We all know that smoking isn’t the best choice for your teeth, gums, or overall health. You may think about, "Can I smoke with Invisalign?" 

Now, picture this: when your Invisalign aligners are fitted, your dentist advises you not to smoke throughout the treatment. Would you choose to quit or continue smoking?

If you smoke and are considering Invisalign braces, there are a few important things you should know. In the following sections, we’ll address common questions about smoking during Invisalign treatment.

How Smoking Affects Oral Health 

For years, health experts have emphasized the negative effects of smoking on your overall well-being, and it’s no surprise that it also harms your oral health. Dental professionals have several concerns related to smoking, including an increased risk of:

• Gum disease
• Oral cancer
• Tooth discoloration
• Tooth decay
• Tooth loss

Can I Smoke with Invisalign? 

No, you shouldn’t! Smoking with Invisalign aligners can damage their structure due to nicotine and other chemicals. It can lead to various oral health problems and reduce the effectiveness of your treatment.

Consequences of Smoking with Invisalign 

Stains on Clear Aligners   

One of the main reasons for choosing Invisalign is the clear aligner trays, which keep your treatment discreet. However, smoking can cause these aligners to stain, making them more visible. You might think that removing the trays before smoking will solve the problem, but that’s not the case! Even after removal, the residue of tar and nicotine can still discolor the trays.

Nicotine & Tobacco Residue in Teeth   

Some people believe that simply removing the Invisalign trays before smoking and putting them back on after brushing and flossing is harmless. However, the remnants of tar, nicotine, tobacco, and other harmful chemicals from cigarettes can wreak havoc on your teeth. This trapped residue can lead to teeth discoloration, enamel erosion, gum disease, and other oral health issues.

Tooth Decay  

Smoking with Invisalign retainers can lead to one of the most unwanted side effects: tooth decay. If tobacco particles get trapped in your teeth, they can remain there for an extended period, giving them enough time to contribute to tooth decay. This not only disrupts your Invisalign treatment but could also mean starting over. You would need to treat the decay before resuming your Invisalign treatment.

Prolonged Treatment   

If you're a heavy smoker, you may frequently remove your Invisalign to smoke, which can interfere with your progress. Invisalign should be worn for at least 20-22 hours a day to achieve the best results. However, due to regular smoking breaks, you may wear the aligners for less time, which could prolong your treatment.

Poor Oral Health   

Tobacco products like cigarettes, cigars, and chewing tobacco negatively impact your overall dental health. Frequent smoking increases your risk of tooth decay, gum disease, and even oral cancer. Smoking with Invisalign also jeopardizes the success of your treatment. For both your dental health and overall well-being, it’s best to quit smoking completely. Invisalign can serve as an opportunity to break this harmful habit.

Can You Vape with Invisalign?

Vaping is a relatively new habit compared to smoking, so the full effects of vaping on oral health and orthodontic treatments aren't fully understood. However, it is known that vaping can lead to increased plaque buildup on teeth and contribute to more tooth decay.

The main concern with vaping is that people who vape typically do so for longer periods than those smoking a single cigarette. This means your Invisalign aligners may be out of your mouth for extended periods, potentially interfering with your treatment and prolonging the overall process. 

Does Smoking Increase the Invisalign Treatment Time? 

Invisalign aligners are intended to be worn for 20 to 22 hours each day. The longer you leave them out, the longer your treatment will take. Wearing them for 22 hours or more may help speed up the process. However, if they’re out for more than 4 hours, your treatment time will likely be extended.

Smoking is harmful to both your oral and overall health, and we strongly recommend quitting if possible. Some patients find that the requirement to wear their aligners for 20 to 22 hours a day helps curb their smoking cravings. They often reduce their smoking by limiting it to after meals, which can eventually lead to quitting entirely.

Best Practices for Smokers Using Invisalign 

Remove Aligners Before Smoking   

Always take out your Invisalign aligners before smoking to prevent nicotine and tar from staining and damaging them.

Brush and Floss After Smoking   

Clean your teeth thoroughly after smoking to remove any tobacco residue and reduce the risk of plaque buildup and tooth decay.

Clean Your Aligners Regularly   

Rinse your aligners with lukewarm water after removing them, and clean them with a soft toothbrush regularly to keep them free of stains and odors.

Limit Smoking to Minimize Impact  

Try to cut back on smoking as much as possible to reduce its negative effects on both your aligners and your oral health.

Consider Quitting Smoking   

While challenging, quitting smoking can significantly improve both your treatment results and overall oral health, especially when using Invisalign.

Conclusion 

Smokers can successfully complete Invisalign treatment, but it’s highly recommended that they refrain from smoking during the process to achieve the best results.

Invisalign treatment typically takes anywhere from six months to over a year, so smokers should be ready to quit for the long term. It’s often beneficial to stop smoking several weeks or months before starting treatment to give themselves time to adjust.

For those struggling to quit, consulting with a general practitioner can be helpful. They can offer strategies for quitting or recommend nicotine replacement therapies for support.

Get Your Invisalign at Invisalign Toronto 

For more information about Invisalign or to find out if it’s the right option for you, feel free to get in touch with invisalign Toronto.

You can call (647) 931-2983 to book your appointment with us in Front Street West Toronto and (647) 977-0214 to book your appointment in Lawrence Ave.

FAQs 

Will smoking affect my Invisalign treatment?

Smoking can hinder your treatment by increasing the risk of tooth decay, gum disease, and discoloration of your aligners.

What happens if I smoke while using Invisalign?

Smoking while wearing Invisalign can cause your aligners to turn yellow, which may affect the progress of your treatment.