Invisalign is an excellent way to realign a smile without the conspicuous metal pieces or dietary restrictions that come with traditional braces. The system uses a sequence of clear aligners specially manufactured to fit the patient’s mouth. Each set of aligners is an important part of the process because it shifts the teeth into slightly better positions. Unfortunately, these aligners get lost at the worst moments from time to time. Here’s what to do if you lose your aligner so your treatment stays on track.
I Just Lost My Aligner. Now What?
Before you jump to the conclusion that you’ve lost your aligner, take care to have a thorough look around in case you simply misplaced it. Try retracing your steps, checking couch cushions, the trash can, and any other small spaces it might have fallen into. A fair rule of thumb is that if you cannot find something, you probably put it somewhere silly.
Once you’re sure that your aligner is truly missing, call your orthodontist to tell them what happened. If you just started wearing this aligner, your orthodontist may order you a new aligner and recommend that you go back to wearing the previous one until it arrives. If you’re on the tail end of your time with this aligner, they may recommend that you just move on to the next one. Otherwise, you may have to pick a new one up at the office.
How Can I Avoid Losing an Aligner?
It’s best to avoid losing your aligner to begin with, and there are several methods you can use to keep track of it. A few tips include:
- Keep your aligners in a designated area when you’re not wearing them.
- Avoid removing your aligners from your mouth unless you absolutely must.
- Refrain from placing your aligners on a tray or lunch table and take care not to wrap them in a napkin or tissue.
Unfortunately, it’s always possible that you’ll lose an aligner regardless of how hard you try to avoid doing so. If it ever does happen, the most important step is to reach out to your orthodontist for instructions. Failing to wear any aligner will result in your teeth shifting out of position, which can make it necessary for you to start your whole orthodontic treatment over again.
About the Author
Brown & Nawrocki Restorative & Cosmetic Dentistry provides top-notch dental health services in Ormond Beach, FL. Led by Drs. Andrew Nawrocki and Kimberly Dennis, the staff ensures patients achieve remarkable results while maintaining a warm and welcoming environment. Areas of expertise include preventive, restorative, cosmetic, and emergency dentistry in addition to Invisalign treatments. For more tips on staying on top of Invisalign, contact the office online or dial (386) 677-1046.