We’re all adults here and understand that smoking isn’t great for your teeth, gums, or overall health. But how does it affect Invisalign aligners if you want to straighten your teeth while smoking? The answer is it can cause problems!
Invisalign is one of the most popular teeth straightening treatments. It often requires several months to achieve the desired results. Now, imagine your dentist telling you that you can’t smoke while wearing your Invisalign aligners. Would you choose to quit smoking or continue?
At Enhance Dental Centre, we won’t insist you stop smoking, though we do recommend it. We recognize that not everyone wants to quit, and we want to avoid any unexpected issues with your Invisalign aligners. So, let’s address this concern.
Can I Smoke With Invisalign?
Invisalign stands out as an excellent treatment choice for adults due to its nearly invisible appearance on teeth. The custom-designed acrylic trays seamlessly match the patient’s teeth and gum line, making them exceptionally inconspicuous, especially from a distance.
To ensure optimal effectiveness, it’s crucial to wear Invisalign for 22 hours daily, removing them solely for eating, drinking, brushing, and flossing. However, smoking while wearing Invisalign can lead to various issues, ranging from discoloration to tooth decay.
It’s advisable to remove your Invisalign before smoking. For heavy smokers, this might pose a challenge as it would entail keeping the Invisalign out for an extended period, potentially impacting treatment progress. We encourage discussing this matter during your visit with us.
How Will Smoking Affect My Invisalign?
There are several reasons why using Invisalign makes smoking difficult. The main cause is your Invisalign’s discoloration. As everyone knows, smoking can discolor teeth, and that remains true for your Invisalign. The clear aligners could turn yellow quickly, making your teeth look yellow or more yellow.
Another reason is tooth decay. Cigarette smoke contains nicotine, which can become caught between teeth and the Invisalign system and increase plaque. Tooth decay may result from this eating away at the enamel.
Smoking alone can cause dental problems that can be exacerbated by orthodontic treatment. According to studies, smoking can accelerate tooth movement because it causes faster bone deterioration. But it also means that bone grows and hardens more slowly, allowing your teeth to move more freely when your therapy is over.
Another issue that arises when tobacco usage is combined with orthodontic therapy is root resorption. Because the bone restructures throughout orthodontic or Invisalign treatment, your teeth and roots typically migrate.
However, in smokers, the body breaks down and absorbs the tooth’s root to relocate it instead of modifying the bone. Tooth loss may result from this. Smokers are more likely than non-smokers to experience this uncommon problem.
Are There Treatment Alternatives For Smokers?
If smoking with Invisalign isn’t an option, what other treatments can you consider? While alternatives do exist, they come with significant limitations. Clear braces provide one possibility, but similar to Invisalign, they are susceptible to staining from cigarette or vaping smoke, making them less than ideal.
For individuals who smoke, traditional metal braces might be the preferred choice. The stainless steel material is resistant to discoloration caused by smoking. However, it’s worth noting that cigarette or vaping smoke can potentially compromise the bond between the brackets and teeth, introducing a new challenge.
Conclusion
While it is technically possible to smoke with Invisalign aligners, it’s strongly discouraged. Smoking poses a significant health risk and should be avoided to ensure the success of your Invisalign treatment and your overall health. The negative effects on your aligners and oral health simply outweigh any temporary satisfaction.
Enhance Dental Centre can be your partner in achieving a straighter smile. We offer support and guidance throughout your Invisalign journey.
Contact Enhance Dental Centre today to schedule a consultation and discuss how we can help you achieve a beautiful smile and a healthier you. Remember, a brighter smile starts with a healthy lifestyle, and Enhance Dental Centre is here to support you every step of the way.
FAQs
1- Can you smoke with Invisalign?
If you do have to smoke, only light up when your Invisalign trays are out of your mouth. This precaution helps prevent stains from developing on your aligner trays, ensuring they remain inconspicuous when worn. The same advice applies to individuals who use chewing tobacco. Also as noted before, wearing your aligners less time throughout the day will slow down the progress of your treatment.
2- Does smoking make Invisalign yellow?
The tar and nicotine present in cigarettes and other tobacco products have the potential to stain not only fingernails and teeth but also Invisalign aligners. Consequently, smoking can swiftly cause clear aligners to turn yellow, resulting in a smile that appears discolored.
3- Why are my teeth more yellow after Invisalign?
In reality, Invisalign aligners don’t inherently cause yellow teeth. However, neglecting proper hygiene throughout treatment may result in discoloration. Understanding and following the correct steps are crucial for preserving a bright, white smile during the treatment process.
The post Can You Smoke With Invisalign Aligners? first appeared on Enhance Dental CA.