Categories: Invisalign

What To Do if You Lose or Break an Invisalign Retainer

Many people have chosen to use Invisalign® retainers to correct dental issues and improve smiles. One of the perks of this type of treatment is the structure of the aligners. Invisalign® retainers are removable and thin. Because of this, the trays can sometimes fall out and get lost, cracked or broken. Here are some options for action if a retainer has become misplaced or compromised.

Assess the damage                                                                                               

Each case is different. Sometimes, cracked aligners are still wearable. Examine the damage carefully to make a wise decision on how to proceed.

Crack

Unless the crack has split the tray, it is most likely fine to continue wearing it. In many cases, an aligner will still hold together fairly well even with a minor crack. Be sure to use caution when inserting and removing the retainer since these actions can cause a crack or tear to worsen.

Split

When the aligner is split in such a way that even slight bending causes it to alter its shape, the tray should not be worn. Wearing it will no longer provide any benefits. Also, immediately discontinue use of an aligner completely split into more than one piece. A retainer in this condition may have rough edges that can scratch the mouth or gums. Under no circumstances should any form of glue be used to attempt to repair the tray since glue often contains toxic chemicals unfit for the mouth.

Assess the timeframe

There are different courses of action to take depending on how much time is left on the damaged or lost aligner.

Switch retainers

If the retainer had less than three days left, the typical recommendation is to begin using the next scheduled one. Because this subsequent aligner will have a different structure to continue moving the teeth, it may feel a bit awkward at first. Be careful not to force the next tray on, however, as this can cause it to break as well. It is unwise to begin the next aligner more than three days early since attempting to move the teeth too quickly can cause root loss and other complications.

Replace the retainers

When the missing or damaged retainers were supposed to be worn for more than one additional week, it may be prudent to order replacements. Dentists generally know the patient's present stage of treatment and can reorder the current aligner. Because it can take up to two weeks to get a replacement tray, it typically makes sense to use the previous aligner until the new one arrives. This prevents the teeth from shifting too much and reversing progress.

Conclusion

Invisalign® retainers can become broken or lost and may need replacement. Because the effectiveness of the treatment relies on the functionality of the aligners, it is important to know what to do when they are misplaced or damaged. Correctly assessing the problem and the timeframe can be critical to making the right decision on when to continue wearing the trays, when to switch to the next pair and when to reorder them.

Are you considering Invisalign® in the Huntsville area? Get more information at https://www.yourhuntsvilledentist.com.

Check out what others are saying about our services on Yelp: Read our Yelp reviews.

Recent Posts

Endodontics Aftercare Steps

Endodontics is a branch of dentistry that deals with the tissue inside teeth, also known as the dental pulp. Endodontic treatment is used to treat dental infections, tooth decay, and tooth damage. Patients need to pay extra attention and care after undergoing an endodontic procedure. The steps taken during the recovery period are important because…

Invisalign Clear Aligner Therapy From A General Dentist May Be The Answer For Crooked Teeth Relapse After Braces

Considering Invisalign® after a tooth relapse? In orthodontics, a tooth relapse occurs when the teeth go back to being crooked after braces treatment. When this happens, it can be easy to want to just ignore it and move on; however, oral health and hygiene are both put back at risk when the teeth are crooked.…

Ask An Implant Dentist About Natural Vs. Artificial Teeth

If you are thinking of replacing a lost tooth with dental implants, you will probably have questions for an implant dentist. You may want to know how an artificial tooth compares to a natural tooth. One vital point to note is that implant dentistry seeks to replicate the form and function of natural teeth. However,…

How To Maintain Teeth Whitening At Home

Teeth whitening from a dentist, one of the most popular cosmetic dental treatments, offers a brighter smile in a short amount of time. After a whitening procedure, maintaining the results at home is key to keeping your smile vibrant. With good habits and professional guidance, you can maximize your investment in your radiant new smile.Compared…

René A. Talbot, DDS

Share
Published by
René A. Talbot, DDS

Recent Posts

Endodontics Aftercare Steps

Following endodontic treatment, you must take good care of your teeth. To avoid future issues,…

2 weeks ago

Invisalign Clear Aligner Therapy from a General Dentist May Be the Answer for Crooked Teeth Relapse After Braces

Invisalign® is a form of orthodontic therapy that focuses on straightening crooked or crowding teeth.

3 weeks ago

Ask an Implant Dentist About Natural vs. Artificial Teeth

If you are still deliberating on whether to keep a natural tooth or get an…

1 month ago

How to Maintain Teeth Whitening at Home

Maintaining teeth whitening results at home requires a commitment to good oral hygiene and healthy…

1 month ago

4 Reasons Endodontics Can Improve Your Smile

Endodontics is primarily thought of as restorative treatment, but it can have cosmetic benefits as…

2 months ago

Worker’s Compensation and Veneers for Workplace Dental Injuries

While there are many ways to address dental injuries, a common way happens to be…

2 months ago