Cracked Clear Retainer or Aligner? We Don't Repair These

We do not repair clear aligners or clear plastic retainers

Our lab repairs removable Hawley and acrylic retainers — wire and hard acrylic appliances. We do not repair clear aligners or thin clear plastic (Essix-style, vacuum-formed) retainers, and we do not accept them for repair by mail. Please don't ship one to us.

What to do instead

• Contact the dental office or provider that made it and ask about a replacement.
• Split through, sharp edge, or loose fit: stop wearing it until you have spoken with your provider.
• Don't sand, glue, or heat the plastic — heat can warp it and glue is not made for the mouth.
• Keep the cracked piece in its case in case your provider wants to see it.

Looking after your replacement

• Remove it by easing it off from the back teeth on both sides, not by pulling from the front.
• Clean with cool water and a soft brush — avoid hot water and abrasive toothpaste.
• Always store it in a hard case, away from pets and heat.

What we do repair

• Hawley retainers with a broken or bent wire
• Cracked or broken acrylic retainers, including chewed or partly broken ones
• Hard acrylic night guards — photo check first

Not sure which type you have? A Hawley or acrylic retainer has a hard (often colored or pink) acrylic plate and usually a metal wire across the front teeth. If yours has those parts, text a photo to 657-566-1558 and we'll confirm before you pay or ship. See Hawley and acrylic repair prices.

Smile Extension provides mail-order appliance repair, not diagnosis or dental care. If something is painful, injured, or your bite or fit has changed, contact your dentist or orthodontist first.

Quick answers

Related repair guides

• Retainer repair overview
• Hawley broken wire
• Clear retainers (not repaired)
• Bonded / permanent retainer
• Lost or chewed retainer
• Night guard repair
• Repair by mail: what to expect