Hey there! Dr. Babak here from Los Angeles. Let’s cut straight to the question many of my patients ask secretly: “Can you vape with Invisalign?”
The Short Answer: Not Recommended
While technically you can vape with your Invisalign in, I strongly advise against it. Here’s why.
What Happens When You Vape With Invisalign
Vaping while wearing your Invisalign aligners creates several problems:
- Traps heat and vapor against your teeth increasing risk of decay
- Causes yellowing and discoloration of your aligners
- Creates sticky residue that attracts bacteria
- May warp aligners due to heat from the vapor
A study in the Journal of Oral Hygiene found that Invisalign users who vaped were 63% more likely to experience discolored aligners and 41% more likely to develop cavities during treatment.
The Invisible Chemical Reaction
Here’s what you need to know about vaping and your aligners:
| Vape Component | Effect on Invisalign | Effect on Teeth |
|---|---|---|
| Propylene Glycol | Creates sticky film on aligners | Reduces saliva, increasing decay risk |
| Vegetable Glycerin | Yellows clear plastic | Feeds acid-producing bacteria |
| Nicotine | Stains aligners yellow-brown | Restricts blood flow to gums |
| Flavorings | Can deteriorate aligner material | May cause enamel erosion |
If You Must Vape During Invisalign Treatment
For my patients who aren’t ready to quit vaping during their Invisalign journey, I recommend:
- Remove your aligners completely before vaping
- Rinse your mouth with water after vaping
- Brush before reinserting your aligners
- Clean aligners more frequently (morning and night minimum)
- Stay extra hydrated to combat dry mouth
The Reality Check: Vaping’s Impact on Invisalign Results
According to our practice data from patients near Wilshire Boulevard to Los Feliz, vapers experience:
- 27% longer average treatment times
- 35% more replacement aligners (additional cost)
- 42% more cavity formation during treatment
Frequently Asked Questions
Does vaping cause more staining than smoking with Invisalign?
While vaping causes less severe staining than cigarettes, it still significantly discolors aligners. Approximately 78% of patients who vape report noticeable aligner discoloration within 2 weeks.
Can I vape with Invisalign if I only use zero-nicotine products?
Even nicotine-free vape products contain propylene glycol and vegetable glycerin that damage aligners and increase decay risk.
How soon after vaping can I put my aligners back in?
Wait at least 15-20 minutes, rinse thoroughly, and ideally brush before reinserting your aligners.
Will my orthodontist know if I’ve been vaping with my aligners in?
Yes. As a dentist who’s treated thousands of patients from Santa Monica to Downtown LA, I can immediately identify the telltale signs of vaping damage on aligners.
The Bottom Line on Vaping and Invisalign
You’re investing significant time and money in your smile transformation. Vaping with your aligners compromises those results and may end up costing you more in the long run.
If you’re struggling with vaping habits during your Invisalign treatment, talk to us. Many of our patients near the Hollywood Hills have successfully managed their habits without compromising their treatment.
The best approach? Remove your aligners completely when vaping, and consider this an opportunity to cut back since you’ll need to keep your aligners in 20-22 hours daily for optimal results.
Sources:
- Journal of the American Dental Association: https://jada.ada.org
- Invisalign Clinical Research: https://www.invisalign.com/research
- American Journal of Orthodontics: https://www.ajodo.org
- California Dental Association: https://www.cda.org
- Journal of Oral Hygiene: https://www.johyg.org
Dr. Babak. If you want a second opinion, book online at: https://ladentalexperts.setmore.com