Unlike traditional braces, Invisalign aligners are removable. On the one hand, this is a major advantage that will allow you to enjoy all of your favorite foods without restriction throughout the orthodontic process. But on the other hand, it also opens up the possibility that you might end up losing one of your aligners at some point. Below is an overview of how to deal with this situation, as well as the steps you can take to prevent it from happening in the first place.
What Should You Do If You Lose an Aligner?
When you realize that your aligner is missing, remain calm and retrace your steps. You may be able to find it simply by checking the places you’ve been to. Don’t leave any stone unturned; it’s not unheard of for aligners to wind up in the trash or between couch cushions.
If you can’t find your aligner, your next step should be to reach out to your dentist. They’ll be able to advise you on what you should do next based on where you are in your treatment plan. For example, if you were almost due to start wearing a new aligner, it may be alright for you to make the switch a little earlier than planned. In other cases, you might need to wear a previous aligner until your dentist can replace the one you lost.
How Can You Avoid Losing an Aligner?
You can minimize your chances of losing an aligner by practicing the following good habits:
- Always put your aligners in their protective case when you’re not wearing them. That way, you’ll know exactly where they are when you’re ready to put them back in.
- When you’re eating, never wrap your aligners in a napkin. There’s a good chance that you might forget they’re there and throw them away by accident at the end of your meal.
- Don’t remove your aligners any more often than you need to. Ideally, they should stay on your teeth for at least 20 to 22 hours every day, and they should only be removed when you’re practicing oral hygiene, eating, or drinking something besides water.
Of course, even if you take all the right precautions, accidents can still happen. It’s a good idea to always save your previous aligners just in case something happens to your current ones.
Remember, losing an aligner can be stressful, but it’s not the end of the world. As long as you act quickly and follow the right steps, you should be able to resolve the issue and stay on track toward a straighter smile.
About the Author
Dr. Mohammad Golparvar has more than two decades of dental experience. He earned his dental degree at the Boston University School of Dental Medicine, which is also where he worked as an Assistant Clinical Professor. He is happy to be able to offer Invisalign as a solution for crooked, crowded, and unevenly spaced teeth. If you’re interested in starting an Invisalign treatment, you can schedule an appointment with Dr. Golparvar at Webster Dental Associates of Manchester by visiting his website or calling (603) 669-4252.