Medically Reviewed by Esteem Dental And Orthodontic Team on December 19, 2025
Losing or breaking your Invisalign aligners during treatment can feel stressful, but it’s more common than you think. The good news is that there are clear steps to take, and in most cases, your treatment timeline won’t be significantly affected. Understanding what to do when this happens can help you stay on track toward achieving your ideal smile.
At Esteem Dental, we understand that accidents happen. Our team in Winter Garden and Lake Nona is here to guide you through any unexpected situation during your Invisalign journey. Whether you’ve misplaced an aligner or noticed a crack, we’ll work with you to find the best solution and keep your treatment progressing smoothly.
What to Do Immediately After Losing or Breaking an Aligner
The first step is to contact your dentist right away. Your dental team will assess your specific situation and provide personalized guidance based on where you are in your treatment plan. Time is important because even a short period without wearing your aligners can allow your teeth to shift back slightly.
If you’ve lost an aligner, check if you still have the previous set. In many cases, your dentist may recommend wearing the previous aligner temporarily to maintain your progress until a replacement arrives. This helps prevent any unwanted tooth movement during the waiting period.
For a broken aligner, examine the damage carefully. Small cracks that don’t affect the fit may not require immediate replacement, while larger breaks that prevent proper wear will need attention. Your dentist can determine whether you can continue with the damaged aligner or if you need to move forward to the next set in your series.
How Replacement Aligners Work
Invisalign replacement aligners are typically available through your dental provider. The process begins with contacting your dentist’s office to report the lost or broken aligner. They’ll need to know which aligner number you’re on and assess your current progress.
Replacement timelines can vary, but most providers can order new aligners within a few days to a couple of weeks. During this time, you may wear your previous set or skip ahead to the next one, depending on your dentist’s recommendation and how long you’ve been wearing the lost aligner.
Some dental practices keep backup aligners on hand for situations like these. At practices like Esteem Dental, having multiple locations in Winter Garden and Lake Nona means convenient access to support when you need it most.
Can You Skip to the Next Aligner?
Moving to the next aligner in your series might seem like a simple solution, but this decision should always be made with your dentist’s guidance. If you were near the end of your wear time for the lost aligner (typically around day 10-14 of a two-week period), your dentist might approve advancing to the next set.
However, skipping ahead too early can cause problems. Your teeth may not have moved into the correct position yet, and the next aligner might not fit properly or could cause discomfort. This can potentially slow down your overall treatment or require additional adjustments later.
Your dentist will evaluate your teeth’s current position before making this recommendation. They may want to see you in person to check that your teeth have moved as expected before you advance in your treatment sequence.
Preventing Future Aligner Loss or Damage
Taking proactive steps can help you avoid losing or breaking your Invisalign aligners in the future. Always store your aligners in their protective case when you’re not wearing them. Leaving them on napkins or countertops is one of the most common ways aligners get lost or accidentally thrown away.
Keep your aligner case with you at all times. Consider having multiple cases in different locations, such as your car, workplace, and gym bag. This ensures you always have a safe place to store your aligners when eating or drinking.
Be mindful when removing your aligners. Use both hands and start from the back molars, working your way forward. Pulling from the front or using only one side can cause cracks or warping. Clean your aligners gently with a soft toothbrush and avoid using hot water, which can distort the plastic.
Contact Esteem Dental for Invisalign Support
If you’ve lost or broken your Invisalign aligners, don’t panic. Our experienced team at Esteem Dental is ready to help you get back on track with your treatment. We’ve guided countless patients through similar situations and understand how to minimize any impact on your timeline.
Located conveniently in both Winter Garden and Lake Nona, we offer flexible scheduling to address your concerns quickly. Contact us today to speak with our team about your Invisalign aligner replacement needs.
Dr. Jordan Jones, DDS
Dr. Jordan Jones leads the experienced team at Esteem Dental, providing comprehensive family dental care to the Winter Garden and Lake Nona communities. With a focus on general dentistry, pediatric care, and orthodontics, Dr. Jones combines advanced techniques with a compassionate approach to ensure every patient receives personalized, quality treatment in a comfortable environment.
✓ Medically Reviewed
