You always try to be careful and keep your aligners in their case while you aren’t wearing them, but it finally happened. You’ve lost one of your trays. If only you could turn back time just for a little bit. Losing an aligner while you are going through Invisalign treatment can be stressful. It is difficult to know exactly what you should you and you don’t want to mess with the timeline of your treatment. It is important that you resolve this issue as quickly as you can, but there is no need to panic. Your dentist shares what you should do if you lose your Invisalign in Scripps Ranch.
How Do I Handle a Lost Aligner?
First of all, you should take another look around. Since aligners are clear, they can be easily misplaced when they aren’t returned to their case. Retrace your steps until you are absolutely sure that you won’t be able to find them. If your search is unsuccessful, call your dentist right away in order to get the proper guidance.
As much as you may want to just move on to your next set of aligners, this isn’t always the best idea. The old time your dentist would recommend this is if you are almost complete with your previous set. Since Invisalign is intended to move your teeth slowly into their new places, moving on too early can mess with this progression and alter the plan that your dentist has set up for you.
If you only just started wearing the lost aligners, it is possible that your dentist will advise you to wear your previous ones until your new ones arrive. You should be as transparent to your dentist as possible so that you can get back on your treatment plan and end up with the best results possible.
How Can I Avoid Losing My Invisalign Trays in the Future?
After encountering the stress of losing an aligner, you probably want to be extra careful in the future to avoid this from occurring again. Here are a few steps you should take:
- Wear your aligners as much as possible. You cannot lose them if they are still in your mouth. Don’t take them out unless it is absolutely necessary.
- Keep them in a dedicated place, preferably a case, so you always know where to find them when you are ready to put them back in.
- Do not place your aligners in a napkin, on your plate, or on a tray. This makes it much more likely that they will be thrown away and you won’t be getting them back.
If you’ve lost your aligners, it isn’t the end of the world. Give your dentist a call as soon as possible so you can get back on track. You will be back on a path towards a straighter smile soon!
About the Author
Dr. Greg Friedman is a well experienced dentist who has been in private practice since 1990. He earned his dental degree from Washington University’s School of Dental Medicine and is currently involved in the accreditation program with the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry. Dr. Friedman is also involved with the American Academy of Functional Orthodontists. For more information on Invisalign or to schedule a consultation, visit his website or call (858) 682-2394.
