Can You Vape With Braces?
What dentists say about vaping with fixed and removable braces, and the risks to your treatment.
Shop Pod Kits Shop E-LiquidsQuick answer: You can vape with braces but it is not recommended, particularly with nicotine. Vaping can dry out the mouth, increase plaque around brackets, slow gum healing and stain aligners. The risks are lower than smoking but still worth understanding before your orthodontic treatment.
Braces and orthodontic aligners require careful oral hygiene maintenance throughout treatment. Adding vaping into the mix raises some genuine concerns that are worth knowing about, whether you have traditional fixed braces or clear aligners such as Invisalign.
The Key Risks of Vaping With Braces
| Risk | How vaping contributes | Fixed braces | Clear aligners |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dry mouth | PG absorbs moisture, reducing saliva | Increases plaque risk | Increases plaque risk |
| Gum inflammation | Nicotine restricts blood flow to gums | Slower healing around brackets | Affects gum health during treatment |
| Staining | Vapour deposits on surfaces | Can stain brackets and teeth | Yellows clear aligner trays |
| Plaque build-up | Dry mouth reduces natural cleaning | Harder to clean around brackets | Less of an issue if aligners removed |
| Demineralisation | Acidic flavourings and dry conditions | Risk of white spot lesions | Lower risk |
Fixed Braces vs Clear Aligners: Which Is More Affected?
Fixed metal or ceramic braces present more challenges than clear aligners when it comes to vaping. The brackets and wires create additional surfaces where plaque can accumulate, and vapour deposits can be harder to remove from these areas. Gum health around the brackets is particularly important during orthodontic treatment as irritation here can slow progress.
Clear aligner wearers face a different issue: vapour can stain the transparent trays, making them visually obvious. Most orthodontists advise removing aligners before vaping and rinsing the mouth before putting them back in.
How Does Vaping Compare to Smoking With Braces?
Relative impact on orthodontic treatment (approximate, higher = more harmful)
Based on known effects on oral health, gum tissue and staining.
Practical Tips if You Vape With Braces
- Brush teeth thoroughly after vaping to remove any vapour residue from brackets and teeth
- Drink water while vaping to counteract the drying effect of PG on your mouth
- If you wear clear aligners, remove them before vaping and rinse your mouth before reinserting
- Use a fluoride mouthwash daily to protect against demineralisation around brackets
- Switch to a higher VG e-liquid to reduce the drying effect in your mouth
- Tell your orthodontist you vape so they can monitor for any specific issues during check-ups
Always follow your orthodontist's advice. Every patient's treatment is different and your orthodontist is best placed to advise on your specific situation. If they recommend stopping vaping during treatment, there is a clinical reason for it.