Understanding how vaping or smoking can impact your Invisalign treatment is crucial for achieving the best results possible. If you're considering or already undergoing Invisalign treatment with mydentist and have questions about vaping or smoking with Invisalign, you're in the right place. Throughout this blog post, we'll discuss the relationship between vaping and Invisalign, including the effects that vaping may have on your aligners. Let's dive in!
Understanding the effects of vaping with Invisalign
Invisalign offers a discreet solution for teeth straightening, using a series of custom-made, clear aligners that gradually shift teeth into the desired position. The aligners are nearly invisible and can be removed easily for eating, drinking, toothbrushing and interdental cleaning.
Vaping, using a vape or electronic cigarette, involves breathing in aerosol, otherwise known as vapour. This vapour is created by heating a liquid inside your vape, which typically contains nicotine, flavourings and other chemicals and can come in a range of flavours from bubble gum to blueberry.
One primary concern with vaping while wearing Invisalign aligners is the potential for staining or damaging your teeth and your aligners. The e-liquids used in vaping often contain chemicals and dyes that can easily transfer onto the aligners, causing discolouration. This is particularly problematic if you're using clear aligners to discreetly straighten your teeth, as stains can make the aligners more noticeable.
Chemical exposure from e-liquids, which often contain nicotine, propylene glycol, and flavourings, can degrade the aligner material over time. This could reduce the effectiveness of your aligners and may mean you need to replace a damaged aligner, which could incur an unplanned cost and a delay to your treatment. To ensure the best results and longevity of your Invisalign aligners, we recommend avoiding vaping during your clear aligner treatment.
How to maintain your Invisalign aligners if you vape
If you vape, make sure you maintain good oral hygiene throughout your treatment as vaping can introduce various particles and substances into your mouth, potentially affecting your aligners and overall oral health:
If you do have any concerns about vaping and its effects on your treatment, you can always reach out to your local mydentist practice for support with your treatment.
Advice from Dr Nyree Whitley, Chief Clinical Officer, at mydentist
While your vaping habits may seem separate from your Invisalign treatment, it's essential to understand the potential risks vaping may pose. We caught up with Dr Nyree Whitley, Chief Clinical Officer here at mydentist, to get her advice on the issue.
Nyree advised: "If you're undergoing Invisalign or clear aligner treatment to straighten your teeth, you may want to forego your vape to ensure you maintain a healthy smile and get the most out of your treatment plan. Vaping can have negative effects on your overall oral health and cause symptoms such as ulcers, a loss of taste which is commonly known as 'vapers tongue,' and a dry mouth."
Vaping can also introduce foreign particles and chemicals into your mouth, potentially interfering with the effectiveness of your aligners. The aerosol from vaping devices can leave residue on the aligners, making them less transparent and affecting their discreet appearance. Additionally, the heat from vaping devices can distort or damage aligners, compromising their ability to straighten your teeth effectively.
Nyree also warned: "It can also cause teeth staining, which could increase while undergoing Invisalign treatment, in addition to discomfort when wearing your aligners. Unfortunately, these risks still stand even if you take your Invisalign aligners out to vape, so the more you can cut down or refrain from vaping while undergoing treatment, the better results you'll see."
Although vapes are considered a common alternative to smoking, we would still warn against using any nicotine-based products, including cigarettes, while underdoing Invisalign aligner treatment, as the nicotine may still stain your teeth. For optimal results from your Invisalign treatment, we recommend you abstain from vaping or smoking while wearing your aligners.
What does the research say?
Although vaping is often toted as a healthier alternative to smoking, it could be just as harmful to your health as other tobacco alternatives.
A study conducted by researchers at University College London (UCL) turned up evidence suggesting that vaping could be exposing users to toxic metals like uranium and lead, impacting brain and organ development.
The study also noted that the risk of toxic metal exposure could be greater for those who use sweet-flavoured vapes which are typically marketed towards young people. The liquids used in vapes and e-cigarettes often contains not only nicotine, which is linked to conditions such as gum disease, but may also contain other substances that are harmful to your oral health.
Are you thinking about starting Invisalign treatment?
If you've been considering starting Invisalign treatment find out more about the treatment process and discover our helpful tips and FAQs on our Invisalign treatment page.
Browse our comprehensive treatment offering, find your local mydentist practice, or find more information about mydentist, at www.mydentist.co.uk.