Invisalign has quickly taken the world of dentistry by storm, and now, more patients than ever before are turning toward the clear aligners to enhance their smiles and enjoy the boost in self-esteem that comes along with it. That said, Invisalign treatment can sometimes throw curveballs your way—and they may come in the form of a lost tray. But how should you handle these situations? Is it okay to continue with your treatment if you’ve lost a tray? Here’s what you need to keep in mind and how to avoid Invisalign treatment setbacks due to lost aligners.
Your First Steps If You’ve Lost an Invisalign Aligner
The last thing you want to do is stress or panic! Invisalign is flexible, so assuming you handle things quickly, your treatment won’t be in trouble. That said, when you notice that an aligner is missing, retrace your steps and check common places where you leave them, like your purse, backpack, or bathroom counter. If you can’t find it, give your dentist a call and let them know exactly what aligner you lost and how long you’ve been without it. They will help you decide what to do next.
They may instruct you to move on to the next set of aligners a bit early if you are almost done with your current set. They could also tell you to go back to a previous aligner to prevent your teeth from shifting while you wait for a replacement aligner to be ordered. However, timing is key here—the longer you go without wearing your correct aligner, the greater the chance your teeth can unfavorably shift and undo some of your progress.
Tips for Keeping Track of Your Aligners
Once your dentist gets your treatment back on track, you should take a few steps to avoid future mishaps, including:
- Always store your aligners in their case when you aren’t wearing them; don’t place them in your pocket, on a napkin or paper towel, or anywhere where they’re in danger of falling and breaking.
- Avoid leaving your aligners near pets, who may mistake them for a chew toy.
- Follow your schedule for wearing them carefully; if you’re wearing them for 22 hours a day, as you should, they’re less likely to become lost.
Losing an invisible liner can be frustrating, but quick action makes all the difference. By calling your dentist as soon as you notice it’s gone, you’re preventing unnecessary delays and ensuring your smile gets straightened right on schedule.
About the Practice
Under the talented leadership of Dr. Kim Turnbow and Dr. Jamie Knox, our team here at Gruene Family Dental serves the needs of patients and families in New Braunfels and the surrounding communities, offering a wide range of preventive, restorative, and cosmetic treatment options, including Invisalign clear aligners. If you have any questions about the blog or you’d like to get in touch with us to set up an appointment, please reach out online or call today to learn more or for assistance. Telephone: (830) 626-1111.