Serving areas of Okemos, Lansing, and East Lansing, MI
During these uncertain times of the coronavirus or COVID-19 pandemic, some patients have concerns about their dental care and the ability to receive services. Although regular checkups and cleanings have been suspended for some dental practices, there are instances when emergency dental care is needed. Your emergency dentist in Okemos at Tenaglia Smiles is sharing information about what to do if your Invisalign aligner breaks during COVID-19, which is considered an emergency dental care situation.
Can Invisalign aligners really break?
Invisalign serves the same purpose as metal braces to adjust and realign teeth that are crooked, crowded, or have a gap between them. Just as traditional braces can have a loose wire or bracket, your Invisalign trays could suffer damage as they are not indestructible. Although they are made with durable plastic, your aligner could crack or break at any time, especially if mishandled or stepped on. As soon as you notice a crack or break in your aligner, it is important to contact an Invisalign provider in Lansing for a replacement.
How bad is the damage to your aligner?
Depending on the severity of the damage, you could continue wearing your aligner until you are ready for the next set. If the tray has a little crack or tear, you may wear it until a replacement can be made, or the next set is ready for you to use. If the tray is completely split or cannot hold its shape, discontinue using it and contact an Invisalign dentist in East Lansing right away to get a replacement aligner. Your aligners are designed to slowly move your teeth. However, if the form of the aligner has been compromised, then it may not provide any benefits to your progress.
How does the timing of my Invisalign treatment effect how my case is handled?
Invisalign trays are designed for you to wear for two weeks or 14 days. If you have just begun a new set of trays, Dr. Tenaglia, an Invisalign provider in Okemos, may recommend that you return to the previous set of trays while waiting for a replacement for the broken one. However, if you are over eight days into wearing a new set of trays, you could possibly begin wearing the next new set of trays depending on your dentist’s recommendation. When an alignment tray is broken, contact your dentist immediately for the best guidance based on your treatment progress.
What happens if I move to the next set of trays too soon?
It is recommended to stick to your treatment guidelines provided by your Okemos dentist to prevent complications. Your aligners should fit snugly, but comfortably when transitioning from one set of trays to another. If you have to force the trays on your teeth, you could cause irreversible damage during your treatment. If you are not sure whether you should move to your next set of aligners, please contact Dr. Tenaglia, a licensed Invisalign provider in Okemos.
Can I fix my alignment trays myself?
Even though using adhesive might sound like a good idea, it’s not. Super Glue and other adhesives are not recommended for use in your mouth. Therefore, the best thing you can do when your aligners break is to contact your East Lansing cosmetic dentist for instruction on how to proceed with your treatment.
How can I avoid damage to my Invisalign aligners?
Although replacing your aligners is an option, try to protect the ones you are currently using. Besides, replacing your trays may increase the cost of your treatment and possibly affect the timeline and progress. Therefore, remove your trays before eating or chewing, use the storage case to keep them safe when they are not in your mouth, and be cautious about inserting and removing the trays to avoid damage.
Invisalign Treatment in Okemos, Lansing, East Lansing, Mason, and Williamston
The coronavirus pandemic does not mean your Invisalign treatment should cease. When you have complications or problems during your treatment process, it is best to contact Tenaglia Smiles to find out what you should do.
**If an appointment is necessary, we will ask prescreening questions, and then take your temperature upon arriving to our office to determine your risk of the coronavirus. All non-clinical areas are disinfected using medical grade disinfectant after each visit. Dr. Christine Tenaglia in Okemos continues to maintain the highest level of sterilization and disinfecting of clinical areas. Feel free to call us at (517) 347-6733 or contact us online to schedule an appointment.