Bijan Robinson, the Atlanta Falcons running back, wears Invisalign clear aligners to straighten his teeth. He had a slight twist in two teeth as a kid but avoided braces because he worried about dietary restrictions. Once he entered the NFL, Robinson decided to address the issue using the clear aligners.
Robinson wears the aligners during practice and games, even under his helmet. He says a traditional mouthguard restricts his breathing, and his conditioning gives him an edge as a back who can score as both a runner and receiver. (Invisalign representatives clarified the product should not be used as a mouthguard.)
Robinson views his oral health as part of the self-discipline that defines his approach to football. "You're in front of a camera a lot in interviews and even just talking to people [at] events," he says. "Having [my] smile is not only a confidence booster for myself, but the other I'm talking to—it makes them more engaged in the conversation. They see you take care of yourself."
He frames dental care as one responsibility among many. "I'm not only representing myself," Robinson says. "I'm representing the Falcons, my family—everybody."