Invisalign is one of the most convenient and discreet ways to straighten your teeth and correct your bite, but unfortunately, accidents can still happen—such as losing one or both of your aligners! These small, removable, and clear trays are quite easy to misplace when they aren’t being worn, and you might mistakenly throw them in the trash, knock them off a counter, or leave them somewhere you can’t remember. Whatever the reason, losing an Invisalign aligner can be stressful; however, the good news is that with the right steps, you can minimize the impact on your treatment.
Let Your Orthodontist Know Quickly
The first and most important step is to contact your orthodontist right away. Invisalign works best when the aligners are worn consistently, usually for around 22 hours each day. Even short breaks can affect your progress and could cause your teeth to shift in unexpected ways (or not shift at all). Your orthodontist will guide you on your next steps; they may recommend moving on to your next set, or they might suggest wearing your previous set until a replacement tray can be ordered and provided for you. Every case is different, which is why a quick phone call is essential!
Tips for Preventing Future Mishaps
It’s best to take measures to avoid losing your aligners. Remember, they should only be removed whenever you’re eating or brushing your teeth; however, since this means you’ll be removing them multiple times per day, there are many potential chances for an accident to happen. Consider these helpful habits to keep track of your Invisalign and prevent lost or broken aligners:
- Always carry your Invisalign case with you so that you always have a safe place to store your aligners whenever you remove them.
- Don’t ever set your aligners down on a countertop or table or wrap them in a napkin; this is how they accidentally end up lost or thrown away!
- Rinse your aligners before storing them in their case in order to help keep them fresh and clean; going through this motion can also help you remember to store them.
- Be mindful around pets; they might be attracted to your aligners due to the smell.
Losing an Invisalign aligner isn’t the end of the world, and it doesn’t mean your treatment is in absolute jeopardy—but it can lead to delays if you aren’t quick to contact your orthodontist and get things back on track.
About the Practice
Our team here at Simply Orthodontics has proudly served patients in Webster and the surrounding area for several years, offering a wide range of orthodontic services for patients of all ages, including Invisalign clear aligners. This means that whether you’re just starting your Invisalign journey or if you’ve lost an aligner and are unsure about how to proceed, we can help! If you have any questions about the blog or you’d like to get in touch with our team to set up an appointment for yourself or a loved one, please reach out online or call today for more information or assistance. Telephone: (508) 943-2100.