What to Do With an Aligner That Was Left in a Hot Car
Clear aligners can be damaged by heat. If an appliance was left in a hot car, do not assume that rinsing it cool restores its original shape. Even subtle distortion may affect how the tray fits, and forcing a changed aligner onto your teeth is not a safe fit test.
Contact the treating office
Tell the team which tray was affected, how long it was exposed, and whether you notice warping or a different fit. Follow their advice about the next step. They may need to examine the appliance or review your treatment stage before recommending a replacement or another temporary plan.
Protect the remaining trays
Store aligners in their case away from heat and direct sunlight, following the manufacturer’s and clinician’s instructions. Do not boil, microwave, or heat the appliance in an attempt to reshape it. Also avoid advancing through the series on your own. Your treatment sequence is planned around tooth movement, so a damaged tray is a reason to get specific instructions rather than improvise a new schedule.