Losing an Invisalign aligner can be frustrating, especially when you’re working hard to keep your treatment on schedule. Fortunately, losing a tray doesn’t necessarily mean your entire treatment plan is off track. Taking the right steps quickly can help prevent unnecessary delays and keep your teeth moving as planned!
Step #1: Look for the Missing Aligner
Before assuming your aligner is gone for good, take a few minutes to retrace your steps. Check your bathroom, bedroom, car, workplace, and anywhere you may have removed it to eat or drink.
Remember to check your aligner case, too. Keeping your aligners in their case whenever they’re not in your mouth is one of the easiest ways to prevent them from getting lost or accidentally thrown away.
Step #2: Contact Your Orthodontist Promptly
If you can’t find the aligner, contact the dental professional overseeing your Invisalign treatment. Don’t simply guess what you should do next.
Your provider knows your treatment plan and can determine the best solution based on which tray you lost and how long you had been wearing it.
Step #3: Don’t Automatically Move to the Next Aligner
It may be tempting to skip the missing tray and immediately begin wearing the next one. However, that’s not always the appropriate solution.
Your orthodontist may recommend returning to your previous aligner temporarily, moving ahead to the next aligner, or replacing the lost tray. Follow their instructions rather than making the decision yourself.
Step #4: Consider Your Previous Aligner
If you still have the previous aligner, your provider may recommend wearing it temporarily. This can help maintain your teeth’s current position while you determine what to do about the missing tray.
Don’t wear an old aligner indefinitely without professional guidance, since your treatment plan is designed around specific movements and timing.
Step #5: Keep Your Replacement Safe
If your provider orders a replacement aligner, treat it carefully. Always remove your aligners before eating unless your provider has given you different instructions, and store them in their case whenever they’re not being worn.
Avoid wrapping an aligner in a napkin during meals because it’s easy to accidentally throw it away.
Losing an Invisalign aligner can happen, but acting quickly can help minimize its impact on your treatment. Contact your orthodontist, follow their instructions, and make a habit of storing your aligners safely whenever you remove them. If you frequently find yourself misplacing your aligners, keeping a dedicated case with you at all times can make protecting your investment much easier.
About the Practice
Our highly experienced dental team is led by Dr. Vahid and Dr. Jenn, who would be delighted to be your Invisalign provider! With our smooth and precise digital impression system, you can say goodbye to the sticky, messy putty of the past. Also, our office offers flexible financing through CareCredit so you can pay off treatment in manageable monthly installments. Book your consultation online or call our Jersey City office at (201) 484-7759.