So, the dreaded moment is finally here. You lost your Invisalign aligner. You know it wasn’t a good idea to leave it out of the case, but it’s too late to turn back now. If you don’t resolve the issue quickly, your treatment won’t progress as smoothly as possible. Or even worse: your smile could begin to backtrack to the way it was before. The most important thing you can do is refrain from panicking. Below, your dentist shares exactly what you should do if you lose your Invisalign in Allen.
What to Do Next
The first thing you should do is take another look around. Because the aligners are so clear in color, they can be easy to misplace. You should check close by and try to retrace your steps if you can. If you have done everything you can and still are unable to locate it, it is time to call your dentist. They will be able to give you proper guidance.
It may be temping to just move on to your next set of aligners and keep this whole dilemma a secret. However, this isn’t the best idea. Your dentist will only recommend this if you were near the end of the previous phase of your treatment. Invisalign trays are designed to gradually move your teeth using minuscule movements over time. If you put in your new aligners too early, you can alter the plan that your dentist set up for you.
If you only just started wearing that particular aligner tray, you may be advised to go back to your previous aligners until new ones arrive. Being open and transparent with your dentist about the situation is important to get your treatment back on track.
How Do I Avoid Losing Aligners in the Future?
Now that you know how much of a hassle it is when you lose an aligner, you should take extra steps in the future to prevent it from happening again. Remember to:
- Have a dedicated place, preferably a case, where you keep your aligners when you take them out.
- Keep your aligners in as much as possible. You shouldn’t be taking them out unless it’s absolutely necessary.
- Whatever you do, don’t place them on a plate, tray, or wrap them in a napkin. This makes it much more likely that they will accidentally be thrown away.
Even if you have done your best to keep track of your aligners, accidents do happen. Just remain calm and give your dentist in Allen a call. They will help you get back on your treatment plan towards a straighter smile. Your dentist will help you get back on track and won’t guilt-trip you for losing the aligner.
About the Author
Dr. Christina Blacher is a dentist serving patients in Allen, TX and the surrounding communities. She earned her Doctor of Dental Medicine from Midwestern University in Glendale, AZ and has gained extensive experience in many dental topics, including advanced Invisalign training. If you’ve lost a tray, she’s eager to help, so visit her website or call (214) 383-5511.