You’ve been wearing Invisalign for a few months to correct orthodontic issues with your smile. Though you’re usually pretty good about taking care of them, the day you’ve been dreading has finally happened: you lost your aligners. What are you supposed to do now? Read on to learn how to handle lost aligners and what you can do to avoid losing them again in the future.
Step #1: Retrace Your Steps
If you haven’t already, retrace your steps to see if you can figure out what happened to your aligners. Since they’re clear, it’s easy for your Invisalign trays to blend in with their surroundings. Do a thorough search of everywhere you can think of before moving on to the next step.
Step #2: Call Your Dentist
If retracing your steps didn’t work, call your dentist and tell them what happened. They will explain what you need to do next. if it’s before or after hours, their voicemail may give you instructions on what to do. If it doesn’t, leave a message and call again once they’re open.
Step #3: Don’t Move on to the Next Set of Aligners
You may be tempted to just put on your next set of aligners and keep this situation a secret from your dentist, but this isn’t a good idea. Your dentist will only recommend that you skip to the next set if you were almost done with the previous one. Since Invisalign trays are designed to apply small amounts of pressure to gradually move your pearly whites over time, switching to the next set too soon may alter the plan that your dentist created for you and impede your progress. Additionally, if you only just started wearing the set of aligners that you lost, your dentist may have you go back to your previous set until they can have the current ones replaced.
How to Avoid Losing Your Aligners in the Future
Now that you know how frustrating it is to lose a set of Invisalign aligners, do everything you can to prevent it from happening again. Make sure to always store your trays in their case when you remove them. Don’t place them on a plate, napkin, tray, or anywhere else where they may accidentally be thrown away. You will also want to avoid leaving them somewhere where a pet or small child can reach them. Additionally, make sure to wear your aligners as much as possible. Invisalign needs to be worn for at least 20-22 hours each day for it to be effective. Don’t take your aligners out unless it’s necessary to lessen your chances of losing them and to keep your treatment plan on track.
Though you may feel embarrassed about losing your aligners, it’s important to tell your dentist what happened as soon as possible. They will be able to remedy the situation and guide you through what you need to do to avoid treatment delays and continue moving towards a more beautiful smile!
About the Author
Losing your Invisalign can be a cause for concern, but Dr. Hira Akbar, Dr. William Herr, Dr. Andrew Luccio, and their talented team at Clear Cost Dental can help you get the situation under control. They can guide you through what to do next and have new aligners made so your dream smile is still within reach. If you’re ready to make an appointment with Clear Cost Dental or want more information on clear aligners, visit their website or call their office at (508) 812-9294.
