Braces are a big investment, not just in money, but also in your time, comfort, and long-term oral health. So if you (or your teen) vape and are having orthodontic work done, you might be wondering: Can I vape with braces?
The short answer? Yes, you physically can – but it is definitely not a good idea.
Let’s dig into the details.
First Things First: What Is Vaping?
Vaping is the act of smoking e-cigarettes or vape pens, which vaporize a liquid (which often consists of nicotine, flavoring, and chemicals) to make an aerosol that can be inhaled. [1]
Some people vape nicotine, while others vaporize THC or CBD oils. No matter the substance, the vapor has chemicals that will harm your gums, teeth, and general oral health, especially if you're in braces.
Is It Safe to Vape with Braces?
The short answer? No, it isn't safe – at least not for your braces or your mouth.
Although vaping does not involve combustion, it still has nicotine, flavorings, and other chemicals that harm your gums and teeth. Having braces already makes your mouth vulnerable since it is difficult for you to maneuver the cleaning process near the wires and brackets. Vaping increases the risk further since it dries the mouth, causes the bacteria in your mouth to multiply, and can stain your orthodontic equipment and teeth. [2]
Can Vaping Interfere with Your Braces?
Yes — and not just in one respect. Most people feel it is safer than smoking, yet in the area of the mouth and orthodontics, it still has major risks.
Let us analyze why:
- Propylene Glycol: Present in many e-liquids, it is responsible for creating the vapor you breathe in. It is extremely drying for the mouth and can build up on your teeth, making it easy for plaque and bacteria to adhere.
- Nicotine: Nicotine in cigarettes and e-liquids decreases blood flow and inhibits healing. That is serious during orthodontic treatment, where your tooth movement depends on healthy bone. [3]
- Vegetable Glycerin (VG): It is a thick, sweet liquid that can stick to your enamel and lead to the formation of cavities. When blended with sugars and flavorings, it makes an ideal breeding ground for decay.
- Chemical Exposure: Certain vaping products expose individuals to cancer-causing compounds, respiratory issues, and tissue irritation, including the mouth, throat, and gums. Such chemicals can cause the soft tissue in the area surrounding your braces to become inflamed, leading to greater discomfort and the likelihood of infection.
So, Can You Vape with Braces?
Technically, it is possible to vape while having braces. Your brackets won't melt, your wires won't break, and your aligners won't disappear in smoke. But just because you can doesn’t mean you should.
What Happens When You Vape with Braces?
Here is what vaping may do if you wear braces:
1. It Dries Out Your Mouth
Vaping decreases the amount of saliva produced, leaving your mouth dry. Saliva is necessary for flushing out bacteria and leftover food. When you already have braces, food already catches in them easily. Add a dry mouth, and now you’ve created the best breeding ground for plaque, decay, and gum disease. [4]
2. Vaping May Lead to Gum Inflammation
Vaping causes irritation in the soft tissue in your mouth. Your gums may become red, puffy, and sensitive, already something many with braces complain about. Swollen gums can make brushing, flossing, and tightening your braces painfully difficult, hindering your orthodontic treatment.
3. It Slows Healing
Nicotine constricts blood vessels. That spells trouble for your gums and bones, particularly while undergoing orthodontic treatment. Healthy bone remodelling is what braces depend on to shift your teeth. If your body is not healing well, it can make the whole process go slower, longer treatment times.
Does Vaping Stain Braces?
Metal braces may not stain easily, but that doesn't mean vaping is harmless when it comes to appearance. Although stainless steel brackets are resistant to most discolorations, clear brace wearers and ceramic brace wearers can expect visible changes. The compounds in e-liquids, especially nicotine and flavor additives, can slowly color clear brackets, causing them to become yellowed and dull in the long term.
Can Vaping Cause Bad Breath with Braces?
Yes, and it is not just a temporary smell. Vaping dries out your mouth, decreasing your salivary flow. When there is less saliva, bacteria multiply, particularly in the crevice area surrounding your braces. It causes chronic bad breath (halitosis), which is much tougher to cure if you can't floss and brush properly.
You may find that your tongue is coated, too, or that your mouth tastes off, both indicators that your mouth isn't as healthy as it could be.
What If You Already Vape and Have Braces?
If you already have braces and you vape, it isn't too late to change your habits. Here is what you can do:
1. Speak with your orthodontist
Make them aware that you vape. They won't judge you; all they care about is saving your teeth. They can tailor your treatment plan accordingly or give you some extra tips for the care of your mouth.
2. Improve your oral hygiene
- Brush after each meal (and after you vape, if you still indulge)
- Use a soft-bristle toothbrush like an Oclean X Lite sonic toothbrush to polish near the brackets
- Floss every day, use floss threaders or a water flosser for greater convenience
3. Stay hydrated
Increase water intake to neutralize dryness in the mouth and clear out bacteria.
4. Try to quit or cut back
When quitting is difficult, speak with your doctor, dentist, or a stop-smoking service. Vaping can seem like it helps with stress, but the harm it causes your teeth may lead to further stress in the future.
So, Is Vaping with Braces Worth the Risk?
Vaping may appear harmless, particularly in comparison to cigarette smoking, although the harm it inflicts on your gums, teeth, and treatment outcomes is for real.
If you're putting in the effort to wear braces, you owe it to yourself to achieve the best result with them. Vaping brings unnecessary risks, ones that may set back your progress, damage your health, and impact your final smile.
So, can you vape with braces? You technically can. Should you? Absolutely not.
Protect your investment, protect your health – and give your new smile the best chance it deserves.
Reference
Kathuria, Hasmeena. “Electronic Cigarette Use, Misuse, and Harm.” Medical Clinics of North America, vol. 106, no. 6, Nov. 2022, pp. 1081–1092, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.mcna.2022.07.009.
Alam, Mohammad Khursheed, et al. “Smoking and Its Impact on Orthodontic Treatment/Management Modalities: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.” Iranian Journal of Public Health, 18 Aug. 2024, pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11475184/, https://doi.org/10.18502/ijph.v53i8.16276. Accessed 21 May 2025.
Sanjay Jyothish, et al. “Effect of Nicotine Exposure on the Rate of Orthodontic Tooth Movement: A Meta-Analysis Based on Animal Studies.” PLoS ONE, vol. 16, no. 2, 17 Feb. 2021, pp. e0247011–e0247011, pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7888643/, https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0247011. Accessed 21 May 2025.
Blaha, Michael. “5 Vaping Facts You Need to Know.” Johns Hopkins Medicine Health Library, John Hopkins Medicine, 2022, www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/wellness-and-prevention/5-truths-you-need-to-know-about-vaping.
