After eating lunch, you clean up the dishes and throw away the garbage. Because you have Invisalign, you go to the restroom to brush and floss your teeth before putting your aligners back in. But then, you realize that you don’t know where they are! Even if you spend time searching for them, you may come out empty handed. Is this really a serious problem? What should you do next? Keep reading to find out!
Why Losing an Invisalign Aligner Matters
Making teeth shift to be perfectly straight is a process with many steps. When you switch to a new set of aligners, you take one more step closer to your goal. Needless to say, it’s important to follow your treatment plan as closely as you can so you don’t get off track. However, unlike traditional braces, Invisalign aligners are not affixed to your teeth and can be lost, potentially slowing down your progress.
What to Do If You Lose an Invisalign Aligner
If you are unable to find one or both of your aligners, the first action you should take is calling your dentist. Not only can they give you more detailed instructions, but they can also order another aligner if necessary.
Depending on when you have lost the aligner, they could advise you to wear your previous set of aligners while the replacement ones are being shipped to you. On the other hand, if you are close to switching to the next set anyway, they may tell you to move forward a little earlier. In any case, you need to confer with them before you do anything that could jeopardize your treatment plan.
How to Prevent Losing an Aligner in the Future
Although the clear plastic aligners can be easy to misplace or lose, some simple tips can help you hold onto them until you no longer need them. First, you need to wear your aligners for at least 20 hours each day. You can more easily keep track of your aligners while they’re in your mouth! Second, whenever you take your aligners out, whether to eat or clean your teeth, always put them in the case, and put it in a safe place, such as your pocket or a purse. Third, try to reduce how often you take out your aligners. Every time you snack or drink something that isn’t water presents the risk of losing your aligners.
Losing an aligner isn’t the end of the world, but it can put a speed bump on your path to your perfect smile. If you experience this situation, just be sure to talk to your dentist, and they’ll get you back on track!
About the Practice
Brooks Dental is fortunate to have several highly qualified dentists on staff, and we are proud to offer Invisalign treatment. Each patient receives personalized attention, and we use the latest technology to improve the patient experience. We have late and Saturday appointments available, which means we’re here to help when it’s convenient for you. If you lose an aligner and need to speak with your dentist, give our Winthrop office a call at 617-846-1811.