What to Do If You Lose or Break Your Invisalign Aligner
Don’t Panic: First Steps to Take If Your Aligner Is Missing
Losing an Invisalign aligner can feel frustrating, but you’re not alone. Take a deep breath and retrace your steps. Check places like your bathroom counter, bag, desk, or napkins. Aligners often get thrown away by mistake.
Before assuming it’s gone, search carefully:
- Look through recent trash or recycling
- Check under your bed, car seats, and lunch containers
- Ask anyone who might’ve helped clean up
If you still can’t find it, call your dentist right away.
Contact Your Dentist or Orthodontist Right Away
Once you’re sure the aligner is lost or unusable, reach out to your Invisalign provider. Dental offices like Des Moines Cosmetic Dentistry Center help patients with this every day. Some Invisalign plans include a few free replacements, while others may require a new one to be ordered.
Typical replacement time: 3 to 10 business days, depending on the case.
Act quickly to avoid delays in your treatment.
Note: This content is for general informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional dental advice.
What to Wear While You Wait for a Replacement Tray
Your dentist will tell you which aligner to wear next. Don’t guess on your own.
They might recommend:
- Wearing your previous tray to hold your progress
- Switching to the next tray if you’re near the end of your current phase
- Wearing a backup aligner if one is available
Switching aligners too early or skipping steps can slow progress or cause discomfort.
Can You Still Wear a Cracked or Broken Aligner?
If your aligner is cracked but still fits:
- Continue wearing it only if it’s comfortable
- Be gentle inserting and removing it
- Avoid chewing or grinding while wearing it
If it’s badly cracked or no longer fits, stop using it. Contact your provider for further steps.
Temporary fix: If the edge is rough, use a clean nail file to smooth it gently. Do not reshape the aligner.
What Happens If You Skip a Tray or Delay Treatment?
Aligners work by applying gentle, steady pressure to move your teeth. If you skip a tray or don’t wear one long enough:
- Your teeth may begin to shift backward
- Your next tray may not fit properly
- You could extend your overall treatment time
To stay on track, always follow your provider’s instructions and never skip or pause treatment without approval.
Easy Ways to Prevent Lost or Broken Aligners
Once your treatment resumes, take extra steps to protect your aligners:
- Always store aligners in a case when not in use
- Never wrap trays in napkins or place them loosely on surfaces
- Keep a spare case in your purse, backpack, or car
- Remove aligners with both hands to avoid bending
- Avoid chewing on your trays
Traveling? Bring an Invisalign travel kit:
- Current and previous trays
- Aligner case
- Toothbrush and paste
- Clear hand soap for cleaning
Ask your provider if you should carry a backup tray on longer trips.
What NOT to Do If You Lose or Break an Aligner
- Do not wait days before calling your dentist
- Do not try to skip ahead without permission
- Do not try to glue, tape, or patch the aligner
- Do not continue using a cracked tray if it causes pain
Lost or Broken Invisalign Tray? It’s Fixable
Missing or broken aligners can feel like a setback, but they’re very common, and easy to fix if you act quickly.
Steps to take:
- Look thoroughly
- Call your dentist
- Wear your last or next tray as advised
- Use your case every time you take them out
Stephen Forrest, DDS and our team at Des Moines Cosmetic Dentistry Center are ready to help you stay on track with your smile goals. Contact us if you have any questions regarding Invisalign.
