We’ve all been there: you’re living your best life with your clear aligners, and then disaster strikes. Maybe you accidentally stepped on your aligner case, or perhaps you wrapped your aligner in a napkin at lunch and it ended up in the trash. Don’t panic! While losing or breaking an aligner can feel like a major setback, there are simple steps you can take to get back on track with your orthodontic treatment.

What to Do If Your Aligner Breaks

If you discover a crack, chip, or break in your aligner, stop wearing it immediately. A broken aligner won’t apply the proper pressure to your teeth and could actually cause irritation to your gums or cheeks. Here’s what you should do:

  • Contact our office right away at (828) 665-7000
  • Keep the broken pieces safe, just in case Dr. Martins wants to examine them
  • Move to your previous set of aligners if the break happens early in your wear cycle
  • Advance to your next set if you’re near the end of your current aligner’s recommended wear time

The team at Aer Dental Studio will assess your situation and determine the best course of action. Depending on where you are in your treatment plan, we may advise you to move forward or backward in your aligner sequence while we arrange for a replacement.

Steps to Take When You Have a Lost Aligner

A lost aligner is frustrating, but it’s more common than you might think. The key is to act quickly to minimize delays in your orthodontic treatment. When you realize your aligner is missing:

  • Retrace your steps and check common places like your bathroom, car, or gym bag
  • Call Aer Dental Studio at (828) 665-7000 as soon as possible
  • Be prepared to tell us which aligner number you’ve lost and how long you’ve been wearing it
  • Follow our guidance on whether to wear your previous or next set of aligners

How We Help You Replace a Lost Clear Aligner

When you need to replace a lost clear aligner, Dr. Martins will evaluate your specific situation. If you’ve been wearing your current aligner for most of the recommended time period, we might suggest moving forward to the next set. However, if you’ve only worn it for a few days, going back to your previous aligner might be the better option to maintain your progress toward a healthy, straightened smile.

In some cases, we may need to order a replacement aligner. We’ll work efficiently to minimize any disruption to your treatment timeline and ensure your teeth continue moving in the right direction.

Prevention Tips for Future Success

While knowing what to do if an aligner breaks is important, preventing these situations is even better:

  • Always store your aligners in their protective case when not wearing them
  • Keep your case in the same spot at home to establish a routine
  • Never wrap aligners in napkins or tissues
  • Remove aligners before eating or drinking anything other than water
  • Handle aligners gently when inserting or removing them
  • Consider keeping your previous set as a backup when traveling

We’re Here to Help

At Aer Dental Studio in Candler, NC, we understand that life happens. Whether you’re dealing with a broken aligner or need to replace a lost clear aligner, our team is ready to support you. The most important thing is to contact us promptly so we can keep your treatment on track. Call us at (828) 665-7000, and we’ll guide you through the next steps to ensure your smile journey continues smoothly.