Can You Smoke With Invisible Orthodontics?

When you’re thinking about starting with invisible orthodontics, one of the doubts that comes up the most (and rightly so) is whether smoking affects the treatment. And it’s logical that you’d think about it. We know it’s not easy to change certain habits, but when it comes to your smile… there are certain things you should know. So let’s talk about this honestly, the way we would at the clinic if you were here with us.

What is invisible orthodontics and how does it work?

First, let’s quickly clear this up just in case. Invisible orthodontics, like Invisalign, is that modern treatment for aligning the teeth that has become so popular. They’re those clear splints or aligners that, basically, correct your smile without anyone really noticing. It’s great because they’re removable, you can take them out to eat, to brush… and yes, in theory also to smoke, but well, we’ll get to that now.

It works by gradually moving your teeth using several sets of aligners that you change every two weeks, more or less. And yes, the key here is to wear them at least 22 hours a day. It sounds easy, but you’d be surprised how many people don’t manage it because they take them out too often (more on this later).

Is it advisable to smoke with Invisalign or any type of invisible aligner?

Look, I’ll tell you straight away: it’s not advisable. And we’re not saying it on a whim or to make your life complicated, it’s just that smoking with the aligners doesn’t do any good. Let’s take it part by part:

1. Stains on the aligners

The plastic of the aligners is super transparent… until you put a cigarette in your mouth. The nicotine and tar can stain the material, and those aligners that should be invisible start to look more like… I don’t know, a used yellow glass? Well, not that bad, but you get my point. The colour changes, and you then lose the main advantage of this treatment: that nobody notices it.

2. Bad smell and taste

It’s not only a matter of colour, but also of taste. If you smoke with the aligners in (and believe me, some people do), that smell of tobacco gets stuck on them, and of course! You end up with aligners that smell like an ashtray. Doesn’t sound at all appetising, does it? This also affects you when you breathe, when you talk… well, quite the show.

3. Oral health problems

Here we get a little more serious, because this isn’t only an aesthetic issue. Smoking with or without aligners increases the risk of diseases in the gums, cavities and everything you already know about the impact of tobacco on the mouth. But when you’re wearing invisible orthodontics, this gets even more complicated because the aligners can trap the tobacco residue and bacteria, creating a perfect environment for plaque. And that’s exactly what we don’t want when we’re after a perfect smile.

4. Delay in the treatment

This is the part that bothers patients the most. If you take the aligners out every time you smoke and you don’t wear them for the recommended time (remember, 22 hours a day), well… the treatment gets longer. And we don’t want you to be wearing them for longer than necessary, do we? It’s like going to the gym: if you don’t go on the days you’re meant to, you don’t see the results you were hoping for.

Is it different to smoke e-cigarettes or vape?

Good question. Look, a lot of people think that e-cigarettes or vaping are a “safer” option, and they may be in some cases, but when we’re talking about invisible orthodontics, it’s not that different. The vapours from the e-cigarette also contain substances that can stain the aligners and affect your oral health. Conclusion? Vaping with the aligners in isn’t ideal either.

What to do if you can’t stop smoking during the treatment?

And this is where we get a bit more realistic, because we understand that it’s not always easy to stop smoking. If you can’t do it, it’s OK, but there are a few things you can do to minimise the damage. We’re not going to judge you, we just want you to get the best results.

1. Take the aligners out to smoke

This is basic. If you’re going to smoke, take the aligners out first. This will avoid stains and stop the material from absorbing the smoke. That said, don’t forget to put them back in afterwards… and here’s the problem: you take them out, smoke, and sometimes you forget to put them back in quickly.

2. Brush your teeth after smoking

We’re not asking you to do it every single time, but if you can, brush your teeth well before putting the aligners back in. That way, you remove as much tobacco residue as possible and it doesn’t get trapped between your teeth and the aligners. And if you’re in a hurry, at least a quick rinse would be ideal.

3. Use mouthwash

An antibacterial mouthwash can also be a good help to keep your mouth as clean as possible between one cigarette and the next, even if you’ve taken the aligners out.

How does smoking affect the health of your teeth and gums?

We know you’ll have heard this a thousand times already, but it never hurts to remember it. Smoking is bad for your oral health. It increases the risk of gum diseases, delays healing (important if you have extractions or surgery) and affects the blood flow in the mouth, which can slow down the movement of your teeth during the treatment. In short, it doesn’t help at all.

Should I stop smoking if I’m wearing Invisalign?

In short, yes, you should try. Not only for the treatment itself, but for your general health. In fact, many patients tell us that starting orthodontic treatment helps them cut down on smoking, because they start to be more aware of their oral hygiene. And it’s true, it’s a good time to make healthy changes. But if you can’t, don’t stress, just follow the recommendations above.

Smoking with invisible orthodontics can be an obstacle in your treatment, both in the aesthetics of the aligners and in the health of your mouth. It’s not the end of the world, but if you can avoid it or cut down, all the better.

At Clínica Dental Doctores Tarazona, we’re here to help you throughout the whole process, with or without tobacco in the mix. The important thing is that you achieve the smile you’ve always wanted. If you have any doubts left, book an appointment with us and we’ll be delighted to talk more about how we can make your treatment as efficient as possible, without losing sight of what’s important to you.

We know that quitting smoking isn’t easy, but with a little effort, we can make everything work as well as possible for you and your oral health.