As a general rule, life comes at you fast, and things often fall through the cracks. Your Invisalign aligner is no different. Whether it vanished during lunch, got tossed on accident, or got eaten by your dog, losing a tray can feel like a major setback. But don’t panic! Staying calm and acting quickly can help keep your treatment on track. Here’s what to do if your aligner pulls a disappearing act.
Your First Step? Call Your Dentist as Soon as Possible
The sooner you reach out, the better. Your dentist can give you some advice to follow based on how far along you were with your lost tray. They may tell you to:
- Go back to your previous tray to hold your progress
- Move forward to the next set (if you’re far enough along)
- Order a replacement for the missing aligner
They’ll know the right move for your specific case, so don’t make a guess, make a call!
Learn from the Loss
Losing an aligner isn’t the end of your treatment, but making a habit out of it can certainly delay your treatment. To prevent future loss, it might be time to evaluate your habits and make some changes. Here are some examples:
- Always store your aligner in its case (not a napkin!)
- Avoid wrapping it in paper towels or tissues when eating
- Keep it away from pets—dogs especially love to chew them
- Consider keeping a backup aligner case at work or in your bag
If you can learn from the loss of an aligner and tighten your routine, you’ll ensure the mishap won’t happen again.
Why It’s Important to Keep Your Invisalign Secure
Invisalign works by gently shifting your teeth over time, but it’s only effective if you wear your aligners for 20 to 22 hours a day. Delaying this subtle tooth movement for a week, or even a few days, can alter your treatment plan.
This won’t stop you from eventually achieving your dream smile, but it can force you to spend more time at the dentist for adjustments!
Losing an aligner isn’t the end of the world, but acting quickly can make all the difference. The most important thing is to stay calm, contact your provider, and follow their instructions. You’ll be smiling in sync again before you know it.
About the Practice
At Complete Dental Care, we know that life happens, and losing an Invisalign aligner isn’t the end of the world. We’re here to help you stay on track with your treatment by offering guidance, quick solutions, and ongoing support. Our goal is to keep your smile progressing smoothly, even when things don’t go as planned. Call (253) 854-2714 to schedule an Invisalign consultation with us or visit our website to explore other services.