My front left dental crown broke while eating lunch last Wednesday. I had removed my Invisalign trays to eat and was afraid to put them back on. I saw my dentist get fitted for a new crown. I am wearing a temporary crown until the new one comes in, but my Invisalign trays don’t fit right, so I removed them. I have them with me, but I am out of town. Should I try to wear the trays again? – Thanks. Johanna from RI
Johanna,
It is good that you immediately saw your dentist for a temporary crown. Without a crown, a weak or damaged exposed tooth can further weaken.
Broken Crown During Invisalign Treatment
Getting a new crown becomes the priority if your crown breaks in the middle of Invisalign treatment or any other orthodontic treatment. If you can schedule an appointment with your Invisalign dentist or orthodontist, it is best to get an evaluation of your treatment plan with clear aligners. However, if you are traveling and unable to see your Invisalign provider, call the office to explain what happened. Generally, it takes two visits to get new crowns.
- First visit – Your dentist will prepare your tooth and ensure it can support a dental crown. Afterward, they will take impressions of your tooth.
- Waiting period – A dental lab takes about two weeks to use the dental impressions and your dentist’s instructions for making a custom crown.
- Second visit – When you return to the dental office, the dentist will temporarily cement the crown to your tooth to check it for bit and fit.
Replacing a broke dental crown takes priority over your treatment plan with Invisalign or other clear aligners.
If your dentist is skilled in taking impressions, seating the crown, and checking your bite, the interruption for Invisalign treatment should be brief. Contact your Invisalign dentist or orthodontist to tell them about the issue with your crown and that you cannot wear the aligners with the temporary crown. When you return from traveling, your Invisalign provider will get your treatment plan back on track.
Baton Rouge dentist Dr. Steven Brooksher sponsors this post. Read about his education and training, and learn what he does to provide some of the best dental care in Baton Rouge.
