Can you vape with retainers in?

Why retainers and vapour do not mix

Most modern removable retainers are made from clear thermoplastic. The same material as Invisalign aligners. They are designed to be nearly invisible, light and to fit your teeth precisely. Vape aerosol affects all three of those properties.

Three things happen when you vape with a retainer in. The plastic absorbs colour and odour from flavourings. Heat from the vapour gradually softens the plastic, affecting the fit. And the residue gets trapped between the retainer and your teeth, creating an ideal environment for bacteria.

A retainer that was nearly invisible at the start of treatment can look noticeably yellow and cloudy within weeks of vaping with it in. Some of the staining is permanent.

What actually happens to the retainer

The simple rule that works

If you take one thing from this article, take this.

1. Remove your retainer before vaping

   Put it in its case. Not on a table, not in your pocket, not wrapped in a tissue. Cases exist for a reason and lost retainers are expensive to replace.

2. Vape normally

   Without the retainer in, vaping affects your teeth no more than it would normally.

3. Rinse your mouth thoroughly

   Water or a non-alcoholic mouthwash. Removes vape residue from your teeth so you do not seal it in when you put the retainer back.

4. Wait a few minutes

   Lets your mouth normalise. If you vape and immediately replace the retainer, you trap any remaining residue between plastic and tooth.

5. Put the retainer back in

   Back to normal wear. No staining, no warping, no bacterial trapping.

Cleaning a retainer if it does get vaped on

If you have been vaping with your retainer in, do not panic. Some damage can be reversed with proper cleaning. Heavy staining or warping cannot.

• Rinse with lukewarm (not hot) water. Hot water can warp clear thermoplastic.
• Use a non-abrasive cleaner. Specialist retainer cleaners like Retainer Brite, or mild unscented soap. No toothpaste, which is abrasive and creates micro-scratches that hold more residue.
• Brush gently with a soft toothbrush. Reach into the grooves where residue collects.
• Soak overnight occasionally. A weekly retainer-cleaner soak prevents long-term build-up.
• If staining will not come out, replace it. Discoloured retainers can be remade through your dentist or orthodontist, usually at a moderate cost.

What about fixed retainers

Fixed retainers are thin wires bonded to the back of your front teeth. You cannot remove them. They do not warp or stain visibly because they are metal and out of sight.

You can vape with a fixed retainer in (you have no choice), but the teeth and gums around it are still affected the same way as any other vaper's. The wire itself is fine. The teeth need extra care because cleaning around a bonded wire is harder.

If you have a fixed retainer and vape, use a water flosser or floss threader nightly. Plaque builds up behind the wire and is hard to remove otherwise.

The bottom line