Clear aligners are made from durable material, but it is possible for them to break.
Clear aligners are made from clear, BPA-free plastic, which is very strong and durable. Although the material is made to last, the reality is that accidents can happen and clear aligners can be damaged from time to time. Read on to find out how to take proper care of your aligners to minimise the risk of damage, and what to do if they do break…
How should you take care of your clear aligners?
Clear aligners are made from a flexible but strong plastic, which means that it is quite unlikely that they will break. That said, there are a few things you can do to make sure that your aligners stay in good condition throughout the course of your treatment.
It is very important that you remove your aligners every time that you eat. The force and pressure exerted by biting and chewing can cause some serious damage. When you take out your aligners, rinse them with lukewarm water — hot water can cause them to warp.
Whenever you are not wearing your aligners, it is advisable that you store them in a protective case to avoid damage. When cleaning them, never use abrasive products and always handle them with care. Chat to your orthodontist about the best products to use for cleaning as there are certain cleaners that are specially formulated for clear aligners.
What should you do if your aligners break?
Ideally, you should try to maintain the condition of your clear aligners as best you can. Replacing broken or damaged aligners can cause unnecessary costs and delays, so it is best to prevent this if possible. Unfortunately, though, accidents can happen, in which case you should act immediately.
If you notice that your aligners have been damaged in some way, it is important that you let your orthodontist know as soon as possible. Even minor cracks are best dealt with by a professional. Clear aligners are custom-made to suit the individual patient so if yours break, they may not fit as they should. This can cause discomfort, as well as delays to our treatment. Always practice caution in the case of a broken aligner — ignoring damage and wearing broken aligners could cause unnecessary injury.
Depending on the extent of the damage, as well as the timing in your treatment plan, your orthodontist may recommend that you move onto the next set of aligners earlier than planned. Alternatively, they may suggest that you use your previous set of aligners until you can have a replacement aligner fabricated and fitted.
How can we help?
At South East Orthodontics, we offer a comprehensive range of orthodontic solutions for adults, teens and children. One of the most popular options that we have available for adults is Invisalign clear aligners. The treatment is suitable for a range of orthodontic issues, and because the aligners are custom-made, they are very comfortable to wear.
If you already have clear aligners and have noticed any damage, we encourage you to get in touch as soon as possible. We will let you know what the best course of action is. If necessary, we will replace the broken aligner to ensure that your treatment plan stays on track.
If you would like to find out more about clear aligners and if they are right for you, please have a look here.
We also offer a range of other treatments, so if clear aligners are not appropriate for you, we can help find a solution better suited to your needs. To find out more about the full scope of services that we provide at South East Orthodontics, please have a look here. If you would like to arrange a consultation, please contact us here or give us a call on 03 9330 0702.