With Invisalign, your teeth are gently moved into their ideal positions with a custom-made series of clear aligners. One key component of this process is wearing each tray for 20-22 hours a day and for 7-14 days (depending on your specific treatment plan). So, what should you do if you lose one of your aligners? Should you move onto the next tray? Should you call your dentist? Don’t worry – you’ll find the answers to these questions and more right here.
So, What Should You Do If You Lose an Aligner?
If you misplace one of your aligners, don’t panic. Instead, try retracing your steps. Along the way, look in the center console of your car, the crevices in your couch, the pockets in your pants, and other random places they could be. If you can’t find them, then call your dental team ASAP to explain your situation. Over the phone, they can take a look at where you are in your treatment plan and determine if the next best step is moving onto the next set of aligners or wearing your previous set until your replacement arrives.
Will a Lost Aligner Delay My Treatment Plan?
It’s possible. For example, if you decide to move onto the next set of aligners in your series without consulting your dentist, you could end up adding weeks or months onto the backend of your treatment. After all, each tray has a specific purpose and is designed to be worn for a set amount of time.
It’s also important to remember that wearing your aligners for 20-22 hours a day is key to staying on-track with your treatment plan. If you miss the mark for several days because you lost an aligner, then it’s likely that there will be a slight delay.
4 Tips for Keeping Track of Your Aligners
For both of the previously mentioned reasons, it’s important to take proactive measures to avoid misplacing or losing your aligners. Here are a few:
- Only take them out when absolutely necessary, like to brush and floss your teeth.
- Don’t wrap them in a napkin or leave them out on the counter
- Store them in their designated storage case
- Always put the storage case in the same place, like the front pocket of your purse
About the Doctor
After earning his Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry from Boston College, Dr. Joseph Costa attended the Harvard University School of Dental Medicine. He graduated cum laude with his Doctor of Dental Medicine in 1991, and he’s been helping patients smile ever since! He even dedicates his time outside the office to staying abreast of the latest in dentistry, and his commitment has resulted in him being inducted as a Fellow of the American College of Dentists and a Fellow of the Pierre Fauchard Academy. So, if you have a question about Invisalign or would like to schedule a consultation, visit his website or call (508) 755-1980.