Clear aligner treatment generally progresses smoothly, but as with any treatment, unexpected situations can occasionally arise. Having your aligner crack, break, or get lost somehow can be both worrying and raise the question, “What happens now?” In this article, we explain the steps to take if you encounter such a situation, and what to keep in mind so your treatment doesn’t fall behind schedule.

First, Don’t Panic

A broken or lost aligner doesn’t mean your treatment is starting over or that irreversible damage has occurred. These situations are common, manageable hiccups in orthodontic treatment. What matters most is following the right steps without wasting time.

What Should You Do If Your Aligner Cracks or Breaks?

1. Assess the Extent of the Damage

Is it a small crack, or has part of the aligner completely broken off? This determines what step to take next.

2. Keep Wearing It If Possible

If the crack is minor and the aligner still fits properly in your mouth, you can continue wearing it until you reach your orthodontist. However, if sharp edges are irritating your cheek or tongue, be sure to mention this when you contact your clinic.

3. Watch Out for Sharp or Poking Edges

If the broken aligner has a sharp edge causing irritation to soft tissue, you can apply orthodontic wax as a temporary measure.

4. Contact Your Orthodontist

Regardless of the extent of the damage, it’s important to contact your clinic as soon as possible. Your orthodontist will assess whether you can continue with the current aligner or whether you need to switch to the previous or next set.

What Should You Do If Your Aligner Is Lost?

1. Note How Long It’s Been Out

How long your aligner has been out is important information, as it relates to the risk of your teeth shifting back (relapse).

2. Temporarily Wear Your Previous Set

If you still have your previous aligner set and it’s still usable, wearing it temporarily until you reach your orthodontist can help your teeth maintain their current position. It’s best to check with your orthodontist about this as well.

3. Notify Your Orthodontist Without Delay

Producing a replacement for a lost aligner can take time, so reporting the situation early minimizes any potential delay to your treatment timeline.

What Options Does Your Orthodontist Typically Consider?

Depending on the situation, your orthodontist may recommend one of the following:

• Continuing with the current set: If the damage is minor and tooth movement isn’t yet complete.
• Moving to the next set: If enough time has already been spent on the current set and tooth movement is largely complete.
• Remaking the lost or broken aligner: Especially if the loss or significant damage occurs in the early stages, the same set may need to be remade.
• Taking a new scan: If the aligner has been out for an extended period and there’s noticeable concern about tooth shifting, a fresh digital scan may be needed to reassess the situation.

How Can You Prevent These Situations?

• Always store it in its case: Never wrap your aligner in a napkin and leave it on a table when you take it out — this is the most common cause of loss and accidental disposal.
• Keep a case with you when eating out: When removing your aligner at a restaurant, always carry your case with you rather than temporarily wrapping it in a napkin.
• Keep it away from pets: Aligners left out in the open run the risk of being chewed on by pets.
• Avoid exposure to heat: Hot water or high temperatures, such as inside a car’s glove compartment, can warp the aligner — another common cause of damage.
• Hold onto your previous and next sets: In case you lose or break your current set, don’t throw away your previously used set right away — it can serve as a temporary backup.

Conclusion

A broken or lost aligner can feel stressful, but these situations don’t derail your treatment — they’re easily managed with quick, proper communication. The most important step, whatever happens, is to let your orthodontist know as soon as possible and wait for their guidance rather than deciding on your own.

At Dr. Murat Kaptaç’s clinic, we provide our patients with prompt support for these kinds of unexpected situations that can arise during treatment.

If you have an issue with your aligner, contact us right away.