It happens more often than you’d think—you take your Invisalign aligner out to eat, wrap it in a napkin, and suddenly it’s gone. While it can feel stressful, losing an aligner isn’t the end of the world as long as you act quickly. With an action plan in place, you can stay on track and keep your orthodontic treatment moving forward. Here’s how.
1. Don’t Panic
Invisalign trays are designed to be replaced every one to two weeks, so losing one aligner isn’t usually catastrophic. Take some time to breathe, so you can think clearly about your next steps.
2. Call Your Dentist
Once you’ve confirmed that your aligner is lost, your next best step is to call your dentist. Not only can they provide you with guidance to preserve your progress, but they can also schedule a check-in to provide new trays if necessary.
3. Stick to the Plan
Until you get guidance from your dentist, don’t leave your teeth without an aligner. If you still have your last set, wear those to save your progress. Skipping days without wearing an aligner can cause your teeth to shift back, potentially undoing weeks of hard work.
4. Take Steps to Prevent Future Losses
Lost aligners are a common occurrence, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t do everything you can to keep it from happening. Here are some simple tips to keep your aligners exactly where you put them:
- Always store your trays in their protective case.
- Invest in more than one case, so you can have them in the places you visit most.
- Avoid wrapping your aligners in napkins, which can lead to accidental toss-outs.
- Keep them out of reach of pets and children—dogs especially love to chew on aligners.
Losing an Invisalign aligner won’t throw your entire treatment plan off the rails, but getting back to it quickly matters. By contacting your dentist and following their advice, you can prevent delays and keep your treatment on schedule. Your aligners are temporary, but the smile you’re working toward will last a lifetime!
About the Practice
At LIC Dental Associates, we know that losing an Invisalign aligner can ruin your day. That’s we’re always here to make the process simple and save you stress. Our team will guide you on the next steps, whether that means providing a replacement, adjusting your treatment, or helping you stay on track with your smile goals. Call (718) 280-3286 to schedule an Invisalign consultation with our expert team or visit our website to learn more.