What happens if your clear aligner cracks or doesn’t fit right, but you don’t have an appointment for two weeks? What should you do? For Lincoln, NE residents, here’s a quick list of your best next steps:
- Stop wearing the aligner right away
- Switch to your previous aligner if you have it
- Don’t try to fix the broken aligner!
- Call Antelope Creek Family Dentistry for guidance
Let’s explore what causes aligner issues, how to handle a broken one, what to do if your aligner doesn’t fit, and some tips for keeping your aligners safe from damage.
What Causes Aligner Problems?
The most common aligner issue happens all the time. You’re eating lunch with friends at a restaurant, and you set your aligner on a napkin while you eat. The server picks it up to toss it when they clear the table. Here are some other ways that aligners get damaged:
- Leaving them in a hot car (causing the plastic to warp)
- Forcing them in and out of your mouth too quickly
- Grinding your teeth at night
- Accidentally eating or chewing gum while wearing them
- Leaving them where your pets can get them
If one of these unfortunate events does happen, there are steps you can take to remedy the situation.
How to Handle a Broken Aligner
Let’s say you drop your aligner and step on it. An ominous cracking noise emanates from under your foot. Here’s what you should do. First, check your aligner for damage. Look for cracks, breaks, or sharp edges. Very carefully run your finger along the aligner to check for any rough spots or sharp edges. Only wear it if your aligner looks and feels totally normal.
Second, call your dentist. They will tell you what to do next. They might have you get a new aligner, resume wearing your old one, or progress to the next one. It depends on where you are in your treatment process.
Third, don’t lose your progress, if possible. Wear your previous aligner if the current one is too broken to wear.
What to Do When Your Aligner Doesn’t Fit
You put your new aligner in, and it doesn’t feel quite right. It feels too tight, too loose, or it’s damaged. Maybe heat warped the plastic and changed its shape. Maybe a piece of the aligner is digging into your gums. If something doesn’t feel right, call your dentist before you try to force it onto your teeth. Forcing an aligner to fit can hurt your teeth or gums. If you’re unsure, please call your dentist.
Quick Tips for Protecting Your Aligners
In the future, make a point always to put your aligners in their case every single time you take them out of your mouth. Make it a habit so that you don’t even have to think about it. Use both hands when you take them out, and remove them gently; no yanking! Keep them away from hot liquids, sunny windowsills, and out of hot cars. Tell your dentist if you grind your teeth. These tips should help you avoid aligner issues.
Need Aligner Help? Give Us a Call!
Cracked or damaged aligners can happen. The team at Antelope Creek Family Dentistry is ready to help Lincoln, NE, patients deal with any aligner issues they’re experiencing. Please call (402) 486-1200 if you have any questions or concerns about your aligners. We’d love to help.