You probably already know that smoking and oral health are not always on good terms, but what about clear aligners? Can you smoke with Invisalign?
Invisalign is a popular way to straighten teeth in Canada.
Many people choose these clear aligners because they are less noticeable than metal braces, which can boost confidence during treatment.
If you smoke and are starting your Invisalign treatment at City Orthodontics, there are some things you should know.
While you can technically smoke with Invisalign aligners, it is not recommended.
Next, we will explore it and answer most of your questions.
So, Can You Smoke With Invisalign?
Invisalign aligners are crafted from a smooth, nearly invisible plastic that shifts your teeth into the right spot.
You will need to wear this orthodontic treatment for 22 hours a day.
But don’t worry; they are designed to fit your teeth and gums, making them hard to see.
However, smoking with Invisalign can cause problems.
In short: No, you shouldn’t smoke while using Invisalign.
The nicotine and other chemicals are not only harmful to your body, but also to the Invisalign material, while at the same time, the effectiveness of your treatment will not be the same.
How Will Smoking Affect Your Invisalign Treatment?
There are several reasons not to smoke while using Invisalign.
The main reason is that smoking can stain your aligners.
Cigarette smoke causes yellow stains, which can also appear on your fingers and teeth.
If your clear aligners get stained, your teeth could end up looking a bit yellow too.
Another reason is that smoking can lead to tooth decay.
Nicotine from smoking can get stuck between your aligners and teeth, which can cause extra plaque buildup.
This can lead to all sorts of dental issues, and in the worst-case scenario, you could even end up losing a tooth.
Is Invisalign an Ideal Treatment Option for Smokers?
Whether you can get Invisalign while smoking really depends on how much you smoke.
If you smoke occasionally and in moderation, Invisalign might work well for you. You can still straighten your teeth as long as you keep your mouth clean and take out the aligners when you smoke.
This helps reduce the risk of staining and other oral health issues.
But if you’re a heavy smoker, it gets trickier. Orthodontists might think twice about recommending Invisalign because of how it can affect the treatment.
What If You Still Want to Smoke with Invisalign?
If you smoke and are thinking about treatment with Invisalign, you could try the following:
You should only take out your aligners to eat, which should be no more than two hours daily.
Heavy smokers often remove their aligners to smoke, which is not great.
For the best results, you should wear your aligners for about 20-22 hours a day, but smoking can reduce that time.
But if you need to smoke while using Invisalign, try to do it around mealtime when you take your aligners out.
After smoking, brush your teeth before putting your aligners back in.
Just remember, don’t exceed the two-hour removal time during the day.
These tips don’t guarantee that you won’t experience any issues.
You might still deal with things like staining on your aligners, bad breath, tooth decay, or gum problems.
Unfortunately, smoking means that your orthodontic treatment might run into some issues that could slow down getting the final results.
Can You Vape With Invisalign?
Vaping is a newer habit than smoking cigarettes, so in the dental industry, we are still figuring out how it affects our oral health and braces.
What we do know is that vaping, like smoking cigars, can lead to more plaque on your teeth and can cause more cavities.
So, is it better or worse?
When it comes to vaping and wearing Invisalign, the big thing to think about is how long you actually keep the vape in your mouth.
People tend to vape for longer stretches than it takes to smoke a single cigarette.
If your Invisalign aligners are left out of your mouth for too long, it could disrupt your treatment and extend the overall process.
Keep in mind that, just like with smoking, it’s important to be careful about how long you vape.
What Treatment Alternatives Are Available for Smokers?
If you refuse to stop smoking, going with traditional metal braces could be a smart choice.
The stainless steel is tough enough to handle any discoloration from smoke.
However, both cigarette and vaping smoke can weaken the bond between the brackets and the teeth, which can create problems and more visits to the dental center.
Finally, there are several other brands of clear aligners available besides Invisalign. These may have less strict rules, but only your dentist can offer these options to you.
In Summary
Now you know the answer to the question: Can you smoke with Invisalign?
If you are using Invisalign, it is best to avoid smoking or at least take out your aligners while you smoke.
This helps protect your aligners and your oral health.
So, are you ready to start with Invisalign?
If you are in Toronto, book an appointment with us to explore your options.