Invisalign is a prevalent teeth-straightening method currently. They are clear aligners, so they are invisible to the general population. And you can remove them and consume whatever you like. You can wear them again after a meal if you carefully brush your teeth. They are less humiliating and more comfortable than conventional metal braces. And they are also less painful.
However, it becomes tough for the orthodontist to provide Invisalign treatment to a patient with a smoking habit. If you are a smoker and want to obtain Invisalign braces, there are certain considerations you must make. The following sections will address common questions about smoking and Invisalign treatment.
The Effects Of Smoking On Oral Health
It should be no surprise that tobacco use and smoking are just as damaging to teeth and the oral cavity as to the rest of the body. While there are multiple general impacts of smoking, orthodontists and dentists are most concerned about the increased risk of gum disease, the danger of oral cancer that could spread to the rest of the body, tooth discoloration, and quick tooth decay can lead to tooth loss.
Constant smoking may also result in chronic foul breath and dry mouth, among other negative hygiene effects. This is concerning to orthodontists and patients because of the possibility that therapy will be protracted or unsuccessful if the teeth are not adequately cared for.
Can You Smoke While Undergoing Invisalign?
Because the aligners are removable, it is technically possible to smoke throughout Invisalign therapy. However, it is not advised to do so for a number of reasons. Numerous dental and general health issues are caused by smoking. It’s probably not a surprise that it can hinder Invisalign treatment. As part of the consultation procedure, we address all of the potential complications that may develop if you continue to smoke while getting Invisalign treatment.
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Effects of Smoking While Wearing Invisalign
The effects of smoking on Invisalign therapy are as follows:
Poor Oral Health
Tobacco products such as cigarettes, cigars, and chewing tobacco are detrimental to tooth health. You risk developing tooth decay, gum disease, and even oral cancer if you smoke frequently. If you smoke while wearing Invisalign aligners, treatment failure is possible. It would be best for your overall health and oral health if you quit smoking. Invisalign might provide you with the opportunity to break this harmful behavior.
Persistent Bad Breath from Smoking
Smoking causes bad breath, but your Invisalign aligners can make it worse. The foul smells might linger for a long time.
Stains on Clear Aligners
Clear aligner trays are the reason you are undergoing Invisalign therapy. These trays conceal your therapy from public view. Smoking might cause discoloration of the aligners. This will allow your tray to be seen. Are you considering what would happen if I removed the trays before smoking? Nope! It serves no useful use! Tar and nicotine residue from smoking are sufficient to stain the tray.
Trapped Nicotine & Tobacco in Teeth
People believe removing the Invisalign tray before smoking and re-wearing it after brushing their teeth is harmless. However, you should be aware that the tar, nicotine, tobacco, and other toxins left behind by cigarettes can wreak havoc on your teeth. The trapped nicotine and tobacco can cause tooth discoloration, enamel erosion, periodontal disease, etc.
How to Prevent Invisalign Stains
Various causes can cause stains to accumulate around orthodontic appliances. If you have plaque-related stains surrounding your braces, you can eliminate them with proper oral hygiene or professional teeth cleaning once your orthodontic treatment is complete.
Conversely, detecting white spots around the braces indicates the beginning of the tooth decay process due to mineral loss from the teeth. Therefore, white spot lesions should be considered seriously, and dental care should be sought immediately.
How Long Should I Give Up Smoking?
Patients who smoke are advised to quit for the length of their Invisalign treatment.
The time required to complete treatment depends on the specific demands of each patient. Some patients obtain their desired outcomes in approximately six months, but others must wear aligners for more than a year. Therefore, smokers should be prepared to abstain from cigarettes for an extended period.
Frequently, quitting smoking several weeks or months before treatment makes it easier to avoid smoking during treatment. If you need assistance quitting smoking, you may wish to chat with your primary care physician about drugs or other resources that can assist you.
Related: Do Invisalign Braces Take Longer?
Consult with Kumra Orthodontics to learn more about can you smoke with Invisalign
If you’re a smoker and are considering Invisalign, it’s important to consult with your orthodontist about the best way to quit smoking for the duration of your treatment. Quitting smoking will improve your oral health, but it will also help ensure that you get the best results from your Invisalign aligners. At Kumra Orthodontics, we want our patients to have a life-changing experience with Invisalign, which includes making sure they understand all of the ins and outs of this treatment. Contact us today to learn more about how you can smoke with Invisalign and get on track to having straighter teeth in no time!
