If you have braces and also vape, or are thinking about starting, you might be wondering if the two are compatible. Whether you are using a vape casually or as a stop-smoking tool, it is important to understand how it might affect your teeth, gums and orthodontic progress.
In this guide, we will look at whether vaping is safe with braces, what risks are involved and how to keep your mouth healthy during treatment.
Is it safe to vape with braces?
There is no rule that says you cannot vape with braces, but that does not mean it is without risk. Vaping introduces nicotine, heat and flavourings into your mouth, all of which can affect your oral health. Since braces already make cleaning your teeth more difficult, anything that adds to that challenge can increase the chance of problems.
If you are vaping regularly while wearing braces, you need to be more cautious about how it could impact your teeth, gums and the brackets themselves.
What are the risks?
Here are the main issues to consider if you vape with braces:
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Dry mouth: Vapour can reduce saliva, which helps protect your teeth. With braces, plaque already builds up more easily. Dry mouth increases the risk of decay and gum irritation.
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Gum sensitivity: Nicotine can reduce blood flow to the gums and slow down healing. Braces put pressure on the gums, and adding nicotine may make them more prone to swelling or inflammation.
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Discolouration: Vape residue, especially from sweet or dark flavours, can stick to brackets and cause staining. While not as noticeable as tobacco, it can still affect how your teeth look once the braces come off.
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Irritation: Some users find that menthol or icy flavours cause mild irritation, especially where the braces rub against the inside of the mouth.
These effects are not guaranteed, but they are worth considering if you are trying to maintain good oral health while undergoing orthodontic treatment.
Can vaping affect orthodontic results?
It is unlikely that vaping will stop your braces from working. The physical movement of your teeth is controlled by the wire and brackets. However, vaping can affect the health of your gums and bone, both of which play a role in how smoothly your teeth move.
Poor gum health may slow down treatment or lead to longer recovery times after adjustments. If you get inflammation or infection around the brackets, it may delay your progress or require extra dental visits.
Devices like the Lost Mary BM6000 deliver vapour using a smooth mesh coil system, but even a gentler vape can still affect your mouth over time. If you are wearing braces, it is important to stay on top of dental hygiene and reduce risk where you can.
Does vaping make braces more uncomfortable?
Vaping does not make braces physically tighter or more painful, but it can contribute to dry mouth and general irritation. If your mouth is already sore from a recent tightening or adjustment, vaping may feel more noticeable than usual. Strong flavours can sometimes sting areas where the brackets rub.
If this happens, try taking a short break or switching to a milder flavour until the discomfort settles.
How to protect your teeth if you vape with braces
If you choose to vape while wearing braces, here are a few tips to reduce the impact:
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Rinse your mouth with water after vaping
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Brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste
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Use interdental brushes to clean between brackets
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Drink plenty of water to reduce dryness
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Avoid very sweet or sugary e-liquids
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Choose flavours that do not leave a strong residue
Also let your orthodontist know if you vape. They can offer advice on how to protect your enamel and gums during treatment.
What if you are trying to quit smoking?
Many people use vaping as a way to stop smoking. If you have braces and are trying to quit cigarettes, switching to vaping is usually considered a lower-risk option. That said, the goal should be to reduce use over time and aim for a nicotine-free lifestyle if possible.
Even if you are not ready to stop vaping completely, cutting back during your orthodontic treatment can help your mouth stay healthier and improve your final results.
Want more oral health advice?
We have created a full health guides section that covers common questions around vaping, including dry mouth, gum issues and vaping after dental work. Every article is written clearly and tailored for UK users looking to make informed choices.
Final thoughts
Vaping with braces is possible, but it comes with a few extra risks. Dryness, gum sensitivity and the potential for staining mean you need to be extra careful with your oral care routine. While it will not stop your braces from working, it could affect the health of your teeth and gums along the way.
If you are trying to cut down or switch flavours, the Lost Mary BM6000 collection offers a wide variety of options that may suit different tastes. Just remember to balance your vaping with proper cleaning and regular orthodontic check-ups.
For more guidance on oral health, visit can you vape with retainers in.
You may also find does vaping stain teeth useful, especially if you're wearing clear aligners.