One of the biggest perks of Invisalign is that there are very little rules outside of meeting the 20-22 hour-a-day wear time and taking good care of your trays so you don’t misplace them. But what happens if you accidentally lose your Invisalign aligner? Is this an orthodontic emergency? Should you move onto the next tray in the series? Here’s the answer.
What Happens If You Lose One of Your Aligners?
In short, there are two things you should do if you think you lost one of your aligners:
- Retrace your steps – Although having clear trays is a perk most of the time, it can certainly make them harder to find. That’s why it’s important to carefully retrace your steps. In the process, make sure to look in small crevices and “random” places, like your laundry bin, the center console in your car, and the refrigerator. If you are able to locate them, then make sure to give them a good clean and wear them ASAP. If you aren’t able to locate them, then move onto the next step.
- Call your dentist – Once you confirm that your trays are indeed lost, the next step is calling your dental team. That way, they can determine if the next best step is wearing your previous aligner while a new one is made or moving onto the next tray in the series. It’s important to call your dentist for their recommendation instead of making this decision on your own. Otherwise, you could negatively impact your treatment timeline even further.
How To: Avoid Losing Your Invisalign Aligners
Accidents happen – that’s okay! With that said, it’s important to do your very best to avoid losing an aligner. To do so, always store them in their designated storage case when you aren’t wearing them, like during mealtimes and while you’re brushing your teeth. It’s also helpful to store your case in the same place every time so you always know where to find it. Lastly, never wrap your aligners in a napkin or place them on the table. It may be convenient, but it’s one of the most common reasons they get misplaced.
Throughout your treatment, it’s possible that you will misplace your aligners – mistakes happen! Simply put, if you find yourself in this situation, then call your dental team ASAP.
About the Doctor
Dr. Lauri Barge was largely inspired to become a dentist after her own experience with jaw surgery. When it came time for her studies, she attended the University of Texas at Arlington as well as Texas A&M College of Dentistry. Throughout her career, she has continued to perfect her skills through continuing education with world-renowned institutes, like the Las Vegas Institute. So, if you have a question about clear aligner treatment or you’d like to schedule your Invisalign consultation, get in touch with her via her website or by phone at (972) 539-3800.