Why You Shouldn't Smoke or Vape with Aligners

Clear aligners have become a popular choice for those looking to straighten their teeth discreetly and effectively. However, many patients wonder whether they can still continue their smoking or vaping habits during the treatment. The short answer is no. Smoking and vaping can significantly impact your progress and affect the quality of your treatment. In this blog post, we will explain the reasons why you should avoid these habits while wearing your aligners along with some tips to help you throughout your journey.

‍It's important to note that smoking is harmful to your overall health, and quitting is always the best option. 

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The Effects of Smoking on Oral Health

Smoking is known to have serious effects on oral health, leading to gum disease, tooth decay and other complications. According to the American Dental Association (1), smokers are more likely to develop gum disease than non-smokers which can complicate orthodontic treatments.

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The Effects of Vaping on Oral Health

While vaping is considered a less harmful alternative to smoking, it still can affect oral health. Studies show that vaping can cause gum inflammation and changes in the oral microbiome which may increase the risk of gum disease leading to complications in orthodontic treatments. (2)

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Effects of Smoking or Vaping with Aligners 

Staining or Discoloration‍

Smoking can cause yellowing of the aligners making them less discreet. While vaping can be perceived as less harmful, however, the flavorings, chemicals and e-liquids used can also cause discoloration of the aligners making them less aesthetically pleasing. (3)

Treatment Compliance

‍The habits associated with smoking can lead to challenges  in treatment compliance. Smokers may be less likely to adhere to the hours required to wear their aligners and may be careless about their aligners, increasing the likelihood of misplacing them or breaking them. (4)

Bad Breath

‍Smoking produces a strong odor which can stick to your aligners. This can lead to buildup of tar and other substances in your mouth. (5)

Heat Sensitivity‍

Vaping devices can generate heat which can affect the fit of your aligners. Excessive heat can distort the aligners leading to an improper fit that may compromise treatment progress. (6)

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Tips for Smokers and Vapers

Maintain Good Oral Hygiene‍

Make sure to maintain excellent oral hygiene. Brush your teeth and aligners regularly and consider using mouthwash to help remove bad breath. However, make sure to avoid using mouthwash on your aligners.

Limit Smoking or Vaping

If you choose to smoke or vape, try to limit these habits to the times when you remove your aligner for eating or drinking. This approach can help you cut back on your smoking or vaping and support your overall health. (7)

Stay Hydrated‍

Drink plenty of water to help reduce mouth dryness. This will also help wash any residues that may cling to your aligners.

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Conclusion

Smoking and vaping can significantly hinder the effectiveness of your aligner treatment, leading to longer treatment durations, increased costs and less favorable outcomes. For patients undergoing orthodontic treatment, limiting the habit of smoking is recommended to maximize the success of your treatment and ensure the best outcomes.

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References

1. American Dental Association. (n.d.). Smoking and Orthodontics.
2. Healthline. (n.d.). How Vaping Affects Oral Health.
3. CDC. (n.d.). E-Cigarettes: How They Work.
4. NCBI. (2020). The Effect of Smoking on Orthodontic Treatment.
5. Health Journal. (2022). Vaping and Its Effects on Teeth and Gums.
6. ADA. (2021). Smoking, Vaping, and Dental Health.
7. Mayo Clinic. (2023). How to Quit Smoking and Improve Your Health.

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