Invisalign has become a popular means of straightening teeth in recent years. It’s often chosen by patients here at Clapham South Dental Centre because it’s discreet and convenient, offering great benefits in a relatively short time period. Those who smoke may wonder if this kind of treatment is a viable option for them, so here we explore the facts relating to aligners and being a consumer of tobacco products.
What are the main factors to consider?
Those who have smoked for any length of time will know that tobacco can cause staining to the nails, hands and teeth. This is also true of aligners, which can become discoloured as a result of tobacco use.
If the individual requires to smoke during the course of wearing the clear moulds, they should take care to remove these before smoking. While this is not necessarily problematic in itself, it’s time that is a significant factor. The success of invisalign in Clapham depends on the patient being able to wear the aligners for most of every 24 hour time period; only removing them in order to eat breakfast, lunch and dinner. If smoking time is added on to that, then the efficiency of the treatment can be diminished. This can mean that the patient does not get the results that they were hoping for at the end of the treatment.
Is vaping with aligners ok?
Vaping, or smoking an e-cigarette, is a relatively new activity. The result of this is that not a lot is known about how it can affect aligners. However, the time factor is an issue as with cigarettes: removing the aligners to vape can decrease the effectiveness of treatment and mean that the results aren’t quite what they should be.
What to do
Talk to us to find out more about Invisalign in Clapham: we want to help all of our patients to achieve the best possible smile. As well as advising about aligners or other suitable treatments, we can also advise on how best to take care of the teeth and gums. Stopping smoking can help to improve oral health quite significantly, so here are our tips for getting started stopping.
You may want to consider nicotine replacement therapy. This can take the form of patches, gum, lozenges or oral sprays. The purpose of these is to help people to wean themselves off nicotine in a gradual manner, with the aim of making being a non-smoker more achievable.
Talk to the doctor if you think you may need more assistance! There are various medications available on prescription that can help support the patient in stopping smoke. You should investigate alternative ways to relax and try to relieve stress. Meditation, mindfulness and yoga can all help to keep people calm and resolve stress as they transition into being a non-smoker.
We understand that it is not easy to quit smoking, but if that is not possible; it is still well worth talking to us to investigate all options for improving the look of the teeth. Invisalign may remain the best choice, and with support from us, patients can expect great results!
