Patrick Mahomes has a thing for secrets. For years, fans obsessively zoomed in on his face during post-game interviews and sideline huddles, wondering about that clear glimmer in his mouth. Was it a high-tech mouthguard? Maybe a specialized dental stint? Nope. It was Invisalign.
Honestly, the "is he or isn't he" chatter became such a thing that Mahomes finally had to clear the air. In early 2025, the three-time Super Bowl MVP officially joined the Invisalign "Smile Squad," turning a long-standing fan theory into a massive multi-year business deal. This isn't just another athlete slapping their face on a product for a check. It’s a full-circle moment for a guy who, despite being the face of the NFL, struggled with the same dental regression many of us deal with after ditching our retainers in high school.
Why the Patrick Mahomes Invisalign Deal is Actually a Big Move
Most people assume a guy with a half-billion-dollar contract wouldn't care about a few crooked teeth. But for Mahomes, the partnership with Align Technology (the parent company of Invisalign) is about performance as much as it is about looks.
You've probably seen the commercials by now. They aren't your typical stuffy medical ads. Filmed in Grapevine, Texas—right near his hometown—the campaign focuses on the link between self-image and success. Mahomes has been vocal about how "how you feel is how you play." It sounds like a cliché, but when you're the most scrutinized athlete on the planet, every detail matters.
The partnership officially kicked off with a 30-second spot on NFL Network’s Good Morning Football. The timing was strategic, hitting right as the 2024-2025 season reached its fever pitch. But what really makes this deal stand out isn't just the star power. It’s the data.
Addressing the "Confidence Crisis"
Invisalign isn't just using Mahomes to sell to adults who want straighter teeth. They are aiming directly at the next generation. Kamal Bhandal, a VP at Align Technology, pointed out a pretty startling "confidence crisis" among teens.
✨ Don't miss: Why Your 1 Arm Pull Up Progression Isn't Working (And How to Fix It)
- The 45% Statistic: Nearly half of young girls drop out of sports before age 14.
- The Reason: It’s often not a lack of skill, but a lack of body confidence.
- The Goal: By showing a "tough" athlete like Mahomes using clear aligners, the brand wants to strip away the stigma of orthodontic work.
Mahomes actually admitted his teeth were "trending back" to where they were before he had braces as a kid. It's relatable. We’ve all been there—losing that plastic retainer and watching years of orthodontia slowly undo itself.
The "Mouthguard" Mystery Solved
For a long time, the internet was convinced Mahomes was wearing a specific type of mouthpiece. If you watch the games closely, he has a habit of popping his tray out and chewing on it during plays.
It turns out he was actually wearing his Invisalign trays during games. While most dentists might cringe at the idea of an NFL quarterback using a thin plastic aligner as a de facto mouthguard, Mahomes leaned into it. He told Adweek that he's always looking to optimize his health. For him, Invisalign was the only thing that could keep up with his "active lifestyle" without the discomfort of metal brackets.
Who Else is in the Squad?
Mahomes isn't the only heavy hitter on the roster. The "Smile Squad" has become a bit of a powerhouse marketing machine.
- Livvy Dunne: The LSU gymnast and social media titan joined the squad around the same time.
- Puka Nacua: The Rams' breakout wide receiver has his own spots.
- Jayden Daniels: The Commanders' young star is also in the mix.
This isn't just a random collection of athletes. It’s a targeted effort to dominate the conversation around "Confidence" with a capital C. By the way, the brand even got a boost from Pharrell Williams, who casually mentioned he uses Invisalign at the Met Gala. They didn't even pay him for that—it was just "earned media" gold.
🔗 Read more: El Salvador partido de hoy: Why La Selecta is at a Critical Turning Point
The Business of the Smile
From a business perspective, this partnership is a masterclass in brand alignment. The NFL and Invisalign have been partners since 2020. Currently, over 500 players across all 32 teams use the product.
Think about that for a second. That's a massive portion of the league.
The Mahomes deal is the "halo" over that entire operation. When the best player in the league says he would choose Invisalign over braces "every single time," it carries more weight than any billboard ever could. The campaign, developed by agencies like Digitas and Starcom, is one of the largest in the brand's history. It’s designed to be "un-ignorable."
It’s Not Just About Looking Good
There’s a deeper layer to this. Mahomes often talks about "becoming your best self." In his case, that meant fixing a smile he wasn't 100% happy with.
He mentioned that he used to see pictures of himself and wish his smile looked better. That's a rare bit of vulnerability from a guy who seems invincible on the field. It makes the partnership feel less like a corporate mandate and more like a personal choice.
💡 You might also like: Meaning of Grand Slam: Why We Use It for Tennis, Baseball, and Breakfast
What This Means for You
If you're looking at Mahomes and thinking, "Maybe it’s time I fixed that one tooth," there are a few things to keep in mind based on his experience.
- Consult a Pro: Mahomes didn't just buy these off a shelf. He went to his doctor, who pointed him toward the brand specifically because of his athletic needs.
- Compliance is Key: Even a superstar has to wear them 20-22 hours a day. If Mahomes can do it while winning Super Bowls, most of us can probably manage it at the office.
- The "Second Time" Factor: A huge portion of Invisalign users are adults who had braces as kids. If your teeth are shifting back, you aren't alone—even the MVP is in that boat.
This partnership is basically the death knell for the "awkward teenager with braces" trope. When the most famous athlete in the world is popping out clear trays on national television, the conversation changes. It becomes about performance, confidence, and—sorta—just taking care of yourself.
The next time you see #15 under center, look for that quick flash of plastic. It’s not just a dental tool anymore; it’s a multimillion-dollar marketing engine.
Actionable Next Steps
If you're considering following the Mahomes route, start by using the Invisalign doctor locator to find a provider who specifically works with athletes or active adults. Ask about the "SmartTrack" material Mahomes mentions; it's designed for more predictable movement, which is why he felt comfortable wearing them during high-intensity training. Most importantly, check your insurance—many plans have started covering clear aligners at the same rate as traditional braces since this NFL partnership began.