When you want to improve the quality of your smile and correct any cosmetic imperfections that are present, Invisalign is a great alternative to traditional braces. Part of the appeal of Invisalign is the ability to remove them from the mouth and maintain a professional appearance with their transparent construction. For those who smoke and plan to use the aligners, you may be wondering if Invisalign and smoking mix.

Don’t Mix Invisalign and Smoking

Invisalign aligners should not in the mouth when you’re not eating, drinking, or smoking due to damage and premature wear that can occur. If you smoke with Invisalign, it can cause tar and nicotine to build up on the plastic material, which can stain them and cause them to turn brown and yellow.

A West Hollywood Dentist will recommend discontinuing a smoking habit before using Invisalign because the tobacco is prone to sitting on the teeth and can transfer to the aligners once you place them in the mouth.

Don’t mix Invisalign and smoking, even if you take the aligners out. If you smoke and then place the aligners in your mouth, the nicotine and chemicals becomes trapped and sits on the teeth and gums for long periods of time. This gradually leads to tooth discoloration, gum disease, tooth decay, and enamel erosion.

Try to Avoid Smoking

It’s best to avoid smoking when you’re using Invisalign and are in the process of improving the placement of your teeth. Smokers are often recommended to quick smoking long-term because the Invisalign process often takes an average of six months to one year to complete. Working closely with a general practitioner can make it easier to quit the habit in the weeks or months leading up to wearing Invisalign.

The Trays Need to Be Worn During the Day

Most orthodontists recommend wearing Invisalign trays for an average of 22 hours a day, which means they shouldn’t be removed for long periods of time when you’re brushing your teeth or are eating a snack. If you have a habit of smoking throughout the day, this can make it difficult to make progress with adjusting the teeth if the aligners are constantly being removed from the mouth. You may need to reduce the number of times that you light a cigarette throughout the day to avoid removing the aligners too frequently.

If you smoke with Invisalign, it can lead to delays in reaching your goals. The teeth will become a lot slower to move and shift and can require additional appointments with your orthodontist.

Vaping with Invisalign

Many tobacco users who are looking for a healthier alternative to smoking often switch to vaping because of how Invisalign and smoking don’t mix. Vaping is relatively new and a lot of research hasn’t been performed to determine the effects that it can have while wearing Invisalign aligners. Some people notice that staining still occurs on the Invisalign trays while vaping because small amounts of tobacco are still present. Mild staining can develop, but the effects won’t be as dramatic or severe as smoking cigarettes.

How to Clean Invsalign Aligners After Smoking

If you choose to smoke with Invisalign, it’s important to thoroughly clean the plastic material to reduce the amount of discoloration that occurs. Avoid using hot or warm water, which can melt the plastic and affect the mold, which will prevent the aligners from working effectively with shifting your teeth.

It’s also important to use a cleaning product that is designed for retainers to remove bacteria, plaque, and tar that accumulates. Cleaning products for dentures also work effectively and can allow you to soak the plastic aligners for several hours or overnight to thoroughly clean the material. However, this can prevent you from getting the chance to wear them as you sleep, which can cause your teeth to shift and can delay your progress.

You can also clean your aligners with a toothbrush and toothpaste, but it may not be effective enough to remove stains caused by tobacco. Talking to a West Hollywood Dentist will allow you to determine the most effective way of cleaning the aligners.

Overall, you can mix Invisalign and smoking, but it’s important to be aware of the side effects and how they can impact your overall oral hygiene and health. As you improve your smile with the help of a West Hollywood Dentist, you may not want to deal with tooth decay and discoloration after your treatment is completed, making it necessary to avoid smoking.