Losing or breaking your Invisalign aligners can be frustrating, but don’t worry—you’re not alone. Many people go through similar situations, and the key is knowing how to handle the situation without disrupting your treatment. Whether you've misplaced your aligners or they’ve broken unexpectedly, taking the right steps will ensure your teeth-straightening progress remains on track.

This Invisalign guide will walk you through what to do if you lose or break your aligners.

What to Do If You Lose Your Invisalign Aligners

Follow these steps to prevent delays in your treatment.

1. Stay Calm and Retrace Your Steps

Before assuming your aligners are gone forever, take a deep breath and try to remember where you last had them. Common places where patients lose their aligners include the following:

- Napkins or tissues (many people accidentally throw them away)

- Restaurant tables

- Public restrooms

- Gym lockers

- Pockets or bags

Check these places first before moving forward with the next steps.

2. Wear Your Previous Set If Available

If you still have your last set of aligners, wear those until you get a replacement. This will prevent your teeth from shifting too much.

However, if your previous set no longer fits comfortably or causes pain, don’t force it. Move to the next step instead.

3. Contact Your Orthodontist Right Away

Reaching out to your orthodontist in Winnipeg as soon as possible is crucial. Your orthodontist will assess your situation and provide guidance. Depending on your treatment stage, they may advise you to:

- Wear your previous set

- Move to the next set early

- Order a replacement aligner

If a replacement is necessary, your orthodontist will place an order with Invisalign, which can take a few days to arrive.

What to Do If You Break Your Invisalign Aligners

A broken aligner can impact your progress, so it’s essential to know what to do if this happens.

1. Assess the Damage

First, examine the severity of the break. There are two main types of damage:

- Minor cracks: If your aligner has a small crack but still fits snugly, you might be able to continue wearing it until you speak with your orthodontist.

- Significant breakage: If your aligner is split in half or has large cracks affecting its fit, stop using it immediately.

2. Avoid DIY Fixes

It might be tempting to glue or tape your aligners back together, but this is not recommended. Superglue and other adhesives contain harmful chemicals that could be unsafe for your mouth. Additionally, a repaired aligner may not provide the correct pressure needed for tooth movement.

3. Contact Your Orthodontist for a Solution

As with lost aligners, your orthodontist near you will help determine the best course of action. Depending on the situation, they might suggest:

- Continuing with the cracked aligner, if the damage is minimal

- Switch to your next set if it’s almost time for a new one

- Ordering a replacement aligner if needed

Your orthodontist will decide the best approach to ensure your treatment remains effective.

How to Prevent Invisalign Emergencies

While accidents can happen, there are steps you can take to reduce the risk of losing or breaking your aligners.

1. Always Store Your Aligners in Their Case

One of the most common reasons people lose their aligners is leaving them on a table or wrapping them in a napkin. To avoid this, always use your aligner case when not wearing them.

2. Remove Aligners Carefully

Be gentle when taking your aligners out to avoid cracks or tears. Use both hands and avoid excessive force.

3. Keep a Backup Set if Possible

Some orthodontists provide backup aligners for emergencies. If this option is available, keep them in a safe place.

4. Avoid Chewing on Your Aligners

Chewing on your aligners can cause cracks and damage. If you have a habit of chewing on objects, consider using Invisalign chewies instead.

5. Clean Aligners with Care

Avoid using hot water to clean your aligners, as this can warp the plastic. Stick to lukewarm water and a gentle cleanser.

What Happens If You Don't Replace a Lost or Broken Aligner?

Delaying action after losing or breaking an aligner can have consequences for your treatment:

- Teeth shifting backward – If you go without aligners for too long, your teeth may move back to their original position.

- Treatment delays – Even a few days without aligners can extend your overall treatment time.

- Poor fit of future aligners – If your teeth shift too much, your next set of aligners might not fit properly, requiring adjustments or new trays.

To avoid these issues, contact your orthodontist.

Need Help with Your Invisalign in Winnipeg? Contact Rykiss Orthodontics Today!

If you’ve lost or broken your aligners, don’t panic—help is just a call away! At Rykiss Orthodontics, we specialize in Invisalign treatments and can quickly guide you on the best course of action. Call us today!