Invisalign has become a revolutionary treatment for achieving a straighter, more beautiful smile without the use of traditional metal braces. These clear aligners are comfortable, discreet, and often preferred by people seeking a less noticeable way to straighten their teeth. However, like any dental appliance, Invisalign aligners can sometimes break unexpectedly, which may cause concern and disrupt your treatment plan.If your Invisalign aligner breaks, it’s important to act quickly to ensure that your treatment isn’t delayed. Whether you’re at home, at work, or out and about, knowing what to do when an aligner breaks can save you time and money in the long run. In this blog, 

Common Reasons Why Invisalign Aligners Break

Before diving into the steps to take if your aligners break, it’s helpful to understand why this might happen. Although Invisalign aligners are made from a durable plastic material, there are several reasons why they may break:

1. Accidental Damage: Dropping your aligner on a hard surface or stepping on it can lead to a break or crack.
2. Improper Storage: Failing to store your aligners in their protective case can result in bending, cracking, or breaking.
3. Wear and Tear: Over time, the aligners may begin to show signs of wear, especially if not properly cared for.
4. Biting into Hard or Sticky Foods: Invisalign Wokingham aligners are designed to be removed while eating, but if you bite into hard or sticky foods while wearing them, they may crack or break.
5. Improper Fitting: If your aligner wasn’t made correctly or if your teeth have shifted too much for the current set, it could cause the aligner to break.

Understanding these reasons can help you take better care of your aligners and prevent future breakages.

Steps to Take if Your Invisalign Aligners Break

1. Stay Calm and Assess the Situation

If you discover that your Invisalign aligner is broken, the first step is to stay calm and assess the damage. Most likely, the aligner has cracked, but in some cases, it may be completely shattered. Before doing anything, carefully inspect the aligner to determine how bad the break is. If it’s still in one piece, but with a visible crack, you might be able to use it temporarily until you can get a replacement.

If the aligner is completely broken or unusable, it’s essential to act quickly to avoid delays in your treatment.

2. Check for a Backup Set of Aligners

If you’ve been wearing Invisalign for a while, your dentist may have provided you with a backup set of aligners in case something happens to your current ones. These backups are often a few steps behind the current aligner in your treatment plan but can serve as a temporary solution until your dentist can provide a new aligner.

Check your storage case for the next set of aligners and try wearing them. Although they might not fit perfectly, they will provide you with some level of correction and keep your treatment on track until you can see your dentist.

3. Contact Your Invisalign Provider or Dentist Immediately

Once you’ve assessed the damage, the next step is to contact your Invisalign Wokingham provider or dentist as soon as possible. It’s important to reach out to them, especially if you don’t have a backup set of aligners available. Your dentist will be able to advise you on the next steps and schedule an appointment if needed.

An emergency dentist in Wokingham can assess the situation quickly and determine whether you need to order a new set of aligners or if the issue can be resolved with adjustments. Keep in mind that if your current set is too damaged to wear, your dentist may recommend using the previous set until the new one arrives.

4. Don’t Try to Fix the Aligner Yourself

It might be tempting to try and fix a broken aligner yourself, especially if you don’t want to wait for a replacement. However, it’s best not to attempt any DIY repairs. Trying to glue or tape the aligner together can result in uneven pressure on your teeth, which could hinder your treatment progress or even cause damage to your teeth. Additionally, the glue could interfere with the aligner's fit, making it uncomfortable to wear.

Instead of attempting to fix the aligner yourself, it’s always best to contact your dentist for guidance. They will be able to provide professional care and solutions to get your treatment back on track.

5. Use Your Previous Set of Aligners (If Applicable)

If you don’t have a backup set of aligners and the current one is broken beyond repair, it’s important to revert to the previous set of aligners. Wearing the previous set will help prevent your teeth from shifting back to their original positions while you await a replacement. The previous aligner may not fit as comfortably as the current one, but it will help maintain some of the progress you’ve made so far.

If you don’t have your previous aligner, your dentist may instruct you to wear the current aligner until a new one is delivered or recommend a different course of action.

6. Take Care of Your Aligners Moving Forward

After experiencing a breakage, it’s a good idea to review how you care for your Invisalign aligners moving forward. Proper care will help prevent future issues and ensure that your treatment stays on track.

• Store your aligners in their protective case when you’re not wearing them. This will help prevent accidental damage.
• Clean your aligners regularly with lukewarm water and a mild soap solution. Avoid using hot water, as it can cause the aligners to warp.
• Remove your aligners while eating or drinking anything other than water. Biting into hard or sticky foods can cause your aligners to break.
• Avoid chewing on your aligners or using them as a fidget tool. This can lead to cracks or breaks over time.

By following these simple steps, you can help protect your aligners and ensure that they last throughout your treatment.

7. Be Prepared for a New Set of Aligners

If your aligner is broken beyond repair and you don’t have a backup set, your dentist will likely need to order a new set of aligners for you. Depending on your dentist’s office and the availability of the aligners, this process can take a few days to a couple of weeks.

In some cases, your dentist may offer to speed up the process to minimize any disruption in your treatment. If you’re in a hurry to resume your treatment, be sure to discuss the timeline with your dentist to get an accurate estimate.

Conclusion

While breaking your Invisalign aligner can be an unsettling experience, the good news is that it doesn’t have to derail your treatment plan. By following these steps staying calm, assessing the damage, and contacting your dentist immediately you can keep your Invisalign treatment on track. An emergency dentist in Wokingham can offer prompt solutions to repair the situation and ensure you stay on schedule.If you’re dealing with a broken Invisalign aligner or have any concerns about your treatment, contact EDW today. Our expert team is here to help you navigate any dental issues you encounter, providing quick, effective solutions to keep your smile journey on track.