According to several studies, the link between oral health and sports performance is a fact. Dental malocclusion can affect balance and also cause postural problems, according to the conclusions of research by the University of Barcelona and the University of Innsbruck.
Furthermore, studies published in 'NeuroscienceLetters' and 'Motor Control' also show the link between a bad bite and postural control, which increases when the person is more tired or unstable.
This is one of the reasons that has led many adults who practice sport regularly or even professionally to undergo orthodontics to improve their performance, as it has been proven that a malocclusion can affect performance, but it can also influence the prevention of injuries. A great example is Pau Gasol, one of the best elite athletes, who just after arriving in the NBA, the first thing he was advised to do was to undergo orthodontic treatment to solve his balance problems and repeated neck and back discomfort.
Traditional orthodontics with brackets is a risk for athletes because the impacts can cause injuries to the lips, teeth and gums. Today these problems are solved with Invisalign orthodontics. Invisalign has revolutionised orthodontics, it is a new way of correcting the position of teeth that does not use brackets or wires.
The benefits they will experience
- Improved breathing: By expanding the arch to align the teeth, you will also improve your breathing. You will expand your air intake and this in turn will improve your lung capacity and therefore your athletic performance.
- Improved chewing and swallowing: Correct alignment and proper occlusion will allow the athlete to chew and/or swallow food correctly. This will lead to improved digestion and better absorption of nutrients. In addition, the proteins ingested will reach the muscles sooner, favouring better performance and better recovery after training.
- Correction of occlusion: According to research carried out by the Department of Physiology at the University of Barcelona in collaboration with the University of Insbruck and published in Neurosciencie Letters and Motor Control, fatigue and instability are significantly higher among individuals with poor dental occlusion. The use of invisible aligners will prevent these two aspects from having a negative impact on the patient's sporting performance.
- Your diet will remain unchanged: With braces at the start of treatment and during archwire changes, patients often prefer to consume liquid food to avoid discomfort. Invisible orthodontics has no influence on this process, as the brace is removed during meals, so the athlete can maintain his or her usual eating routine.
- Indirect treatment of bruxism and TMJ. Although invisible aligners are not specifically designed to treat these pathologies, it has been proven that they help to reduce the side effects of these pathologies (migraines, cervical problems...).
- Improves the speed and power of explosive movements. When it comes to moving high loads in a short time (loaded, pull-up, two-stroke, etc...) invisible aligners can help increase force production. Also in power exercises and rapid strength development (such as jumps) have shown advantages over not wearing them.
If you invest a lot of effort in taking care of your body, make an appointment for a check-upWe will tell you if the health of your mouth is correct and if you need any treatment to improve your physical performance and solve those unjustified injuries that prevent you from performing at your best.
