
Encourage your teen to make wearing their mouthguard a part of their routine—it can prevent serious injuries and keep their treatment on track.
Aligners, Mouthguards, and Teen Sports: A Smart Combo
Orthodontic care doesn’t have to hold your teen back from the sports they love. With the right precautions, they can stay protected and active while keeping their clear aligners in great shape.
A well-fitting athletic mouthguard is the safest choice for most teen athletes, even if they wear aligners. It's a small investment that can prevent major dental emergencies—and it won’t interfere with their smile progress.
Protect Your Teen’s Smile with Albrechtsen & Fanelli Orthodontics
At Albrechtsen & Fanelli Orthodontics, we know how important it is for teens to stay active—and stay protected. That’s why we help families find mouthguard solutions that work with their orthodontic treatment, whether they’re wearing clear aligners or braces.
Our team is here to make sure your teen’s treatment fits into their life, not the other way around. Contact one of our Ogden offices today to schedule a free consultation and learn more about safe, effective orthodontic care for athletes.