Orthodontic treatment is an investment in more than just a straighter smile—it is a step towards better health and greater confidence. However, if you are smoking or vaping while wearing braces or clear aligners, you may be unknowingly jeopardizing your progress.
At Tebo Orthodontics, we are committed to caring for the whole patient, not just their smile. That is why we created this guide to help teens and adults understand how smoking and vaping can interfere with orthodontic treatment along with the steps you can take to protect your health and your results.
Impact of Smoking on Braces and Your Mouth
1. Slower Healing and Tooth Movement
Nicotine restricts blood flow to your gums, which slows down your body’s ability to heal. Since orthodontic treatment relies on your body’s natural bone remodeling process, smoking can delay tooth movement, leading to longer treatment times and less predictable results.
2. Increased Risk of Gum Disease
Smoking compromises your immune system, leaving your gums more vulnerable to infection. Inflammation, swelling, or gum recession can not only harm your oral health but also slow down or complicate your orthodontic treatment.
3. Stained Brackets and Teeth
Tar and nicotine can stain clear braces, ceramic brackets, and even your natural teeth. If you are aiming for a clean, confident smile, smoking can leave behind stubborn yellow discoloration that is difficult to reverse.
4. Bad Breath and Dry Mouth
Smoking and vaping decrease saliva production, leading to dry mouth—a condition that creates an ideal environment for bacteria, bad breath, and tooth decay. This increases your risk of developing cavities during orthodontic treatment.
Impact of Vaping on Orthodontic Treatment
Many people believe vaping is a safer alternative to smoking, but it can be just as harmful—especially during orthodontic treatment.
Here is how vaping can interfere with your orthodontic progress:
- Nicotine is still present, and it restricts blood flow—slowing down healing and tooth movement.
- Vape aerosols contain chemicals that irritate oral tissues and can increase your risk of gum inflammation.
- Flavored E-liquids often contain sugars and acidic compounds that erode enamel and stick to aligners or brackets.
- Vaping can leave behind a sticky residue on aligners or retainers, making them harder to clean and easier to stain.
Orthodontic Risks for Teen Smokers and Vapers
For teens especially, smoking or vaping during treatment can:
- Increase the need for emergency visits due to inflamed or infected gums.
- Lead to white spots, decay, or long-term enamel damage around brackets.
- Delay the expected results of aligner or braces treatment.
- Leave lasting effects on oral health—even after the braces come off.
If you are a teen or a parent of a teen in orthodontic treatment, now is a crucial time to discuss why avoiding nicotine is essential for overall well-being and for maintaining a straight, healthy smile.
Tips for Protecting Your Smile When Trying to Quit
We know that quitting is not easy—but it is one of the most powerful choices you can make for your overall health and to achieve the best results from your orthodontic treatment.
Here are some suggestions to help get you started:
- Talk to your orthodontist—we are here to support you, not judge you.
- Keep up with oral hygiene, brushing after every meal and flossing daily.
- Clean your aligners and retainers regularly to prevent buildup and staining.
- To help reduce damage if you have not quit yet, rinse your mouth with water after vaping or smoking.
- Reach out to a quitline or support group—resources like Smokefree.gov or Truth Initiative offer tools for teens and adults who are working to quit.
Tebo Orthodontics Is Here to Help You Succeed
Orthodontic treatment is most effective when you are at your healthiest. If you smoke or vape, you are not alone—but now is the perfect time to take action to protect your smile.
Whether you are wearing braces or Invisalign®, your results depend on how well you care for your body—including your oral habits.
Have questions about how smoking or vaping could be impacting your treatment? Schedule a visit with Tebo Orthodontics today. Let’s work together to keep your smile on track.
