Summer is Here! Can I Go Swimming with Braces?

With the arrival of summer, many individuals with braces may wonder if they can partake in swimming activities without any concerns. The good news is that swimming with braces is generally safe, allowing you to enjoy the summer season to the fullest. In this blog post, Hanson Place Orthodontics explores the topic of swimming with braces, providing important considerations and helpful tips to ensure you have a great time in the water while maintaining the integrity of your braces and your oral health.

Dr. Yakov Eisenberger, Dr. Rahul Gulati, Dr. Rosie Katz, and the team at Hanson Place Orthodontics near Williamsburg, NY, get a lot of questions from their new patients about what sort of physical activities are safe to engage in with braces. One of the most frequent, especially in summer, is “Can you swim with braces?”  Yes, you can. Here are some things to remember to keep your teeth and your braces safe.

Are braces safe to swim with?

Swimming with braces is safe because braces, made of rust-resistant titanium alloy, will not rust in your mouth or in the pool. The chemicals used in pool water also will not affect braces. Rarely chlorine in pool water can deposit a brown film on a patient’s teeth (chlorine breaks down saliva proteins), however, regardless of the braces. It is nothing to be alarmed by and can be scraped off by a dentist during a routine check-up. This will not affect your braces or cause damage to them.

Are watersports allowed?

Engaging in watersports like water polo is generally allowed, even if you have braces. At Hanson Place Orthodontics near Williamsburg, NY, we recommend wearing a mouthguard during physical activities. This precautionary measure provides protection for your braces and teeth, ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience while participating in watersports in the pool.

Can I still go in the pool with Invisalign?

if you have Invisalign clear aligners and enjoy swimming, you may be wondering about the impact of chlorine on your aligners. The good news is that chlorine typically found in pools will not harm your Invisalign aligners. It is generally safe to remove your aligners before swimming. However, if you swim for extended periods, our team at Hanson Place Orthodontics advises keeping your Invisalign aligners while swimming.

It’s important to remember that Invisalign aligners should be worn for around 22 hours a day to ensure optimal treatment progress. If you swim for multiple hours a day or on multiple days a week, keeping your aligners in while swimming is recommended. This helps maintain the recommended wear time and prevents any potential treatment delays that may occur if the aligners are out for longer than two hours. Therefore, if you plan to spend a significant amount of time in the pool, Dr. Eisenberger, Dr. Gulati, and Dr. Katz suggest wearing your Invisalign aligners during swimming.

Tips for Taking Care of Your Braces While Swimming

Even though braces are durable, there are a few steps that must be taken to guarantee their efficiency and lifespan. The following advice will help you keep your braces safe when swimming:

a. Mouthguard: You might want to use one made especially for people with braces. When you swim or engage in water activities, a mouthguard serves as a barrier of protection, protecting your braces and teeth from any potential impact or injury.

b. Avoid clearing of tough or sticky foods before going swimming because they may harm your braces. Choose softer foods that are simpler to chew and won’t put too much pressure on your braces.

c. After swimming, make it a practice to rinse your mouth with clean water to remove any chemicals or chlorine that might have remained behind. This little action might assist in keeping your braces clean and preventing any potential discoloration or dental problems.

d. Brushing and flossing: After swimming, keep up a regular oral hygiene practice by brushing and flossing your teeth thoroughly, making sure to get in between your braces. This can lessen the possibility of plaque formation and potential oral health issues by clearing away any debris or food particles that might have gotten stuck.

Conclusion:

At Hanson Place Orthodontics, located near Williamsburg, NY, we understand that patients with braces still want to enjoy swimming and have fun in the pool. That’s why Dr. Yakov Eisenberger, Dr. Rahul Gulati, and Dr. Rosie Katz prioritize your safety and ensure you can maximize your swimming experience while wearing braces.

You can feel comfortable knowing that your oral health is in good hands with our professional care and direction. We welcome you to call us at (718) 622-2695 if you have any queries or concerns about swimming with braces or would like to make an appointment. Our helpful and amiable staff will be delighted to help you.

In Brooklyn, New York, Drs. Yakov Eisenberger, Rahul Gulati, Rosie Katz, and the rest of the staff at Hanson Place Orthodontics are experts in braces, clear braces, and Invisalign in Brooklyn, NY. We urge you to schedule a free consultation with one of our skilled orthodontists whether you live in Brooklyn, New York, Downtown Brooklyn, Park Slope, Boerum Hill, or the 11201 zip code area. Call us at (718) 622-2695 to take the first step towards achieving a confident and beautiful smile.