What to Do if Your Aligner Breaks or Goes Missing

Wearing an aligner like Invisalign can be a transformative experience, helping you achieve a straighter smile with minimal disruption to your daily routine. However, accidents can happen. Your aligner might break, or it could go missing altogether. If this happens, don’t panic! There are several steps you can take to ensure your treatment stays on track. Here's a step-by-step guide on what to do if your aligner breaks or goes missing, and how to handle the situation with minimal stress.

Step 1: Stay Calm and Assess the Situation

The first thing to do when you realise your aligner is damaged or missing is to stay calm. While this might feel like a major setback, it’s important to remember that there are options available. Many people experience the occasional hiccup in their treatment, and it’s something that can be resolved with a little patience. If you're in Norwich, reaching out to an Invisalign Norwich specialist can help you find the best course of action and get back on track with your treatment.

Take a moment to assess the situation:

• Is the aligner completely broken, or is it just damaged?
• If it's missing, when was the last time you had it?
• Are you able to find it quickly, or will you need to contact your dentist?

Once you’ve assessed the situation, you’ll be in a better position to figure out what steps to take next.

Step 2: If Your Aligner is Broken

If your aligner has cracked or broken, it’s crucial to act quickly. While a minor crack may not cause much immediate disruption, a broken aligner can affect the fit and progress of your treatment.

What to do is as follows::

• Stop using the broken aligner immediately: Wearing a broken aligner can damage your teeth and gums, and it can also throw off your treatment progress.
• Speak with your Invisalign or orthodontist: Report the damage to your orthodontist as soon as you can. If you’re in Norwich, don’t hesitate to contact an Invisalign Norwich professional who can guide you on the next steps.
• Use your previous aligner if you have it: If you’ve kept your previous aligner as a backup, now is the time to wear it until your new aligner arrives. This can help maintain the pressure on your teeth and prevent them from shifting too far out of place.
• Consider a temporary fix: In some cases, a dental professional might be able to repair the aligner temporarily. This isn’t always possible, but it’s worth asking.
  

Step 3: If Your Aligner is Missing

Although losing your aligner may cause further anxiety, there are still steps you may do to maintain the course of your treatment. 

1. Retrace your steps: Think back to when you last used your aligner. Check your pockets, bags, or anywhere you might have placed it. It’s often easy to forget where you last put it.
2. Contact your orthodontist: If you can’t find the aligner, reach out to your orthodontist immediately. In some cases, they may suggest that you continue using the previous aligner or adjust your treatment schedule until a replacement can be made.
3. Consider using your previous aligner: If you’re in the middle of a treatment stage, you may be able to wear your last set of aligners to keep things moving forward. This is a temporary fix, but it can prevent your teeth from shifting significantly.
4. Get a replacement aligner: If the aligner is truly gone and you can’t retrieve it, a new aligner will need to be created. This will usually take a bit of time, so it’s essential to act quickly to prevent any treatment delays.

In certain situations, your Invisalign provider may advise you to see a Norwich emergency dentist to get an imprint for a new aligner or for assistance with a rapid correction. Depending on your particular circumstances, they will know the appropriate course of action. 

Step 4: Avoid Future Issues

While accidents can happen, there are a few steps you can take to avoid breaking or losing your aligners in the future.

1. Keep your aligners in a case: When you're not wearing your aligners, always keep them in their protective case.
2. Create a routine for keeping track of them: Develop a habit of placing your aligners in the same spot every time you remove them. Whether it’s a specific drawer, case, or container, consistency will help prevent them from getting lost.
3. Avoid chewing on your aligners: Invisalign aligners are designed to move your teeth gradually, not withstand the pressure of chewing. Avoid chewing on them or putting them in your mouth when you’re not wearing them.
4. Keep backups on hand: If your treatment plan allows it, consider keeping an extra set of aligners as a backup. This way, if something happens to your current set, you won’t be left without an option.
   

Step 5: Keep Your Orthodontist in the Loop

Your orthodontist or dentist is your best resource when it comes to making sure your Invisalign treatment stays on track. If you ever experience an issue with your aligners, whether it’s a broken aligner or a missing one, always keep them in the loop. They’re there to help, and they can guide you through the best solutions for your unique situation. If you're in need of assistance in Norwich, contacting an Invisalign Norwich expert ensures you get tailored advice and quick solutions to avoid any delays in your treatment.If you're based in Norwich and facing an emergency situation, you can also visit an emergency dentist in Norwich who can assess the situation and potentially help you with a temporary fix while awaiting a replacement.

Conclusion

Invisalign treatment offers great flexibility, but like any dental treatment, problems can arise. Whether your aligner is broken or missing, there are solutions available that can keep your treatment on track. Remain composed, evaluate the circumstances, and get in touch with your orthodontist or Invisalign provider right away. Remember, your dentist or orthodontist is there to help you navigate any challenges that come your way.