For patients who are just beginning their journey with braces, it can be difficult navigating what you now can and cannot do with them. And during these hot summer months, many of our patients here at Petrous Orthodontics near Troy, MI are hesitant about simple activities such as swimming. “Am I even allowed to swim while undergoing orthodontic treatment with braces?” Dr. Jerek Petrous is here to tell you that yes, you can still go swimming even with braces!
Will the chlorine found in pool water damage my braces?
Braces are made out of a titanium-alloy, making them rust-resistant. Because of this, they can survive in your mouth, and the chemicals in pool water will not affect them or cause them any wear or tear. Patients (and non patients) who swim excessively should be aware however that because of the pH levels found in pools, chlorine has been known to sometimes deposit a brown film, staining usually the front two teeth. This is extremely rare, and is nothing to be alarmed by as it can be scraped off by a dentist at a routine check-up; and even this will not impact your braces or cause damage to them.
What about watersports?
If you play a watersport, we here at Petrous Orthodontics highly recommend that you wear a mouthguard during practice and game time to ensure that your braces are protected.
What about Invisalign?
Same as with braces, the chlorine in pools will not harm your Invisalign clear aligners, but Dr. Petrous wants patients to remember that Invisalign should be worn for about 22 hours a day, and if it is not worn for longer than two hours, it can prolong treatment. With that, if you are in the pool for long periods of time, Dr. Petrous suggests that patients wear their Invisalign trays to stay on track, but if you only swim occasionally, it is ok to remove your them to go swimming.
We here at Petrous Orthodontics want to make sure that all of our patients are having fun this summer with their braces! For more information on what you can and can’t do with braces; mouthgaurds; or schedule an appointment with Dr. Petrous, please visit our office near Troy, MI, or contact us today!
Dr. Jerek Petrous, Dr. John Marx and the team at Petrous Orthodontics are experts in braces. If you have any questions pertaining to Invisalign®, Invisalign Teen®, braces and/or clear braces in the 48071 zip code area: Madison Heights, Sterling Heights, Hazel Park, Warren, or Royal Oak, or would like to schedule an complementary consultation with Dr. Petrous or Dr. Marx, contact Petrous Orthodontics at: 248.588.2020