What to do in an aligner emergency
Running into a problem with your aligners? Don't panic — most issues are straightforward to manage at home. Here's what to do for the most common aligner emergencies.
Lost aligner
What to do:
Wear your previous set of aligners to prevent your teeth from shifting back — do not leave your teeth without any aligner
Move on to the next set of your aligners, but wear it for double the duration
Cracked or broken aligner
What to do:
If the aligner is still wearable and not causing injury, continue wearing it
If it has a sharp edge that is cutting your cheek or tongue, remove it and wear your previous set
If the tray cannot be worn anymore, move on to the next set of aligners (but wear it for double the duration)
Aligner doesn't fit properly
What to do:
Do not force it — forcing an ill-fitting aligner can cause unwanted tooth movement
Check that you have the correct aligner for the correct arch (upper vs lower) and the correct number in the sequence
If you have been wearing the previous set for less time than prescribed, go back and wear it for the full recommended duration before moving on
If the aligner still doesn't fit after wearing the previous set correctly, contact your dentist - you may need a rescan or refinement
Attachments have fallen off
Attachments are small tooth-coloured bumps bonded to your teeth to help the aligners grip and move teeth more precisely.
What to do:
Do not panic — losing an attachment occasionally is not an emergency
Continue wearing your aligners as normal
Inform your dentist at your next appointment and they will replace it
If multiple attachments fall off, contact your dentist sooner as this may affect your treatment progress
Aligner causing significant pain or cutting your mouth
What to do:
Remove the aligner and check for any rough or sharp edges
Use a clean nail file to very gently smooth any rough edges on the aligner trim line
If the pain is severe or there is significant injury to your gum or cheek, contact your dentist
Forgot to wear aligners for several days
What to do:
Do not immediately jump to your next set — your teeth may have shifted back slightly
Go back to the previous set for a few days first to re-align your teeth
Contact your dentist if you are unsure — they will advise you on the best course of action
Try not to let this happen again — consistency is everything with aligner treatment!
💡 Dr Watt's tip: Always keep your previous set of aligners — never throw them away until you have successfully moved on to the next set. They are your safety net in case of any emergency! 😊
