It’s a moment that can make your heart sink: you’re taking out your Invisalign aligner, and you notice a crack. Don’t worry, this is a more common issue than you might think, and it’s usually not a major setback. While a cracked aligner can be frustrating, knowing what to do immediately can prevent any disruption to your treatment plan.
The First Steps: Assess the Situation
The key to handling a cracked aligner is to stay calm and assess the severity of the crack. Not all cracks are created equal.
Is It a Small Crack or a Break?
- Minor Crack: A small, hairline crack, often at the edge of the aligner or near a tooth. If the aligner still fits snugly and holds its shape, it might be okay to continue wearing it for a short time.
- Significant Break: A major crack that causes a piece of the aligner to break off or makes the aligner lose its shape and no longer fit properly. If the aligner is broken in a way that it can’t apply the necessary pressure to your teeth, you should stop wearing it immediately.
If you are unsure about the severity of the crack, the safest option is to stop wearing it. For expert advice and to determine the best course of action, a good resource is the American Association of Orthodontists website. They offer a wealth of information on orthodontic care and what to do in various situations.
The Do’s and Don’ts of a Cracked Aligner
What to Do Immediately:
- Contact Your Orthodontist: This is the most important step. As soon as you notice the crack, call your orthodontist’s office. They are the only ones who can give you the proper advice for your specific situation.
- Follow Their Instructions: Your orthodontist will tell you what to do next. This might involve moving to your next set of aligners, or they might have you go back to your previous set.
- Keep the Broken Aligner: Even if it’s broken, hold on to the aligner. Your orthodontist may want to see it to understand what happened and assess the best way forward.
What NOT to Do:
- Don’t try to fix it yourself: Using superglue or any other adhesive is a bad idea. These materials are not meant for oral use and can contain toxic chemicals.
- Don’t force it back on: If the aligner is significantly broken or warped, forcing it onto your teeth could cause pain or even damage your teeth.
- Don’t stop wearing an aligner without consulting your orthodontist: If you have to stop wearing a cracked aligner, you need to follow your doctor’s advice on what to wear in its place. Not wearing an aligner for a prolonged period can cause your teeth to shift back, which could prolong your treatment.
Common Reasons for a Cracked Aligner
Understanding why an aligner might crack can help you prevent it from happening again.
Handling and Removal
The most common cause of a cracked aligner is improper handling. When removing your aligners, it’s important to be gentle. Avoid using your teeth to bite them out or pulling too hard from one side. Instead, use your fingers to gently loosen the aligner from the back molars on both sides before working your way to the front. You can find a helpful tutorial on proper removal techniques on the official Invisalign website.
Biting and Chewing
While you should always remove your aligners before eating or drinking anything other than water, sometimes people forget or take a quick sip of a colored beverage. Biting down on something hard with your aligners in, or even clenching your jaw, can place undue stress on the plastic and cause it to crack.
Teeth Grinding (Bruxism)
If you’re a teeth grinder, either during the day or at night, the constant pressure can put a strain on your aligners. If you suspect you grind your teeth, discuss this with your orthodontist, as they may have a solution or want to monitor your aligners more closely.
What’s Next? Getting Back on Track
Once you’ve contacted your orthodontist, they will guide you through the next steps.
- Jump to the Next Aligner: If you are at the end of your current wearing period (for example, on day 12 of a 14-day cycle) and the next aligner fits properly, your orthodontist might instruct you to move on early.
- Revert to the Previous Aligner: If you’ve just started your current aligner, your orthodontist may have you go back to the previous set to prevent your teeth from shifting.
- Order a Replacement: If you’re early in your wearing cycle and the next aligner doesn’t fit, your orthodontist will likely order a replacement for the cracked aligner. This process is often quick, but it may add a few days to your treatment time.
It’s important to remember that these are just general guidelines. The advice you get from your orthodontist will be tailored to your specific treatment plan. You can also explore information about the different stages of the Invisalign process on the Invisalign Doctor Site for a deeper understanding of how the system works.
A cracked Invisalign aligner is a minor hiccup, not a roadblock. By acting quickly and following your orthodontist’s advice, you can ensure your journey to a perfect smile stays on track.