AUEmergency Guide: What to Do If You Lose or Break Your Aligners
Losing or breaking your aligners can be a stressful experience, especially if you’re in the middle of your orthodontic treatment. Aligners play a critical role in gradually shifting your teeth into their ideal positions, and any disruption can impact your progress. Whether it slipped into the garbage, got chewed by a pet, or cracked while eating (which you shouldn’t be doing with them in!), accidents happen. The important thing is to act quickly and smartly.
This guide will walk you through exactly what to do if you find yourself without your aligners, so you can minimize setbacks and stay on track with your smile transformation.
Step 1: Stay Calm and Don’t Panic
The first and most important step is to take a deep breath. While losing or breaking your aligners can feel like a major setback, the good news is that it’s usually fixable. Most aligner treatment plans come with a backup strategy and flexibility built-in. Acting quickly, rather than panicking, will give you the best chance at minimizing disruption to your treatment.
Step 2: Identify Where You Are in Your Treatment
Take note of which set of aligners you were using when the mishap occurred. Were you wearing:
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Your current active aligners (the set you’re supposed to be using for this phase)?
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Your previous set?
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A new set that you just started?
This detail will help determine your next best move. Your treatment plan is designed in stages, so the solution depends largely on where you are in that process.
Step 3: Check for Damage or Wear
If your aligners are broken but not completely unusable, inspect the damage:
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Minor cracks: If the aligners still fit well and aren’t cutting into your gums, you may be able to wear them temporarily until a replacement arrives.
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Major damage: If they’re broken in half, warped, or no longer fit properly, discontinue use to avoid injury or unintended tooth movement.
Never try to glue or tape your aligners back together. This can lead to an improper fit or introduce harmful substances into your mouth.
Step 4: Go Back to Your Previous Set (If Necessary)
If your current aligners are completely lost or broken and you're unable to get a replacement right away, wear your previous set. This will help maintain your teeth in their most recent position and prevent them from shifting back.
Only do this if your previous aligners still fit comfortably. This is usually a safe, temporary solution until you can get the next step in your treatment.
Step 5: Do NOT Skip Ahead to the Next Set (Unless Advised)
You might think jumping to the next set is a good idea, especially if you were near the end of your current phase. However, this can be risky. Advancing to the next stage too early may result in poor alignment, discomfort, or even damage to your teeth.
Only proceed to the next aligners if you’ve worn your current set for the recommended number of days (usually 10–14) and the fit of the next aligners is comfortable. Ideally, get confirmation from your provider before making this decision.
Step 6: Contact Your Orthodontic Provider Immediately
Once you’ve assessed the situation, reach out to your orthodontic provider as soon as possible. They may:
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Order a replacement aligner
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Recommend using a previous or next set
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Adjust your treatment timeline accordingly
Delaying contact could lead to longer-term setbacks or more complex corrections later. Quick communication can help keep your treatment smooth and effective.
Step 7: Protect Your Teeth in the Meantime
If you can’t wear any aligners due to damage or loss, try to:
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Avoid hard or sticky foods
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Practice excellent oral hygiene
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Wear a retainer (if previously given and approved for use)
This helps maintain the progress you've made and keeps your teeth as stable as possible until you're back on track.
Step 8: Prevent Future Aligners Emergencies
Accidents are often preventable. Here are a few ways to safeguard your aligners moving forward:
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Always use your case: When not wearing them, store your aligners in their designated case. This reduces the chance of misplacing or damaging them.
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Keep them away from pets: Dogs, in particular, love to chew on aligners.
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Avoid eating with aligners in: Not only can this damage them, but it also compromises their hygiene.
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Rinse and clean daily: A regular cleaning routine helps keep them clear and intact.
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Carry your last set when traveling: If you’re on the go and lose your current pair, having a backup can save you from trouble.
Final Thoughts
Losing or breaking your aligners doesn’t have to derail your smile journey. By staying calm, taking immediate action, and contacting your provider, you can minimize the impact and continue progressing toward your dream smile. Aligners are designed with a degree of flexibility, and with the right steps, any temporary hiccup can be corrected without major setbacks.
Remember, your commitment to the treatment is just as important as the aligners themselves. Stay informed, stay prepared, and most importantly—stay smiling!
