Life happens, and sometimes that means your clear aligner gets damaged or mysteriously disappears. Whether you’ve accidentally stepped on your aligner, your dog decided it looked like a chew toy, or it vanished somewhere between your lunch break and dinner, a lost aligner or broken aligner doesn’t have to derail your entire orthodontic journey. At The Center for Complete Health Dentistry at Wilton, we help patients navigate these situations all the time, and we’re here to guide you through the steps you should take.

What to Do If an Aligner Breaks

First things first: assess the damage. If your clear aligner has a small crack but still fits securely over your teeth, you may be able to continue wearing it until your next scheduled change. However, if the aligner is significantly damaged, has sharp edges, or no longer fits properly, it’s time to stop wearing it.

Here’s what you should do:

  • Contact our office immediately at 203-762-5800 to let Dr. Walter Kostrzewski and our team know about the situation
  • Don’t try to repair it yourself with glue or other adhesives! This can damage your teeth or health and compromise your treatment
  • Move to your previous aligner if the broken one is unwearable, which will help maintain your progress
  • Keep the broken pieces to show us at your appointment so we can determine the next steps

Steps to Replace a Lost Clear Aligner

A lost aligner can be stressful, but there’s a clear protocol to follow. The best approach depends on where you are in your treatment sequence and how long you’ve been wearing that particular aligner.

If You’re Early in Wearing That Aligner

If you’ve only been wearing the lost aligner for a few days, your best bet is usually to return to your previous aligner. This prevents your teeth from shifting back while we work on getting you a replacement.

If You’re Near the End of That Aligner’s Cycle

If you’ve worn the aligner for most of its prescribed time (typically 10–14 days for most clear aligner systems), you might be able to move forward to the next aligner in your sequence. However, you should never make this decision on your own. Always call us first at 203-762-5800.

Prevention Tips for the Future

While we can always help you replace lost clear aligner trays or repair your treatment plan, prevention is always the best approach:

  • Always use your aligner case when eating or drinking anything other than water
  • Establish a routine for where you place your aligners at home
  • Keep your case with you rather than wrapping aligners in napkins (a common way they get thrown away)
  • Handle aligners carefully when removing them to avoid cracking or bending
  • Keep pets away from your aligners! They’ll quickly become a chew toy

We’re Here to Help

At The Center for Complete Health Dentistry at Wilton, Dr. Walter Kostrzewski understands that accidents happen during orthodontic treatment. The most important thing you can do when dealing with a broken aligner or lost aligner is to contact us right away. We’ll assess your specific situation and create a plan to keep your clear aligner treatment on track.

Don’t let a minor setback stress you out or delay your beautiful new smile. Give us a call at 203-762-5800, and we’ll help you get back on course quickly and efficiently.