What happens if your aligner cracks or breaks mid-treatment?

What happens if an aligner breaks?

So, when your aligner breaks, there's nothing to panic about. As mentioned earlier, heat, accidental force, or pulling them from the wrong angle while taking them out can cause them to break or crack.

But if you act quickly, you can keep your treatment on track without any hiccups. So, if your aligner broke mid-treatment, reach out to your provider right away. Assess your aligner damage, take photos, and relay that information to your provider or orthodontist. From there, follow their instructions. Usually, they'll give you one of these three solutions:

So, when your aligner breaks, there's nothing to panic about. As mentioned earlier, heat, accidental force, or pulling them from the wrong angle while taking them out can cause them to break or crack.

But if you act quickly, you can keep your treatment on track without any hiccups. So, if your aligner broke mid-treatment, reach out to your provider right away. Assess your aligner damage, take photos, and relay that information to your provider or orthodontist. From there, follow their instructions. Usually, they'll give you one of these three solutions:

Get a replacement aligner

Based on what treatment stage you are on, your provider can redevelop the damaged tray and send it to you. It will be the same as the broken one, and you can continue your aligner treatment from there as planned. The only problem can be delivery times. Top providers usually do this on a high-priority basis.

Switch to the next tray

If you are already close to switching to a new tray, your provider or orthodontist might ask you to switch early, taking into account your treatment progress. However, if the new tray doesn't fit or if it causes severe, persistent pain, then don't continue and ask for a replacement tray instead. That said, do not switch to the new aligners early until instructed to do so.

Switch to a previous tray

If the damage happens during the first few days of a new tray, your teeth may not have completed the required movement yet. In this situation, you are usually advised to return to your previous aligner while waiting for further instructions or a replacement tray. This helps to maintain tooth positioning and reduce the risk of reversion. That's why it is always advised to keep your previous trays with you until the treatment ends.

What is the replacement aligner process?

So, if you've been advised to go for a replacement aligner, how do you get one? Well, it is different for each provider. Some providers might ask you to do another round of scans or impressions and then develop replacements for your broken tray. That obviously takes time and can cause problems with the treatment plan.

However, with top providers, things are more streamlined. For example, here at Caspersmile, we keep records of your treatment plan, and when you contact us with a replacement request, we develop a new tray according to the plan and send it to your doorstep as quickly as possible. This keeps the treatment on track.

Can I wear a cracked aligner?

Sometimes, the damage isn't that big. Just a small, hairline fracture. And that's when people ask if they can wear a cracked aligner. The answer is a big no! A hairline fracture can deepen while wearing or removing aligners. When that happens, the aligner surface becomes rough, irritating your gums and soft tissue. This will also interfere with the aligner's ability to apply the right force on teeth. So, never wear a cracked aligner.

What not to do with broken aligners?

Patients sometimes try to fix the aligners quickly at home to avoid interruptions. Unfortunately, DIY repairs mostly create larger problems.

Do not use glue or tape

Trying to fix a cracked aligner with glue, tape, or adhesive products is not safe at all. Most household adhesives contain chemicals that are not designed for oral use. They can irritate soft tissue, affect tray fit, and introduce bacteria into the aligner.

Improper repairs can also create uneven pressure on the teeth. A poorly repaired tray can interfere with treatment precision and increase the level of discomfort.

Do not apply heat

Some patients try to reshape the damaged trays using hot water or other heat sources. This should never be done because it can permanently damage the aligner. Clear aligners are made of thermoplastic that changes shape upon exposure to heat. Even slight warping can damage the precision required for the right tooth movement.

Do not use rubber bands

There have been cases where customers try to keep wearing broken aligners with the use of rubber bands. That only worsens the problem. It not only derails your treatment but also severely damages your teeth and gums, sometimes leading to root resorption.

How to prevent aligner damage

While aligner damage can be handled, it is still a hassle and can pose a risk to your treatment progress. So, keep these things in mind to reduce the chances of breaking or cracking your aligners accidentally.

Remove aligners carefully

Always use both hands to remove aligners evenly from each side. Do not twist or snap them aggressively. Start at the back, where they attach with molars, then continue toward the front. For better safety, use a dedicated pull tool for this purpose.

Wear or remove your aligners without the risk of damage

With Caspersmile Care Kit, you get pull tools, chewies, and other products that help you protect your aligners from potential damage.

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Keep your aligners safe from accidental breaks

Store your trays in our special ventilated case that keeps your aligners from being lost, accidentally damaged, or becoming your pet's target.

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Here are some clear aligner storage do's and don'ts to keep your trays safe.

Avoid eating with aligners

Chewing while wearing trays can increase stress on the material, and it raises the risk of cracking. Always remove aligners before eating.

Keep aligners away from pets

Dogs and cats frequently chew aligners because they carry your scent. Never leave trays exposed on bedside tables or countertops.

Clean with normal water only

Hot water damages the material of the aligners. So, when cleaning them, always use normal tap water at room temperature. Also, avoid toothpaste or mouthwash as they contain abrasives. Only rely on approved cleaning methods that suit the aligner material.

Protect your smile progress with the right action

A broken aligner is stressful, but it does not mean that your treatment has failed. Just contact your provider immediately and follow their instructions. You'll either get a replacement, or you can switch to the next or the previous tray if possible. However, never try to repair aligners on your own, as that can damage your teeth and gums. Overall, follow the proper aligner care, and you'll significantly reduce the chances of damaging them. Thus, keeping your treatment on track.

Frequently asked questions

What to do if my aligner cracks or breaks? +

If your aligners break, it is important to examine the damage and understand that minor cracks may not significantly interrupt the treatment process. But still, you should not continue with a broken aligner for the long term. Contact your provider immediately to know if the replacement is important or not.

Can I continue wearing a cracked aligner? +

No, you cannot continue to wear the cracked aligners as they can damage your sensitive gums. Stop wearing it immediately and contact your provider.

Will a broken aligner affect my treatment progress? +

Yes, a broken aligner can badly affect your treatment progress. Because clear aligners are normally made to apply specific pressure, any damage can change the force that is applied to your teeth. Ignoring it or wearing a broken aligner can lead to unwanted tooth movement, and it can also increase the duration of your treatment process.

Should I move to my next aligner if one breaks? +

Yes, you should switch to the next aligner, but it totally depends on the severity of the damage and how long you have been wearing the current set. Always contact your provider first to avoid delays in your treatment process.

How can I protect my aligners from breaking? +

To prevent your aligners from damage, gently remove and insert your aligners without twisting or bending them. Try to remove aligners first before eating and drinking other than water. Store your aligners in their cases to secure them from accidental damage.