Oral health is a fundamental aspect of successful orthodontic treatment. However, habits such as smoking can compromise their effectiveness. Although these treatments are often associated with children and teenagers, more and more adults today are choosing to improve their smile with aligners or aligners. But how does tobacco interfere with these procedures? This article explores the effects of tobacco on dental care and what every patient should know before starting treatment.
The effects of tobacco on oral health
1. An enemy of gums and dental tissue
Tobacco contains chemicals that affect the health of gums and oral tissues. When a person smokes, the toxins present in cigarette smoke penetrate the tissues of the mouth and disrupt their normal function. Gums become fragile, inflamed and unable to respond effectively to dental care.
One direct consequence is vasoconstriction, a phenomenon whereby blood vessels narrow, reducing the blood supply. This limits the oxygenation and nutrients needed to repair damaged gum tissue, delaying the healing of wounds after dental or orthodontic treatment. This lack of healing can also pose problems for procedures such as extractions or dental implant placement, where rapid gum healing is crucial.
What’s more, smokers are at increased risk of periodontitis, a serious disease that affects the bones and supporting structures of the teeth. This condition can render orthodontic treatment ineffective, as teeth lack the stability to move properly. These problems also affect the jawbone, whose bone density can be reduced by prolonged exposure to tobacco, increasing the risk of extraction or dental implant placement. In a dental practice, professionals frequently observe these complications in patients who smoke.
2. Teeth more vulnerable to decay and tartar
Smoking promotes the formation of plaque and tartar, increasing the risk of cavities and other dental problems. These deposits can build up on teeth and around aligners or aligners, creating an environment conducive to the proliferation of bacteria. These bacteria release acids that attack tooth enamel, weakening its structure and making teeth more sensitive.
When a patient who smokes uses orthodontic appliances, the confined spaces between teeth and aligners become a breeding ground for bacteria. This can lead not only to cavities, but also to inflammation or infection, delaying the progress of treatment. The pain associated with these problems can increase, making treatment more difficult for the patient to bear. The dental practice plays a crucial role in preventing and monitoring these problems.
3. Increased risk of serious oral diseases
Smoking significantly increases the risk of developing serious diseases, such as oral cancer. These conditions are often detected late in smokers, as the smoke masks early symptoms such as redness or irritation.
Chronic ulcers, pain and unexplained bleeding can make orthodontic treatment more painful and complex. Patients who smoke also face an increased risk of dental abscesses, which often require emergency intervention. In the presence of these problems, solutions such as dental implants become riskier, as healing of the gums and surrounding tissues is slowed. What’s more, the benefits of orthodontic treatment can be reduced if these problems are not promptly addressed.
Why smoking complicates orthodontic treatment
1. A slowdown in expected results
Orthodontic treatment relies on the ability of teeth to move slowly under pressure from braces. However, in smokers, this process is often disrupted. The nicotine in tobacco reduces bone density, weakening tooth-supporting structures. This considerably slows down the progress of treatment, prolonging its duration and increasing costs for the patient.
Furthermore, patients who smoke are more likely to suffer from gingival recession, a condition in which the gums recede, exposing the roots of the teeth. This can complicate the wearing of aligners and require frequent adjustments. Procedures such as tooth extraction or implant placement are also affected by smoking-related factors, making these procedures more complex.
2. More complex dental care
Wearing aligners or aligners requires exemplary oral hygiene. Smokers accumulate plaque and tartar more quickly, making it harder to clean orthodontic appliances. Bacteria that proliferate under aligners can cause localized irritation and infection, compromising the success of treatment.
What’s more, clear devices like Invisalign can discolor under the effect of nicotine, affecting their aesthetics and necessitating early replacement. This not only adds to the cost, but also makes for a less satisfactory patient experience.
3. A change in aesthetics
Patients who smoke during orthodontic treatment face undesirable aesthetic consequences. Stains caused by smoking are amplified when teeth are covered with aligners, as the staining substances remain in prolonged contact with the enamel. This can lead to the need for whitening after treatment, increasing the expense of tooth care.
What patients need to know before getting started
1. The importance of strict hygiene
Smokers wishing to undergo orthodontic treatment must commit to rigorous oral hygiene. This includes brushing teeth after every meal with an electric toothbrush, systematic use of dental floss and antiseptic mouthwash, and thorough cleaning of aligners. Regular follow-up with a dentist is also essential to anticipate problems and ensure successful treatment. In the practice, health professionals offer personalized advice to improve patients’ hygiene habits.
2. Stop smoking before you start
Quitting smoking before starting treatment is the best strategy for ensuring success. Patients who stop smoking before a procedure, such as implant placement, significantly reduce the risk of complications related to gum healing and implant rejection. The benefits of smoking cessation also include improved quality of life and reduced risk of oral cancer.
3. Understanding long-term impacts
Patients should be aware that smoking not only affects the immediate results of orthodontic treatment, but can also compromise its durability. Problems such as periodontal disease or smoking-induced bone loss can cause teeth to shift after treatment is completed. Awareness of the long-term effects of smoking can motivate patients to adopt healthier habits before and during their orthodontic journey.
Conclusion
Smoking presents a real challenge for patients wishing to undergo orthodontic treatment. Its harmful effects on teeth, gums and supporting tissues not only complicate the treatment process, but also increase the risk of serious complications. However, by adopting strict hygiene, stopping smoking and maintaining regular follow-up with their dentist, patients can maximize their chances of success.
Investing in your oral health today means preserving your teeth for tomorrow. Consult a professional to understand the solutions best suited to your situation, and start your orthodontic treatment with confidence and serenity. A healthy, harmonious smile is within reach for anyone willing to take care of their mouth and their overall health.
If you want to stop smoking, book an appointment at one of our anti-smoking laser centers throughout France.
