Clear aligners have revolutionized orthodontics by providing a comfortable and inconspicuous aligner method. However, for some people, the question is: can you vape with invisalign? Whether you've recently begun treatment or have been using aligners for months, it's important to know how vaping can impact your oral health and orthodontic treatment.
The easy answer is that many individuals may technically "vape" without taking their aligners out, but dentists strongly discourage it if at all possible. Although vaping is not as staining as smoking cigarettes, it can lead to dry mouth, bacteria buildup, gum irritation and gum discoloration, all of which can detract from the proper maintenance of healthy teeth when wearing Invisalign.
Can You Vape While Wearing Invisalign?
A common query patients pose is can you vape with invisalign in your mouth? Vaping is not chewing or putting solid food into the aligners, as in the case of eating or drinking sugar beverages. For these reasons, some people believe it to be safe to use.
But, orthodontists recommend prudence. While the Invisalign trays are snug on the teeth, they provide a closed environment. Nicotine vapor and other chemicals in the mouth may remain in place between the aligners and teeth for a long time. If you're not taking care of your teeth, you might find yourself with plaque buildup, tooth breath and enamel issues in this setting.
So, if you're wondering about whether you can i vape with invisalign or not, the answer is yes, but it isn't necessarily the healthiest option for them or your mouth.
Why Vaping Can Affect Invisalign Treatment?
Although vaping can be less harmful than smoking, it can cause issues for individuals wearing Invisalign aligners.However, there are a few issues that can occur in a combination of nicotine, less saliva production, and longer periods of time that aligners are in contact with teeth.Here are some of the ways that your oral health can be impacted by this combination of nicotine, decreased saliva production and the more time the aligners are in contact with your teeth. When you understand what they are you will be able to make informed decisions and you will help to keep your smile safe throughout your orthodontic treatment.
1. Dry Mouth Increases Dental Risks
A frequent vaping side effect that is reported is dry mouth. Saliva protects against acids, buffers them and has antibacterial properties.
When you have dry mouth, there's an opportunity for bad bacteria to remain on the teeth longer. As Invisalign trays are worn for about 20-22 hours a day, it can cause lower saliva production and with closed aligners, this can result in cavities and gum irritation.
The 2024 review of the link between vaping and dental caries and periodontal disease in the Journal Medicina found that vapers were more likely to experience dental caries and periodontal disease than those who didn't use any nicotine products.
2. Gum Health Matters During Orthodontic Treatment
Good gums make for good tooth movements! Nicotine decreases blood flow to the gums and could slow healing. Having braces on your teeth may cause difficulty in wearing them and cause discomfort if there is any inflammation or unhealthy gums.
There are fewer harmful chemicals in vaping than there are in a tobacco cigarette, but there isn't enough data to prove it's safe for oral tissues. Although researchers are still studying its long-term effects, the studies that already exist link vaping to gum irritation and inflammation. (PubMed)
3. Aligner Staining
Since there is no smoke or tar involved, many people think that vaping leaves no stains.The clear aligners may become stained over time, but this is typically less noticeable than with clear tobacco. Flavored e-liquids, sweeteners, and some colour additives can contribute to the staining. Trays can become yellowish over time if worn for two weeks or more instead of being virtually invisible.
While it may not directly impact tooth movement, staining will diminish the aesthetic benefits that Invisalign is renowned for.
4. Increased Plaque and Bacteria
Nicotine residue and dehydration can become a breeding ground for bacteria, due to the sealed environment in the aligner.
If aligners aren't cleaned regularly, bacteria can stay stuck on the teeth for hours. This makes brushing, flossing and cleaning trays as directed by your orthodontist even more important.
Does Heat Damage Invisalign Aligners?
One issue that comes with vaping with invisaligns is if the heat from the vapor might distort the plastic.
The majority of Invisalign clear braces are constructed of medical-grade thermoplastic that will endure everyday temperatures in the mouth. The vapor is normally cooler when it arrives at the trays, which means there will be minimal heat deformation during regular vaping.
Very hot beverages are greater concerns, however, due to direct heat exposure which may cause some distortion of the plastic.
In addition to the fact that heat is no longer the concern, the possibility of oral health effects and nicotine exposure is a good enough reason to keep dentists from encouraging patients to do so.