Can I Go Swimming With Clear Aligners? What You Need to Know
Whether you’re an avid swimmer or are planning a poolside holiday, you may wonder whether it’s safe to go swimming with clear aligners. In most cases, the answer is yes. For everyday swimming, well-fitting aligners can generally stay in place throughout.
There are a few situations worth knowing about before you head to the water, from chlorine and open water to hot tubs, saunas and diving gear. Today, we’ll explore everything you need to know.
Can you swim with clear aligners in?
Yes. Well-fitting clear aligners sit snugly against your teeth and can generally stay in during a normal swim, whether that’s the pool, the sea or a lake.
If your aligners feel loose, aren’t tracking properly or come out unexpectedly, get in touch with your dentist for advice.
What about chlorine?
You may be wondering whether chlorine could affect your aligners. Normal swimming is generally compatible with wearing clear aligners, and chlorinated pool water isn’t something most patients need to worry about.
If you swim regularly or for long stretches, such as competitive training, it’s worth mentioning to your dentist so they can advise on anything specific to your treatment.
Sea, lake and open water swimming
The same applies to open water. There’s no particular reason to remove your aligners for a swim in the sea or a lake.
After any swim, rinse your aligners in clean drinking water to remove chlorine, salt or other residue, then continue with your normal cleaning routine.
Hot tubs, saunas and steam rooms
If you’re planning to use a hot tub, sauna or steam room, ask your dentist whether you need to make any changes to your usual aligner routine.
The same goes for how you look after your aligners more generally:
- Never rinse or clean your aligners in hot water
- Keep your aligner case out of direct sunlight
- Avoid leaving your aligners in a hot car
If your dentist advises removing your aligners for a hot tub, sauna or steam room, store them in their case rather than a towel or tissue, and put them back in as soon as you can.
Snorkelling and scuba diving
Both snorkelling and diving involve holding equipment in your mouth, so it’s worth discussing your aligners with your dentist and your diving or snorkelling instructor beforehand. They can advise on whether wearing your aligners affects the fit and seal of a mouthpiece or regulator, and what’s right for your particular equipment and stage of treatment.
Water polo and other contact water sports
For water polo, or any activity with a risk of a knock to the face, take your aligners out and wear a properly fitted mouthguard instead. Aligners are designed to move your teeth gently; they aren’t a substitute for a mouthguard and won’t protect your teeth from an impact.
The reverse is also true: a gum shield protects your teeth but can’t straighten them, so aligners and a mouthguard each have their own job to do at different times.
Swimming and your daily wear time
Clear aligners work best when you wear your aligners for around 20 to 22 hours a day, or as instructed by your dentist. That leaves time for the essentials: eating, drinking anything other than water, cleaning your teeth, and swapping to a mouthguard for contact sports such as water polo.
A normal swim doesn’t need to eat into this, since your aligners can generally stay in throughout. Our guide to what happens if you don’t wear your clear aligners for 22 hours a day covers exactly why wear time matters and what happens when it slips.
A normal swim doesn’t need to eat into this, since your aligners can generally stay in throughout.
Looking after your aligners around the pool
When wearing aligners by the pool, follow these simple precautions to ensure they’re cared for and ready for wear when you need them again:
- Rinse your aligners in clean drinking water as soon as you’re out of the pool, sea or lake.
- Stick to plain, still water while your aligners are in; save other drinks for when they’re out.
- Keep up your usual brushing, flossing and aligner-cleaning routine.
- Keep your aligner case in your swim bag, so you always have somewhere safe to store your aligners when you remove them.
- Store your case out of direct sunlight and never leave it in a hot car.
Considering clear aligners?
Wondering how clear aligners could fit around swimming, sport or a busy week? Explore our teeth straightening treatments, or speak to the Tooth Club team about the right option for you.
Book a free consultation at your nearest practice, and our team will talk you through what to expect and help you feel confident about your next step.