Hello,
Every year, millions of kids, teenagers and adults across the Illawarra, Sydney and Australia play physically demanding and occasionally dangerous contact sports.
As an orthodontist at South Coast Orthodontics, I know the concerns that teenagers and adults have about playing football while wearing braces or Invisalign. Here’s some advice I offer new and current patients to ensure their safety and comfort:
1. Consult with me: I’ve placed braces on some of the leading athletes and future stars of the Illawarra. Before engaging in any physical activity, you must consult me. I will assess your specific situation and provide personalised advice based on your treatment progress.
2. Wear a mouthguard: Regardless of whether you have braces or Invisalign, wearing a mouthguard is essential to protect your teeth and braces from potential injuries. South Coast Orthodontics will create a custom-fitted mouthguard that accommodates your braces or Invisalign aligners.
3. Choose the right mouthguard: There are different types of mouthguards available, such as stock mouthguards, boil-and-bite mouthguards, and custom-made mouthguards. Custom-made mouthguards are often the best option as they provide the most comfortable fit and offer optimal protection especially for you.
4. Protect your lips and cheeks: Braces and Invisalign aligners can sometimes cause irritation or minor injuries to the lips and cheeks during physical activities. Applying orthodontic wax to any sharp edges or brackets can help prevent discomfort and reduce the risk of injury.
5. Stay hydrated: It’s important to stay hydrated during physical activities, especially when wearing braces or Invisalign. Drinking plenty of water will help prevent dry mouth and reduce the risk of tooth decay.
6. Maintain good oral hygiene: Proper oral hygiene is crucial when you have braces or Invisalign. Brush your teeth thoroughly after each meal and floss daily to remove any food particles that may get trapped. Carry a travel toothbrush and toothpaste with you to maintain oral hygiene while on the go.
7. Be cautious with food choices: Avoid hard, sticky, or chewy foods that can damage your braces or cause aligners to become dislodged. Opt for braces-friendly or Invisalign-friendly snacks and meals to minimise the risk of complications.
8. Regularly visit South Coast Orthodontics: Continue attending your scheduled appointments to ensure your treatment progress is on track. I will make any necessary adjustments and address any concerns you may have.
Remember, it’s important to prioritise your safety and oral health while enjoying your favourite sport. By following these tips, you can continue playing football with confidence, even with braces or Invisalign.
Importantly for our community, The Illawarra Steelers recently announced their squads for the 2024 season in various competitions. As a massive rugby league fan and huge supporter of first graders as well as up and coming stars, the South Coast Orthodontics team would like to congratulate the following players who have been selected to represent our community. They’ll be playing at WIN Stadium and other venues across New South Wales.
Congratulations:
Steelers SG Ball Cup Squad
- Tyrone Amone
- Viliami Amone
- Hudson Bailey
- Clay Baldock
- Bohden Barrett
- Lucas Borg
- Hayden Buchanan
- Dreau Clark
- Cuba Cleaven-Vanderlaak
- Beau Devlin
- Aaymon Fitzgibbon
- Malakai Folau
- Dextar Grant
- Charlie Heidke
- Eden Hodges
- Samuel Kennedy
- Lyhkan King-Togia
- Tom Kirk
- Tom Knox
- Drew Langdon
- Isaac Laughton
- Letham Manago
- Bailey Marks
- Daniel Meafou
- Lincoln Miners
- Ramses Munro
- Ashton O’Dea
- Seth Pearman
- Braith Plecas
- Kaide Pratt
- Kade Reed
- Jackson Rieck
- Toby Rumble
- Lewis Sargent-Wilson
- Jackson Smith
- Palu Tausala
- Darnell Te Ahuru
- Jarrah Treweek
- Lachlan Weir
- Harry Wililo
Steelers Harold Matthew’s Cup Squad
- Mason Andrews
- Axel Antony
- Beau Baldock
- Jake Bill
- Jacob Birta
- Jett Brookfield
- Luke Butler
- Baylee Cooper-Sims
- Jake Cunningham
- Caden Hooper
- Tayler Humphries
- Phoenix Johns
- Blake Jones
- Kapene Karaitiana
- Cruz King
- Jack Koster
- Ben Levy
- Ruben Mayers
- Baxter McDonald
- Creighton Meafou
- Cooper Morrison
- Rhys O’Dea
- Lexin O’Dea
- Flynn O’Mara
- Cruz Pimanovas
- Likamani Richter
- Mace Scofield
- Noah Sepulveda
- Noah Skippen
- Jack Talbott
- Zane Timmins
- Harley Trick
- Aidan Turner
- Leeroy Weatherall
- Hayden Whatman
Steelers Tarsha Gale Cup Squad
- Charlotte Basham
- Indie Bostock
- Ashlyn Breust
- Jorja Correia-Kauter
- Darcy Eade
- Monica Fasavalu Fa’amausili
- Anika Green
- Bianca Jones
- Ella Koster
- Sienna Leslie
- Brielle Luccitti
- Ruby Marshall
- Makayla McFayden
- Evie McGrath
- Hope Millard
- Talea Miller
- Shayla Moreton-Stewart
- Maria Paseka
- Herewaka Pohatu
- Rangitaiki Pohatu
- Kasey Reh
- Chelsea Savill
- Teagan Smede
- Mia Walsh
- Bronte Wilson
- Sienna Yeo
- Rhian Yeo
Steelers Lisa Fiaola Cup Squad
- Kayliah Alvey
- Halle Barrett
- Koffi Brookfield
- Maddy Bullock
- Charlotte Campbell
- Ella Churchill
- Holly Czornobej
- Alex Down
- Alysha Eti
- Harper Fursey
- April Gray
- Ella Greatz
- Michala Hardy
- Madison Hemopo
- Charlotte Holland
- Arley Hourn
- Kate Howle
- Tahleena Jones
- Tahanni Kaufusi
- Kiara Kostovski
- Jayda Lalic
- Maddison Lewis
- Bella Lord
- Sibeal McNamara
- Halle Muik
- Hine-Waiata Nahona Ponga
- Tahlia O’Brien
- Matilda Powell
- Bridget Shearer
- Holly Sheldrick
- Tori Shipton
- Skye Spencer
- Marli Stevenson
- Armani Tanioria
- Eliza Taylor
- Abby Warren
- Tanna Watters
Wishing you all a successful 2024 season of rugby league. Play smart, play fair, play tough and play safe!
Yours truly,
Dr Kamal Ahmed
PS: A priest I know has taken up rugby. He’s scored a few tries but hasn’t made any conversions yet.
