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What should I do if my clear aligner cracks or breaks?Updated 4 months ago
Quick Answer: Yes, clear aligners can crack or break. When it happens, don’t panic—most issues can be handled quickly by switching trays or contacting your provider.
“I thought a small crack meant my treatment was ruined. Turns out, it was an easy fix.”
Why Aligners Crack or Break
Clear aligners are designed to be durable—but they’re still medical-grade plastic. Daily habits can put stress on the material, especially during removal or wear.
✔ Removing aligners too forcefully from the front
✔ Biting down on hard foods while wearing trays
✔ Nighttime grinding or clenching
✔ Tossing aligners into a bag without a case
Most cracks happen gradually, which is why regular inspection matters.
How to Protect Aligner Durability
A few simple habits can dramatically reduce the risk of damage.
✔ Remove aligners from the back molars first with two fingers (one for each side)
✔ Store them in a protective case when not in use, away from pets
✔ Do not bite your aligners in place, use chewies instead
✔ Avoid drinking hot water with your aligners on, this can weaken plastic
💡 Pro Tip: Aligners are meant to last 2 weeks per set. Gentle handling helps them do exactly that.
What to Do If Your Aligner Cracks
Not all damage requires the same response. What you do next depends on the severity.
Hairline crack
✔ Best to stop wearing your aligner or retainer since its integrity has been compromised
✔ Skip to your next step, and make up for lost time i.e. you crack your aligner #5, and have 8 days left of wear time. Move on to aligner #6 and wear for 14 days (as directed) + 8 days missed by aligner #5. Aligner #6 is worn for a total of 22 days.
✔ If your retainer is your last step, wear your retainer for 22 hours a day for the first 6 months, then during evenings as directed.
Fully broken or loose aligner
✔ Switch to your next set if you’re near your change date
✔ Otherwise, wear your previous aligner to maintain progress
✔ Contact your provider for guidance or a replacement
⚠️ Important: Wearing a broken aligner too long can cause poor tracking or sore spots.
When Damage Can Delay Treatment
Ignoring cracked aligners may lead to setbacks such as:
✔ Teeth not tracking as planned
✔ Longer treatment timelines
✔ Uneven pressure and discomfort
Keeping your previous aligners until treatment ends gives you a built-in backup if damage occurs.
Final Thoughts
Aligner damage is frustrating—but it’s rarely a deal-breaker. With quick action, good habits, and proper support, your treatment can stay right on track.
Handle aligners gently, check them daily, and remember: most cracks are fixable without losing progress. 😌