What Should You Do If You Lose or Damage Your Clear Aligners?

Clear aligners are a great way to straighten teeth, but accidents happen.

Whatever the reason, losing or damaging aligners is more common than you think. The good news is that there are solutions.

If your clear aligners go missing or break, acting quickly can help keep your treatment on track. Let’s go over what you should do next and how to prevent this from happening again.

If you need expert advice or a replacement set, Smilebliss is here to help you stay on course with your treatment.

How Do Aligners Get Lost or Damaged?

Even when you’re careful, clear aligners can be misplaced or broken in ways you wouldn’t expect. Here are some common reasons:

• Forgetting them at a restaurant – Wrapping aligners in a napkin while eating often leads to lost aligners.
• Not using an aligner case – Leaving aligners loose in a pocket or bag increases the risk of damage.
• Pets chewing on them – Dogs love the smell of aligners and may mistake them for a chew toy.
• Dropping or stepping on them – Aligners are durable but can crack under pressure.
• Exposing them to heat – Drinking hot beverages or rinsing aligners in hot water can warp them, affecting the fit.

If any of these happen, don’t panic. There are ways to fix the situation and avoid delays in your treatment.

What Happens If You Lose or Break Your Aligners?

Clear aligners work by gradually shifting teeth, so missing even a few days can impact progress. Here’s what might happen if your aligners go missing or break:

• Your teeth may start shifting  – Without aligners, your teeth might move out of place, affecting your treatment plan.
• Your next set may not fit properly – Skipping ahead can cause discomfort if your teeth aren’t ready for the next stage.
• Delays in your treatment – Missing aligners for too long can slow progress and require extra adjustments.

To avoid these issues, you’ll need to act quickly and decide whether to wear a previous aligner, move to the next set, or get a replacement aligner.

What Should You Do If You Lose or Break Your Aligners?

If your clear aligners are lost or damaged, don’t try to force your next set on without guidance. Instead, follow these steps to keep your treatment moving forward.

Check If You Still Have Your Previous Set

If you kept your previous aligner, wear it to prevent your teeth from shifting while you figure out the next step. This helps hold everything in place until you get a replacement aligner or are ready for the next set.

Examine the Damage

If your clear aligners are cracked but still wearable, you can continue using them temporarily. However, if they are split in half or warped, they won’t provide the necessary tooth movement.

Contact Your Orthodontist Right Away

It’s important to contact your orthodontist to discuss whether you should move forward to the next set or get a replacement. They will provide guidance based on your treatment progress.

Avoid Skipping to the Next Set on Your Own

Skipping ahead before your teeth are ready can result in poor fit, discomfort, or improper movement. Always confirm with your orthodontist before switching aligners.

Do You Need a Replacement Aligner?

Not every case requires a replacement aligner. Whether you need one depends on where you are in your aligner cycle:

• If you just started wearing your current set (1-3 days in): You’ll likely need a replacement aligner because your teeth haven’t moved enough yet.
• If you’re close to switching (10+ days in): You may be able to move to the next set of aligners, depending on fit and comfort.

Verifying if you need new aligners can take a few days to a week, so wearing your previous set during this time helps maintain progress.

Can You Move to the Next Set?

Moving forward without skipping steps is important. If you’ve been wearing your aligners for nearly two weeks, you might be able to switch early.

However, if your new aligners don’t fit properly or feel extremely tight, your teeth may not be ready. If this happens, go back to the previous aligner and check with your provider.

How Can You Prevent Losing or Damaging Your Aligners?

While accidents happen, there are simple steps to prevent lost or damaged clear aligners:

• Always use an aligner case – Keep your aligners in their case when you’re not wearing them to avoid losing them.
• Store them away from pets – Dogs and cats are often drawn to aligners, so store them somewhere safe.
• Avoid drinking hot beverages – Heat can warp aligners, making them unwearable. Always remove your aligners before drinking anything hot.
• Handle aligners carefully – Avoid bending, twisting, or biting down too hard when putting them in.
• Brush and floss before wearing aligners – Maintaining oral hygiene prevents plaque buildup, which can cause discomfort and poor fit.

By following these habits, you can keep your clear aligners in great shape and avoid unnecessary delays.

Smilebliss Can Help Keep Your Treatment on Track

Losing or damaging a clear aligner can feel stressful, but it doesn’t have to derail your progress. 

If you’re not sure what to do next, Smilebliss is here to help. We provide guidance, replacement options, and adjustments to keep your treatment moving forward.

Whether you need a replacement tray, advice on switching to your next set, or a consultation, we’ve got you covered. Contact us today to stay on track with your aligner treatment!