What Happens if You Lose or Break an Invisalign Aligner?

Invisalign treatment is designed to be flexible, discreet, and highly effective - but life happens. Whether an aligner is accidentally thrown away with a napkin at lunch, a pet decides it looks like a chew toy, or it simply cracks after weeks of use, many patients wonder what to do next. If you’re undergoing Invisalign in Marlborough, MA, Paglia Family Dental is here to help you handle these situations quickly and correctly so you can stay on track with your smile transformation.
 

Don’t Panic

Losing or breaking an Invisalign aligner is more common than you might think. Invisalign trays are designed to be worn for about 1-2 weeks, so minor mishaps happen. What matters most is how quickly you take the right steps to protect your treatment progress.
 

Check If You Can Use Your Previous Aligner

If you still have your last set of aligners and they fit comfortably, you may be able to wear those temporarily. This helps maintain your tooth position and prevents backtracking until we determine the best next step. If your previous aligner feels tight, uncomfortable, or doesn’t fully seat on your teeth, don’t force it. Just give our office a call.
 

Move Forward Only If Advised

Some patients wonder if they can simply move on to the next tray early. Although this may work in certain cases, it can also cause discomfort, poor aligner tracking, or unwanted tooth movement. Before advancing to the next tray, contact Paglia Family Dental so our team can confirm whether it’s appropriate for your case.
 

Contact Paglia Family Dental Right Away

Whenever an aligner goes missing or breaks, the safest course of action is to notify us. As your providers of Invisalign in Marlborough, MA, we can determine whether you should:

• Wear the previous set

• Move ahead to the next set

• Order a replacement aligner

Replacement trays can usually be made quickly, but the sooner we get the process started, the less likely your treatment will be delayed.
 

Avoid DIY Fixes

It may be tempting to try taping, gluing, or adjusting a cracked aligner at home, but altering a tray can affect how your teeth move. This can result in discomfort or slow down your treatment. Always let us evaluate the situation before attempting any fixes.
 

Prevent Future Mishaps

You can reduce the risk of losing or damaging aligners by following a few simple habits:

• Always place aligners in their protective case whenever they aren’t in your mouth.

• Keep cases away from pets - they love to chew them.

• Avoid wrapping aligners in napkins, which often leads to accidental disposal.

• Clean aligners gently to avoid cracking.

These small steps make a big difference in keeping your treatment moving smoothly.
 

Get Back on Track With Your Invisalign Treatment

Losing or breaking an Invisalign aligner can be stressful, but it doesn’t need to throw off your entire orthodontic plan. With quick action and guidance from our dental team, you can stay on track toward a straighter, healthier smile. Whether you need help with a missing tray, a replacement aligner, or questions about your next steps, our team is here to support you every step of the way.
 

If you’ve lost or damaged an Invisalign aligner, contact Paglia Family Dental to get back on track quickly and keep your smile journey moving forward. Visit our office in Marlborough, Massachusetts, or call (508) 485-2235 today.