If you wear retainers after orthodontic treatment or use them daily to keep your teeth aligned, you may be wondering whether it is safe to vape while wearing them. Vaping is often seen as cleaner than smoking, but that does not mean it has no impact on your mouth or dental appliances.
This article explains whether you can vape with retainers in, what risks are involved, and how to protect your oral health and appliance if you choose to continue vaping.
Is it safe to vape with retainers in?
It is not recommended to vape while wearing retainers. While it might not damage them immediately, vaping can lead to residue build-up, discolouration and potential odour that can stick to the plastic material. Most retainers are made of clear or semi-clear plastic, which can easily pick up stains or residue from flavoured vapour.
Over time, this can cause the retainer to look cloudy, develop an odd taste or even affect your breath. Some retainers are also heat-sensitive, and the warm vapour from a vape could potentially warp the fit over time.
What problems can vaping cause with retainers?
Here are the main reasons to avoid vaping with your retainers in:
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Discolouration: Vapour from flavoured e-liquid can stain the plastic, especially with sweet, dark or coloured flavours.
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Odour: Some flavourings leave a scent that clings to your retainer, making it smell unpleasant over time.
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Bacteria build-up: Vaping reduces saliva in the mouth, which plays a role in washing away bacteria. When wearing a retainer, this can lead to a higher risk of trapped bacteria and plaque.
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Taste issues: If vapour residue sticks to your retainer, it might make your mouth taste odd, even after removing it.
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Damage: While unlikely from casual use, consistent heat exposure may affect certain types of plastic or warp the fit, especially if the device produces very warm vapour.
Even if you are using a smooth device like the Lost Mary BM6000, the vapour will still move through your mouth and around the retainer, carrying flavouring and moisture with it.
Can you take the retainer out while vaping?
Yes, and that is the safer option. If you choose to vape, it is better to remove your retainer beforehand and rinse your mouth with water before putting it back in. You should also rinse the retainer itself or brush it lightly to remove any trace of vapour or flavouring.
Make sure not to leave your retainer out for long periods unless advised by your orthodontist. Short breaks are fine, but consistency is key for the retainer to do its job properly.
Are fixed retainers affected?
Fixed or bonded retainers, which are attached to the back of your teeth, are less likely to be stained by vaping, but the area around them is still vulnerable. Vapour can lead to dry mouth and increase the build-up of plaque in hard-to-reach areas. This can affect the health of your teeth and gums around the bonded retainer, even if the wire itself is not damaged.
Brushing and flossing carefully around fixed retainers is essential, especially if you vape regularly.
How to keep your retainers clean if you vape
If you do vape and wear retainers, here are a few ways to reduce the impact:
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Remove your retainer before vaping when possible
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Rinse your mouth with water after each vape session
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Clean your retainer daily with lukewarm water and a soft toothbrush
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Use retainer cleaning tablets once or twice a week for a deeper clean
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Avoid vaping very sweet, dark or sticky flavours that leave more residue
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Keep your retainer in its case when not in use to avoid contamination
If you notice your retainer becoming cloudy, discoloured or smelling odd, it may be time to replace it or clean it more thoroughly.
Can flavours make a difference?
Yes. Some flavours are more likely to cause residue or staining. Fruit, dessert and cola-style flavours tend to leave more stickiness than lighter options like plain mint or ice. If your retainer is picking up flavour or changing colour, try switching to a milder blend.
The Lost Mary BM6000 collection includes a wide variety of flavours. If one seems to be affecting your oral comfort or appliance, it is easy to switch to something less intense.
Want more oral health tips?
For more articles on vaping and how it affects your teeth, gums and general health, take a look at our full health guides. Each one is written for UK vapers and designed to help you make confident choices around health and lifestyle.
Final thoughts
Vaping with retainers in is not advised. While it might seem harmless, the vapour can lead to staining, odour and increased bacteria, all of which can affect your oral hygiene and the condition of your retainer.
If you do vape, try to remove your retainer first, rinse your mouth afterwards and clean the appliance regularly. These small steps can go a long way in keeping your orthodontic results looking their best.
If you're using braces or aligners, you might also want to check can you vape with braces.
To explore wider oral care issues, does vaping cause bad breath is worth a look.