Before going to work, you take your Invisalign aligners out and set them down on the kitchen countertop while eating breakfast. After all, you’re just having a quick meal, so there’s no harm in leaving them out for a few minutes – right? Wrong. Once you’re done, you realize you’re somehow missing an aligner. You might start panicking if you’re unsure of what to do next. Luckily, we’ve got you covered! Here are some steps you should take after losing a tray.
Don’t Advance Early
If you lost an Invisalign aligner, you might be tempted to keep it a secret from your orthodontist to avoid a stern lesson. Therefore, you may choose to advance to the next phase of treatment. Well, since your trays are designed to shift your teeth gradually, advancing too early can actually hinder your treatment plan. Your best course of action is to contact your orthodontist, let them know about your situation, and ask what they recommend. If you were almost at the end of the previous phase, they might suggest you try the next set of aligners to see if they fit.
Contact Your Orthodontist
Are you afraid to tell your orthodontist you lost your Invisalign aligner? You shouldn’t be! Many patients find themselves in this predicament, so you’re certainly not the first (or last) person to ask your orthodontist for help. It may surprise you to learn that the cost of treatment usually includes two built-in replacement trays. That means your orthodontist can easily replace the aligner you’ve lost without any additional charges or fees.
Act Quickly
Losing an Invisalign aligner is not a dire situation, so don’t stress about it too much. However, you also want to avoid waiting too long to report the loss to your orthodontist. It’s best to let them know as soon as possible so they can order a replacement quickly. That way, your treatment will only get set back a week or two rather than several months.
How to Avoid Losing an Aligner
The best way to avoid losing your aligners is by protecting them at all costs. Luckily, there are a number of ways you can prevent this unfortunate situation. Here are a few tips:
- Keep your Invisalign aligners in a dedicated place when you’re not wearing them.
- Do not take them out of your mouth unless absolutely necessary! They should only be removed when eating or drinking anything that’s not water, before cleaning your teeth, and when it’s time to clean your plastic trays.
- Always store them in their designated case. Do not place them on a lunch tray or table or wrap them in a tissue or napkin. Otherwise, you could easily misplace them or accidentally throw them away.
Did you lose an Invisalign aligner? Don’t panic – stay calm, take a deep breath, and follow the steps outlined above. With the help of your orthodontist, you’ll be back on track towards your dream smile in no time!
About the Practice
At D&G Dental, we are committed to providing high-quality dental care in a relaxing and welcoming environment. Our team will always go the extra mile to ensure every visit is stress-free, enjoyable, and fulfilling. If you lost an Invisalign aligner, don’t hesitate to contact our office. We’ll order a replacement and get you back on track with your treatment plan in no time. Visit our website or call (973) 731-2200 to make an appointment.