Smoking traditional cigarettes or e-cigarettes while wearing clear aligners is strongly discouraged for several key reasons:
- The chemicals and heat damage aligner plastic, causing yellowing, cloudiness and distortion over time. This reduces aligner efficacy and may require replacement aligners.
- Smoking with aligners promotes more rapid tartar buildup and staining on teeth, gum irritation, and bad breath despite cleaning.
- Aligners trap cigarette chemicals against teeth for prolonged periods, increasing the risks of cavities, gum disease and unhealthy enamel.
- Smoking lengthens overall treatment time by limiting how well aligners can shift teeth due to gum inflammation and poor oral environment.
For better aligner performance, easier hygiene, faster treatment and your best oral health – refrain from smoking while wearing clear aligners whenever possible. Only smoke or vape with aligners out if you must, rinsing promptly after. Your orthodontist and smile will thank you!
