Invisalign Damage: What to Do if You Break Your Durable Aligners

Invisalign Damage: What to Do if You Break Your Durable Aligners

As you may already know, Invisalign braces are now one of the most effective and desirable ways to straighten your teeth. Over 25% of orthodontic patients are adults, but adults and teens alike are eager to ditch conventional metal braces for an option that’s ar more subtle and convenient.

Although Invisalign may seem like a miracle to many, the reality is that these aligners aren’t foolproof. In order to do their job, they need to be worn — and handled — properly.

Under normal circumstances, you shouldn’t experience any complications with your Invisalign. But if a patient fails to care for their Invisalign as directed, they may run the risk of damaging the aligners. In today’s post, we’ll briefly discuss how this might occur and what you should do if it happens to you.

Can Invisalign Braces Become Damaged?

Invisalign is extremely durable. However, it is possible for clear aligners to break or become cracked. While it’s relatively rare, it has been known to happen for a variety of reasons.

Fortunately, there are solutions to this issue and it can be easily remedied by your orthodontist. That said, patients need to know how to avoid problems with their aligners and how to address damage if it does occur.

How Can I Prevent Damage to My Aligners?

Invisalign cracks can happen for a few different reasons. One of the most common scenarios involves eating or chewing with your clear aligners still inside your mouth. You should remove your Invisalign braces before eating or drinking anything to avoid this.

Another cause of cracks or other damage is improper placement or removal. Due to repetitive wear and tear, the plastic material can weaken in certain spots. Make sure to talk with your orthodontic professional about the best ways to remove and replace your aligners each time so that you don’t end up putting undue strain on one part of the tray.

If you drop your Invisalign on the ground or it is stepped on, damage can easily occur. You should always place your aligners in their proper case whenever they’re out of your mouth and keep that case in a safe spot. Even if you’re just taking out your aligners to have your morning coffee or to brush your teeth, placing them in their case can protect them from accidental harm.

What Should I Do if My Invisalign Cracks?

No matter the circumstances, it’s a good idea to talk to your orthodontist about any crack or visible damage to your aligners. In some situations, a minor crack may not keep your aligners from doing their job. Since patients need only wear each set of trays for around two weeks, it’s possible that you may be able to continue wearing those trays until it’s time for the next ones. You’ll just need to exercise extreme caution with your aligners in the meantime.

However, more severe cracks or splits may render the aligners unwearable. In those scenarios, you should not attempt to repair the trays yourself. Instead, your orthodontist will come up with a plan depending on how many days you’ve been wearing your current trays.

They might have you start wearing your previous aligners until replacements can be made or they may move you onto your next trays instead. Usually, if you’re within a few days of moving onto your next trays, your orthodontist will give their approval to start early. But if you’re only a few days into your newest set, you may need to use your previous aligners until a replacement is sent to you.

If you care for your Invisalign to the best of your ability and wear them as directed, you shouldn’t experience any issues related to damage. However, even the most durable and reliable orthodontic options can’t be categorized as infallible. If you do notice any damage to your Invisalign braces, be sure to contact your orthodontist immediately to ensure the situation can be remedied in the right way.

dental town magazine