Occasionally during Invisalign treatment, you may encounter some minor issues. Here’s what to do in the most common instances.
Crack in Aligner
In most cases, having cracks in your Invisalign isn’t a huge cause for concern. If you do notice some damage on the surface, you should take extra care in how you handle them, particularly when you’re putting them in or removing them. A good rule of thumb is to remove the aligners using the side that’s opposite to the crack.
Continue wearing your aligners as directed if you’re able to. If the crack becomes worse, please contact us immediately so we can assess where you’re at and get your treatment plan back on track. In some cases, we may order you a replacement aligner, or decide you’ve progressed enough and have you move on to the next set.
Sharp Edges on Aligner
When you switch to a new set of aligners, you may notice a sharp edge or two along the border of your Invisalign. These sharp edges can be uncomfortable, and irritate your cheeks, gums, and tongue.
Carefully use a new, clean nail file to shave down these edges just a little bit at a time. Put your aligners back in to check your progress, and shave down more as needed if you still feel irritation.
Make sure to use caution when filing down these spots. Shaving down too much has the potential to distort or warp the shape of your aligners and affect the accuracy of your treatment plan. If you don’t feel comfortable going ahead with this step, you can always contact us to have these areas adjusted.
If you’ve developed an ulcer in your mouth due to the sharp edges rubbing against your gums, you can rinse with warm salt water to minimize pain and risk of infection. If any pain or discomfort persists, please give us a call so we can book you an appointment.
Stained Aligner
Stained or discolored aligners don't constitute an emergency, however the discoloration may be a sign that your clear aligners aren’t being cleaned properly or often enough, which can create oral health issues for you if the problem persists. When bacteria and food particles get trapped and pressed against your teeth and gums, you’re risking developing cavities and halitosis (bad breath).
To avoid staining, remember to clean your aligners daily with a soft-bristled toothbrush, lukewarm water, and soap. Avoid eating or drinking anything other than water with your aligners in place to avoid staining, and the possibility of tooth decay.
Lost Aligner
If you do lose one of your aligners, you can act quickly to keep yourself and your treatment plan on track. Find your most recent set and wear those until we can advise you how to proceed. Contact us and one of our team members will see how far along you are in your treatment and may recommend you switch to your next set.
Broken Attachment or Button
Contact us to let us know that an attachment or button has come off, but continue to wear your aligners. Depending on the attachment/button it may need to be replaced prior to your next appointment, or we may wait and assess it at that time.
