16
Sep
What Should I Do if I Lose or Break an Aligner During Treatment?
Clear aligner therapy has revolutionized orthodontics, offering a discreet, convenient, and comfortable way to straighten teeth. But since clear aligners are not permanently attached to your teeth, it’s not uncommon to lose or damage them. At VanderLaan Family Dentistry in Byron Center, Michigan, we are here to guide you through any hiccups to ensure a seamless experience.
When do most people lose or damage their aligners?
Most patients lose or damage their aligners when they come out of their mouths. One common culprit is when eating out and wrapping the aligner in a napkin, only to have it thrown away. Pets are another frequent offender. Since dogs in particular seem drawn to the smell of saliva on plastic, they can damage or lose your aligner if they get their paws on it.
Other ways you can damage your aligners include accidentally sitting on them or exposing them to extreme heat, such as leaving them in a hot place like a car dashboard. You can also damage your aligners by biting down on them the wrong way during removal.
What should I do if I break or lose my aligner?
Clear aligner treatment works on a simple system: wear each aligner for about 10-14 days, before switching to the next in line. But life happens, and you can damage or lose your aligner. Such cases happen more often than you realize, but we are here to ensure such mishaps don’t derail your treatment progress.
If you lose your aligner, don’t panic. Instead, call our office immediately. Depending on where you are with your treatment, we’ll advise you to:
- Switch to the next aligner in line if you are close to finishing that aligner’s two-week cycle
- Move back to the previous aligner if you are early in your cycle. This is why we advise patients to hold on to their old aligners.
Sometimes, we can order a replacement aligner for you. This is one of the reasons it’s important to contact us right away if you lose or damage your aligner, since you can’t order replacements on your own. Losing or damaging your aligner doesn’t have to interrupt your treatment. We are here to ensure we keep your smile on track even when the unexpected happens.
Real Patients, Real Results
Before and After Images of Patients
Veneers and Clear Braces (Clear Aligner Therapy)
This patient presented to our office for routine care several years ago. After 6-7 years of routine care, the patient admitted that he was not happy with his teeth and was concerned about the cracking in his front tooth. We generated a treatment plan for him that included clear aligner therapy (ClearCorrect), followed by 6 porcelain veneers. ClearCorrect was first used to correct the slight crowding of his lower teeth, create a more ideal relationship between his upper and lower front teeth, and address the underlying causes of his wear and cracking. The veneers were used to restore him to his intended appearance. The result was excellent, and the patient is thrilled to have his smile restored!
What can I do to avoid damaging or losing my aligner?
Prevention is always better than cure. Here are a few simple steps you can take to prevent losing or breaking your aligner:
- Use the protective case: Always store your aligners in their case whenever they are out of your mouth. Wrapping them on a napkin or putting them in the pocket is one of the fastest ways to lose or damage your aligner.
- Store them safely: Keep your aligners out of reach of pets and children. Additionally, don’t keep your aligners in hot cars or near direct sunlight, since heat can warp the plastic.
- Handle them with care: Don’t eat or drink anything other than water while wearing your aligners. Moreover, handle your aligners safely when removing or inserting them in the mouth.
Call Our Office for More Information
New Patients: (616) 288-2554 | Existing Patients: (616) 455-7310
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Clear aligner treatment near me in Byron Center, MI
A broken or lost aligner can be stressful, but it’s important to know it’s not a disaster. With proper guidance, we can help you stay on track with your treatment. Ready to start your orthodontic treatment with a dental team that puts your oral health first? Dial (616) 288-2554 and schedule your orthodontic consultation today.
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Dr. Matthew VanderLaan
Dr. Matthew VanderLaan is a highly skilled dentist with over 15 years of experience dedicated to personalized, patient-centered care. An alumnus of East Kentwood High School and the University of Michigan, he earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery from the University of Michigan School of Dentistry. Having spent three years as a public health dentist, he established VanderLaan Family Dentistry in 2012.
Dr. VanderLaan has pursued advanced training at the Pankey Institute, Kois Center, Dawson Academy, American Academy of Facial Esthetics, The Schuster Center, and is a Fellow of Implant Pathways. He is also trained in TMJ and pain management. As a member of the American and Michigan Dental Associations and West Michigan District Dental Society, he is committed to excellence and trustworthiness in dentistry.
Within his family practice, Dr. VanderLaan has been a civilian provider for disabled veterans of the United States Armed Forces. Since 2014, He has partnered with the local VA and has had the pleasure of caring for individuals who have sacrificed their personal well-being for our Nation’s safety. He considers it one of his greatest honors of being a dentist.
Outside of his dental practice, Dr. VanderLaan is an avid family man. He enjoys his time with his wife of 17 years, Dana, as well as his four children (Brooke, 16, Jenna 15, AJ 11, and Nora 11). As a family they enjoy the kid’s sports, music, involvement in their Church and Christian Faith community, and Michigan Football. They also enjoy traveling and exploring the world together.
Dana VanderLaan
Dana VanderLaan founded VanderLaan Family Dentistry with her husband, Dr. VanderLaan, in April of 2012. She is versed in all administrative tasks and acts as the office manager. Before her over 12 years of experience in the dental field, Dana graduated with a BSW from Saginaw Valley State University and an MSW from the University of Michigan, School of Social Work. Dana is a self starter, and was trained in dentistry completely on the job, and continues to learn new things about running an efficient, patient-centered dental office.
Along with her work at VFD, she is mom to her children (Brooke 16, Jenna 15, AJ 11 and Nora 11), and works tirelessly to make sure all of their needs are met, and devotes her time to being their #1 supporter. She enjoys her family time, rooting on her kid’s at their various athletic events, school and church activities, traveling, walking and working out, gardening, and spending time at home.