While it’s physically possible to smoke with braces, it’s highly discouraged. Smoking can stain your brackets and teeth, increase plaque buildup, slow down tooth movement, and raise the risk of gum disease—all of which can compromise your orthodontic treatment and prolong the time you need to wear braces.
For many in the UK, braces are a common method for correcting dental issues and achieving that coveted perfect smile. However, certain habits, like smoking, can significantly affect the process. Understanding the implications of smoking on orthodontic treatment is crucial for those looking to get the best results from their braces.
Smoking can jeopardize the success of braces in multiple ways. From staining brackets to causing serious oral health issues, the impacts are both cosmetic and profound.
Smokers are more prone to experiencing a buildup of plaque and tartar. This can lead to issues such as gum disease and tooth decay, which are detrimental to orthodontic treatment.
Smoking is a leading cause of gum disease, a condition that can complicate orthodontic treatment by affecting the supporting tissues of the teeth.
The nicotine in tobacco can impair blood flow to the gums, slowing down the process of tooth movement and prolonging the duration of orthodontic treatment.
“Smoking not only affects your oral health but can significantly delay the progress of orthodontic treatments. Quitting smoking is one of the best steps you can take to ensure a smoother, faster treatment process.” – UK Orthodontic Specialist
It’s important for patients with braces to be fully aware of the risks smoking poses to their orthodontic treatment and overall oral health.
While the best advice for smokers with braces is to quit, there are strategies to mitigate the effects of smoking if quitting immediately isn’t an option.
Research highlights the tangible impacts smoking has on orthodontic treatment outcomes.
| Aspect | Impact |
| Plaque Buildup | Increase by 70% |
| Gum Disease Risk | Twice as likely |
| Treatment Duration | Extended by 30% |
Like tobacco, smoking weed while wearing braces is not recommended. Cannabis smoke can dry out your mouth, reducing saliva production and increasing the risk of plaque buildup, tooth decay, and gum disease—all of which can affect the success of your orthodontic treatment. Additionally, the heat and tar from smoking can stain both your teeth and brackets. If you choose to use cannabis, consider alternatives that don’t involve smoking and maintain excellent oral hygiene to protect your braces and overall dental health.
For individuals undergoing orthodontic treatment in the UK, smoking poses significant risks not only to the success of their braces but to their overall oral health. The correlation between smoking and increased complications during orthodontic treatment is clear. By understanding these risks and taking active steps to quit smoking, patients can significantly improve their orthodontic treatment outcomes and enjoy the benefits of a healthier, straighter smile.
Quitting smoking is not just beneficial for orthodontic treatment but is a significant step towards improving overall health. The NHS offers various resources and support systems to help individuals quit smoking, providing a pathway to a healthier lifestyle.
At Glow Dental, we recognize the unique challenges smokers face during orthodontic treatment. Our experienced team is committed to helping you achieve the best possible results from your braces, even if you are navigating the difficulties of quitting smoking.
We offer:
Your smile is a long-term investment. Whether you’ve just started orthodontic treatment or are partway through, Glow Dental is here to support your oral health every step of the way.
87 Northcote Road
Battersea,
London,
SW11 6PL
Call us today on 0207 223 7096
