Introduction
Smoking is one of the most prevalent habits worldwide, but it can create some complications with certain dental procedures and treatments. One such treatment affected by tobacco use is Invisalign; a popular procedure that straightens teeth while being clear, removable, and almost invisible. This article aims to discuss whether smoking is a good habit while undergoing Invisalign treatment.
Everything You Need to Know About Smoking With Invisalign: A Comprehensive Guide
Invisalign is a treatment approach that uses clear plastic aligners and is designed to adjust mildly misaligned teeth. The procedure entails custom-made aligners made of plastic designed in the form of a snug fit over your teeth. The process of Invisalign sees patients wearing aligners for approximately 22 hours every day to facilitate the movement of teeth into their correct position. Any harmful patterns, such as smoking, can hinder or set back the Invisalign procedure.
Can You Smoke With Invisalign? The Answer May Surprise You
While patients can use Invisalign and smoke tobacco concurrently, it is not recommended. Smoking can distort Invisalign plastic aligners, reducing their effectiveness and efficiency. In addition, the tar and nicotine remnants on your Invisalign aligners discolour them, eliminating their invisible appearance. To achieve the appropriate results from Invisalign, it’s recommended to avoid smoking altogether.
Breaking Bad Habits: How to Quit Smoking With Invisalign
It is challenging for smokers to quit smoking. It doesn’t matter if the process of quitting is for improved oral health, some people are emotionally tied to smoking. Fortunately, it is still possible to quit smoking while undergoing Invisalign treatment. A nicotine replacement therapy such as nicotine patches, gum, or lozenges can eliminate the urge to smoke and enable you to complete the Invisalign procedure more easily. Seeking help from family and friends and making gradual changes to eliminate stressors is also critical for quitting smoking.
The Dangers of Smoking With Invisalign: What Your Orthodontist Isn’t Telling You
Invisalign treatment relies on the plastic aligners’ comfortable fit, so any change or deformation to aligners results in inefficient straightening of teeth. The heat from the combustion of tobacco can disfigure and warp Invisalign’s plastic materials, increasing the treatment period, and prolonging the results. In addition, the remnants of tar and nicotine from smoking can accumulate on the aligners, forming plaques and inviting bacteria. Invisalign treatment usually restricts food intake and any build-up of plaque or bacterial can cause hygiene issues.
Maintaining Your Invisalign Aligners While Smoking: Tips and Tricks
Smoking poses considerable risks to the effectiveness of Invisalign treatment. However, some tips and tricks can help to mitigate the effects of smoking on Invisalign treatment. The first step is to maintain your oral hygiene by brushing and flossing frequently while limiting smoking periods. Using approved cleaning liquids or Invisalign cleaning crystals can also keep the aligners clean while avoiding distortion by hot water. Ultimately, quitting smoking while undergoing Invisalign treatment is a wise choice for improved results and enhanced oral health.
The Realities of Smoking With Invisalign: Stories From Invisalign Users
It is essential to have realistic expectations during Invisalign treatment while quitting smoking concurrently. Listening to the stories of others who have been through the same journey and sharing experiences can be a great source of support for quitting smoking.
John, a former smoker and Invisalign user, found it hard to quit smoking. His orthodontist advised him to quit smoking due to the tobacco effects on his aligners. He resolved to quit smoking and found the nicotine patch quite helpful. Quitting smoking had additional overall benefits on his health, and he completed his Invisalign treatment with excellent results.
Alternatives to Smoking With Invisalign: Healthier Choices for Your Teeth and Your Body
Listed below are some alternatives to smoking tobacco while undergoing Invisalign treatment that can minimize the negative impact of tobacco on the aligners:
- Vaping – vaping nicotine can help mimic the sensation of smoking
- Chewing gum- sugar-free gum or nicotine gum can help reduce the smoking craving while freshening the breath.
- Oral Substitute- licorice, cinnamon sticks, and other oral substitutes can create the sense of smoking while lowering the risks associated with tobacco smoking.
Conclusion
In conclusion, smoking has a negative impact on Invisalign aligners and treatment, so it is essential to avoid smoking during the treatment process. Quitting smoking is a challenging process, but it can be done with the help of nicotine replacement products, support, and gradual changes. Maintaining oral hygiene is also vital while undergoing Invisalign treatment. Ultimately, quitting smoking while undergoing Invisalign treatment leads to improved oral health, enhanced Invisalign results, and overall better health.
