What Should I Do If My Aligners Crack?

What You'll Learn

Remove the aligner and inspect the crack. If the crack is hairline and the aligner still fits snugly without sharp edges, you may be able to continue wearing it for a short time while you arrange a replacement. If the crack is significant, the aligner has broken into pieces, or there are sharp edges that could cut your gums or cheeks, stop wearing it immediately. Rinse your mouth and contact your dental provider as soon as possible.

If you cannot wear the cracked aligner, your best option is to go back to the previous set of aligners — the ones you wore just before the cracked pair. This keeps your teeth from shifting backward while you wait for a replacement. Do not skip ahead to the next set; moving forward without the current tray completing its work can misalign your treatment plan.

Contact your dental provider the same day you discover a significant crack. They can assess whether a replacement tray needs to be ordered, whether you can advance to the next set early, or whether the crack is minor enough to monitor. Do not wait more than 24 to 48 hours without wearing any aligner — teeth can shift surprisingly quickly without consistent pressure.

Always remove aligners before eating or drinking anything other than plain water — biting down on food while wearing aligners is the most common cause of cracking. Use the aligner removal tool or your fingertips to gently peel the aligner from your back teeth first. Never use hot water to rinse aligners, as heat weakens the plastic. Store aligners in their protective case when not in your mouth to prevent accidental damage.