Lamine Yamal, the young Spanish footballer who has shot to fame after Euro 2024, has not only generated interest for his talent on the pitch, but also for his smile, wearing fixed orthodontics with braces. This has sparked comment and debate about the aesthetic and functional benefits of orthodontic treatment for elite athletes, and about the different types of orthodontics available.
Other professional football players, such as Cristiano Ronaldo, Sergio Ramos and Luis Suárez, have opted for clear aligners. I am Raquel Lucas and as an orthodontist at the Vélez & Lozano dental clinic, experts in invisible orthodontics in Murcia, I am going to tell you what I have already told all my friends and family who have asked me about it:
I would never recommend fixed orthodontics to an athlete.
The best option for each patient depends on their specific needs as diagnosed by the orthodontist. However, there are several reasons why aligners may be more suitable for athletes compared to traditional braces:
Increased comfort
Aligners are more comfortable as they are transparent sleeves that adapt perfectly to your teeth, reducing irritation and discomfort in the mouth. This prevents sores and chafing, providing a more pleasant experience.
Reduced risk of injury
In the event of a blow to the mouth, such as from a ball, aligners cushion the impact and protect the teeth. Brackets, on the other hand, can fracture or come loose, and are at greater risk of digging into the lip on impact.
Better oral hygiene
Aligners can be removed for brushing and flossing, facilitating better oral hygiene and reducing the risk of tooth decay and gum disease.
Improved aesthetics
The aligners are clear and very discreet, which is important for public figures who prefer to maintain a more natural aesthetic appearance.
Compatibility with mouthguards
The use of aligners facilitates the use of mouthguards during sports, as they do not interfere with each other.
For all these reasons, treatment with aligners is more advisable for sports patients. However, it is not possible to generalise, as it is the orthodontist who must study each case to evaluate the best option on a personalised basis.
Why is orthodontics so important for athletes?
Beyond aesthetics, orthodontics has functional benefits for athletes, such as:
Improve bite and chewing skills
Correct occlusion allows for a better distribution of chewing forces, which can reduce the risk of injury to the jaw and temporomandibular joint.
Reducing the risk of dental injury
Poorly positioned teeth are more prone to fracture, so orthodontics can help place teeth in a more secure position.
Improving breathing
In some cases, a narrow palate or mandibular retrognathia is related to a narrow airway. With orthodontics and/or orthopaedics, depending on the age of the patient, the airway can be improved, gaining breathing capacity.
