Invisible braces are a great alternative to traditional braces for people who want to skip the uncomfortable, unattractive metal wiring. They are a favorite of teens and adults who want to achieve their perfect smile with a little more subtlety. Invisalign uses a system of removable trays called aligners to move your teeth. All orthodontic appliances can sustain damage and many patients have questions about how durable Invisalign aligners are.
Invisalign trays are not indestructible and have been known to crack on occasion. While this might seem like a cause for panic, a broken aligner tray is not the end of the world. The first thing to do after breaking an Invisalign aligner is inspect the damage. The size and placement of the crack will determine whether or not the aligner is salvageable. If you are unsure about the usability of your broken trays, then it’s time for a trip to the orthodontist.
Can you still wear aligners after they break?
Generally, each aligner set should be worn for about 7 days. Unfortunately, a broken Invisalign aligner can completely disrupt your treatment schedule. If there is only a minor crack in the aligner, you can likely continue wearing the set for the remainder of the 7 days. Nevertheless, not everyone is lucky enough to get away with a small crack.
If the aligner is completely broken, then it’s time to call your orthodontist. Depending on how long you have left on that current set, your orthodontist may recommend simply moving on to the next set. However, if you had just started using the retainer before it broke then you may need to have a replacement tray made.
One more step to a perfect smile
Broken Invisalign aligners are not the only thing to watch out for when using invisible braces. Because the trays are removable, they can be easy to misplace or damage while they are not being worn. Wondering what to do if you lose an Invisalign tray? The answer is simple; call your orthodontist.
Dr. Mario Paz is a talented orthodontist in Marina Del Rey. He and his team are experienced in both traditional and invisible braces and are ready to guide you on your journey to a perfect smile. Book an appointment or a virtual initial consultation to determine whether Invisalign aligners are the best choice for your needs.