29
Dec
What Should I Do If I Break or Lose My Invisalign Clear Aligners?
Invisalign treatment in Boca Raton, Florida, is a revolutionary orthodontic system that perfects your smile with removable, nearly invisible aligners. This means you can address crowded, misaligned, or gapped teeth with similar results as metal braces but without the hassle.
Although Invisalign is a groundbreaking orthodontic treatment, what happens if you break or lose your aligner? It’s not the end of life. Dental Care of Boca Raton guides you and ensures an uninterrupted orthodontic experience.
How does Invisalign work?
Invisalign uses a series of clear aligners, usually 18-30, depending on the complexity of your dental issue. The aligners apply gentle yet constant pressure on your teeth, moving them incrementally into a healthier, straighter position over time.Â
Invisalign aligners are worn sequentially, moving from one aligner to the next every two weeks. Each aligner builds on the progress of the previous set. If you misplace or break an aligner, it can set things back, but we’re here to help you stay on course with minimal disruption.
I have lost or broken my aligner—what happens?
If you lose or damage an aligner, don’t ignore it. Even a minor fracture can redirect the tray’s pressure, altering how your teeth move and potentially adding unplanned weeks to your treatment. Always contact your dentist immediately.
Depending on the severity of the damage and where you are in your treatment plan, your Invisalign provider may recommend one of several options:
- Continue with your current aligner: If the crack is minor and does not affect its fit or function, we may advise you to keep wearing it.
- Revert to your previous aligner: This helps maintain progress and prevents your teeth from shifting backward while a replacement is ordered. It’s also why we recommend holding on to your old aligners as a backup in case of loss or damage.
- Switch to your next aligner: If you’re close enough to your scheduled change date, your dentist may move you forward in the sequence.
Losing or damaging your aligner is more common than you think. While it can delay progress, prompt action ensures your treatment stays on track and prevents unnecessary delays.
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How do I prevent aligner damage or loss?
Keeping your aligners strong and healthy ensures a seamless, uninterrupted Invisalign experience. Here are a few tips to protect your aligners from loss or damage.Â
- Handle with care: Most cracks occur during quick or forceful removal, when too much pressure is placed on one corner of the aligner. Be gentle when removing or inserting your aligners.Â
- Proper cleaning: To avoid damage, don’t use hot water or toothpaste to clean your aligners.
- Use the protective case: When your aligners aren’t in your mouth, store them in the provided case. Don’t wrap your aligners in a napkin; they can be mistaken for trash. Also, please don’t put your aligners in your pocket to prevent them from being crushed.Â
- Eating: Never eat or drink anything except water when wearing your aligners. This prevents damage and clouding/staining.Â
Ready to meet your Boca Raton Invisalign dentist?
Do you want a smile upgrade with Invisalign? Or maybe you have issues with your Invisalign aligners? Dental Care of Boca Raton offers the best Invisalign experience. Dial (561) 556-6275 and reserve an appointment with our caring team.Â
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Dr. Erisa Sam
Dr. Erisa Sam is a highly trained Southern California dentist passionate about delivering exceptional care. A graduate of the University of California, Irvine, she continued her dental education at Midwestern University, specializing in cosmetic, general, and laser dentistry. Her numerous awards, including the Digital Dentistry Award and extensive research contributions, showcase her expertise. Dr. Sam is strongly committed to patient welfare, having volunteered in numerous dental outreach programs. Patients can rely on Dr. Sam’s precision and dedication to ensuring they receive the highest quality, personalized dental care.
Dr. Mehulkumar Ardeshana
Dr. Mehulkumar Ardeshana, known as “Dr. A” is a skilled dentist with over a decade of experience, known for his commitment to patient care and advanced dental techniques. He earned his dental degree with honors in India and continued his education at Nova Southeastern University, where he graduated first in his class. Specializing in root canal therapy, cosmetic dentistry, and advanced implantology, Dr. Ardeshana is a member of the American Dental Association and Academy of General Dentistry. His patient-centered philosophy ensures you receive trustworthy, effective, and high-quality care tailored to your needs.
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