Losing or breaking an Invisalign aligner happens more often than you might think. Between busy schedules, travel, and daily routines, it’s easy for an aligner to get misplaced or damaged.

If you lose or break an Invisalign aligner, immediately contact your orthodontist for professional guidance on the best next step, which may include wearing the previous aligner, moving to the next one early, or ordering a replacement.

8 Steps To Follow If You Break Your Invisalign

1. Stay Calm and Assess the Situation

First, take a deep breath. Whether you’ve dropped your aligner, your dog chewed it, or it cracked during cleaning, we can guide you through what to do next. Examine the aligner closely. If it’s slightly cracked but still fits snugly and comfortably, continue wearing it until you can speak with your orthodontist. If it’s broken in half or too warped to stay in place, stop wearing it immediately to avoid irritation or further damage.

2. Move Back to the Previous Set (If Advised)

If your current aligner is unusable, try inserting your previous set. This helps maintain your teeth’s position while you wait for a replacement. Never move ahead to your next aligner unless your orthodontist advises it. Advancing too soon can cause discomfort, poor fit, or slow your progress.

3. Contact Your Orthodontist Promptly

Reach out to our orthodontic office as soon as possible. The sooner our orthodontist knows about the situation, the better they can guide you. Sometimes, if you were close to switching to your next aligner, our orthodontist may instruct you to move forward. Other times, they might order a replacement tray to keep your treatment aligned with your plan.

At Woolaver Orthodontics, we encourage patients to contact us for Invisalign Aligner support whenever they face issues with fit, damage, or loss. Prompt communication ensures your treatment doesn’t fall behind schedule.

4. Don’t Try to Fix the Aligner Yourself

It might be tempting to repair a cracked aligner using hot water or glue, but please don’t. Heat can warp the plastic, and adhesives can be harmful to your mouth. DIY fixes often create more problems than they solve. Your orthodontist has the safest and most effective options for resolving the issue.

5. Keep Your Teeth and Mouth Clean

If you don’t have a usable aligner for a day or two, make sure to maintain excellent oral hygiene. Brush and floss after every meal, and rinse your mouth regularly. Avoid skipping this step — even a short period without aligners can allow teeth to shift slightly if oral hygiene slips.

6. How to Prevent Future Aligner Loss or Damage

A little preparation goes a long way toward keeping your Invisalign treatment smooth.

Always use your case. When you remove your aligners to eat or drink, place them in their case right away. Never wrap them in a napkin or tissue — that’s the easiest way for them to end up in the trash.
Clean them gently. Use a soft toothbrush and lukewarm water. Avoid hot water, which can warp the aligner’s shape.
Handle with care. When removing your trays, use even pressure and avoid bending them.
Keep a backup plan. If you’re traveling, take your previous set of aligners with you in case something unexpected happens.

These small habits help prevent interruptions in your treatment and reduce the risk of extra replacement costs.

7. When to Schedule a Check-In

If you’ve lost or broken an aligner more than once or are finding it difficult to manage your trays, it may be time to review your routine with your orthodontist. A quick check-in can help identify small changes to your daily habits that make aligner wear easier and more reliable.

8. The Importance of Staying Consistent

Every aligner is custom-designed to guide your teeth through precise movements. Even a few missed days can slow your progress and affect the final result. That’s why reporting any loss or damage quickly is essential. Staying consistent with your treatment schedule helps ensure that your investment of time and effort pays off with the smile you’ve been working toward.

Need Help With Your Invisalign In Ahwatukee, Phoenix? Contact Us

If you’ve lost, cracked, or damaged your Invisalign aligner, reach out to us today. Our team can assess your situation and help you stay on track with your treatment.

Call us at (928) 593-4033 to schedule a visit.

What to Do If You Lose or Break an Invisalign Aligner?