Can You Vape with Retainers In
You can physically vape with retainers in, but it’s not recommended. Vaping while wearing retainers—whether they’re fixed or removable—can expose the appliance and your teeth to unnecessary risks. The heat, vapour, and ingredients in e-liquid can affect the fit, hygiene, and longevity of your retainer, and may even lead to oral health problems over time.
Retainers are meant to help preserve your smile after braces or orthodontic treatment, so it’s worth taking simple precautions to keep them in good condition—including avoiding vaping while wearing them.
How Vaping Affects Retainers
Retainers are typically made from clear plastic or acrylic, which can be sensitive to heat, staining, and chemical exposure. The vapour produced by e-liquids—especially those with strong flavours or sweeteners—can cling to the surface of the retainer. Over time, this may cause discolouration, lingering odours, or a dull, cloudy appearance. If the vape contains nicotine, there’s also the added risk of yellowing and accelerated wear.
While the vapour doesn’t usually melt or warp the plastic, frequent exposure can degrade the material and reduce its clarity and strength. If your retainer starts to lose its shape, it won’t hold your teeth in the correct position—making the entire treatment less effective.
Hygiene Risks from Vaping with Retainers
Vaping with a retainer in can also lead to a build-up of residue inside the mouth and on the appliance. Because retainers sit tightly against your teeth, they can trap bacteria, food particles, and now, vape residue as well. This combination can lead to bad breath, plaque build-up, and an increased risk of gum irritation or decay.
Even if you brush and clean your retainer regularly, vaping with it in means you're introducing new substances that aren't part of a clean oral environment. If left unchecked, it may lead to mouth ulcers, sore spots, or changes in the surface of the retainer itself.
Should You Remove Your Retainer Before Vaping?
If you’re going to vape, it’s best to remove your retainer first—especially if it's a clear, removable type like an Essix retainer or aligner tray. After vaping, rinse your mouth with water to remove any residue, then clean your retainer before putting it back in. This simple step helps reduce the risk of staining, odour, and bacterial build-up.
For fixed retainers—typically a thin wire bonded behind your teeth—the situation is different. You can't remove it, but you should still be cautious. Practising good oral hygiene and avoiding heavy vaping will help protect your teeth and reduce the risk of damage to the bonded area.
Does Vaping Affect Retainer Fit?
It’s unlikely that vaping will directly change the fit of your retainer unless the material is exposed to extreme heat or is already compromised. However, poor oral hygiene caused by vaping—such as gum swelling or inflammation—can make the retainer feel tighter, looser, or uncomfortable. If this happens, it’s worth visiting your orthodontist to check whether the fit is still effective.
Final Thoughts
While you can technically vape with retainers in, it’s not a good idea. The vapour can stain or degrade the material, trap residue against your teeth, and create hygiene issues that interfere with the effectiveness of your orthodontic treatment. If you use a removable retainer, take it out before vaping and clean it before reinserting. If you have a fixed retainer, stay on top of your dental care and avoid overuse of strong-flavoured or high-nicotine vapes. Protecting your retainer means protecting the results you worked hard to achieve.