If you have been having a problem smiling because of crooked teeth, Invisalign could be your only way out. The clear aligners can straighten your teeth to enable you to smile naturally. However, like all dental solutions, Invisalign aligners may crack or bend because due to a number of reasons.
Most of the time, it happens when you chew with the aligners on. Sometimes, it happens when you forcefully remove the Invisalign from your mouth. It can also happen if the Invisalign accidentally falls and hits a hard surface. The good news is that you shouldn’t panic when faced with such an issue. You just need to approach it wisely. Here are some of the things you need to do:
1. Inspect the Tray
It’s important that you first inspect the Invisalign tray before taking any major decision. Look at the bend or crack to establish the extent of the damage. If it’s a crack, check if the tray is totally split or if the damage is just minor. If the tray is still intact, you can continue wearing the Invisalign until you replace it. If it’s totally split, then you need to consider option two below.
2. Call Your Dentist
This option applies to Invisalign aligners that are not wearable. It relates to a split that’s beyond repair or an extensive bend that interferes with the way you chew or talk. You need to call your dentist to book an appointment for having the Invisalign examined. Actually, there are so many dentists experienced in Invisalign in New York that you can call. The dentist will know what to do depending on the nature of the issue.
3. Wear the Next Set
As you wait to see your dentist, you should remove the damaged Invisalign and wear the next set. This allows you to continue with your life as normal as you wait to have your Invisalign replaced. Ordinarily, you are required to wear a new set of aligners for about 14 days. Therefore, you can wear the new set for the remaining days as you wait to see your dentist. But still, you should be in constant communication with the dentist to ensure you are doing the right thing.
4. Wear the Previous Set
If you have just put on a new set of Invisalign and it happens to break or wrap badly, you may have to wear the previous set. However, you have to ensure that the old set is in good condition. It will buy you some time as you wait to have a new set of aligners custom-made for you. Once a new tray is designed, then you can do away with the old. If you have doubts about the previous set, ask your dentist about it.
5. Don’t Try Fixing
It’s tempting to try to fix the Invisalign when you think that the damage is not serious. Unfortunately, this is not recommended at all. You shouldn’t use glue or any adhesive to fix an Invisalign crack as these chemicals may contain toxic ingredients. If any repair has to be made, it is best left to the dentists. They know how to do it safely.
6. Take Care of the New Set
After you have replaced your Invisalign, you need to take proper care of the new set so that it doesn’t suffer the same fate. You should do the following:
- Don’t chew with the Invisalign. You need to remove it before eating.
- Follow the right oral hygiene practices as recommended by your dentist or Invisalign supplier
- Learn to take out your aligners gently and smoothly to avoid damaging them.
- Always store the aligners in their designated cases to protect them from physical damage.
- Keep the case somewhere where it’s not likely to fall
Clearly, all hope is not lost when your Invisalign is either broken or bent. You still have a few solutions to consider. So, a minor Invisalign damage shouldn’t be the reason why you can’t smile as you use to. However, quality is still critical if you want to get the most out of your Invisalign. High-quality Invisalign aligners are less prone to bending and cracking.