Relationship between oral health and athletic performance
According to various studies, the link between oral health and athletic performance is a proven fact. Dental malocclusion can affect balance and also cause postural problems, according to the findings of research conducted by the University of Barcelona and the University of Innsbruck.
Why a bad bite can limit your performance
Furthermore, studies published in 'Neuroscience Letters' and 'Motor Control' also highlight the link between a bad bite and postural control, which increases when the person is more tired or suffers from instability.
Improve your athletic performance with Invisalign versus braces
This is one of the reasons why many adults who regularly or even professionally practice sports have opted for orthodontic treatment to improve their performance, as it's proven that malocclusion can affect performance and also help prevent injuries. A prime example is Pau Gasol, one of the best elite athletes, who, immediately after joining the NBA, was advised to undergo orthodontic treatment to address his balance problems and recurring neck and back pain.
Traditional braces pose a risk to athletes because impacts can cause injuries to the lips, teeth, and gums. Today, these problems are solved with Invisalign orthodontics. Invisalign has revolutionized orthodontics; it's a new way to correct tooth position without brackets or wires.
Benefits of Invisalign to improve your athletic performance
The benefits they will experience
- Improved breathing: Expanding the dental arch to align the teeth will also improve your breathing. It will widen the airway, which in turn will improve your lung capacity and therefore your athletic performance.
- Improvement in chewing and swallowing: Proper alignment and a correct bite will allow athletes to chew and swallow food properly. This will lead to improved digestion and better nutrient absorption. Furthermore, the protein they ingest will reach their muscles more quickly, promoting better performance and faster recovery after training.
- Occlusion correction: According to research conducted by the Department of Physiology at the University of Barcelona in collaboration with the University of Innsbruck and published in Neuroscience Letters and Motor Control, fatigue and instability are significantly higher among individuals with malocclusion. The use of clear aligners will prevent these two issues from negatively impacting the patient's athletic performance.
- Their diet will not change: With braces, at the beginning of treatment and during archwire changes, patients often prefer to consume liquid foods to avoid discomfort. Invisible orthodontics does not affect this process, as the aligners are removed during meals, allowing athletes to maintain their usual eating habits.
- Indirect treatment of bruxism and TMJ. Although invisible aligners are not specifically designed to treat these conditions, it has been shown that they help to reduce their side effects (migraines, neck problems, etc.).
- Improves speed and power of explosive movements. When it comes to moving heavy loads in a short amount of time (clean, snatch, clean and jerk, etc.), invisible aligners can help increase force production. They have also shown advantages in power exercises and rapid strength development (such as jumps) compared to not wearing them.
If you invest a lot of effort in taking care of your body, Schedule an appointment for a check-up, We'll tell you if your oral health is good and if you need any treatment to improve your physical performance and solve those unjustified injuries that prevent you from performing at your best.
If you invest a lot of effort in taking care of your body, Schedule an appointment for a check-up; We'll tell you if your oral health is good and if you need any treatment. Invisalign invisible orthodontic treatment to improve your physical performance and solve those unjustified injuries that prevent you from performing at your best.
If you also want to know who is behind these treatments, you can consult the Dr. Teresa Santoyo's official Invisalign® profile, which details her training, accreditation and experience as a certified orthodontist.
