The Invisalign process involves a series of clear aligners that each need to be worn for a certain amount of time in order to gradually straighten the teeth. But what if you lose an aligner before you’ve finished wearing it? This can be quite an alarming prospect, but it’s important to be able to stay calm so that you can deal with the situation properly. Your dentist is here to explain what to do if an Invisalign aligner goes missing.
What Steps Should You Take If an Aligner is Lost?
Obviously, your first step should be to see if you can find the aligner. Try to remember where you saw it last and retrace your steps as best you can. Check any tables that you’ve eaten at or seats you’ve sat in. The aligner may have been thrown away by accident, so look in the garbage can as well.
If you simply cannot find your aligner, you should call your dentist right away. They’ll explain what you should do next based on your situation. You may be able to simply start wearing the next aligner in the series early if you were almost done with your current one. On the other hand, if you just started wearing the lost aligner, you may be told to wear the one before it while you’re waiting for a replacement.
How Can You Avoid Losing an Aligner in the First Place?
Of course, you won’t have to worry about dealing with a missing aligner if you simply never lose one to begin with. When you take your aligners out of your mouth to eat, be very mindful about where you put them. Do not wrap them in a napkin or place them on the table; this can make it all too easy to throw them away without meaning to.
The best place you can put your aligners when they’re not in use is inside their protective case. That way, you’ll know exactly where they are, and they’ll be protected from damage until you’re ready to put them back in. Be sure to get into the habit of carrying your aligner case with you at all times.
Remember, the less you take your aligners out of your mouth, the less risk you’ll have of losing them on accident. Ideally, you should wear your aligners for at least 20 to 22 hours a day; you should only take them out when it’s time to eat or practice oral hygiene.
Even if you take all the right precautions, you may still end up with a missing aligner. If that happens, it’s important to act quickly in order to resolve the situation and stay on track toward the straighter smile that you deserve.
About the Author
Dr. Stephanie Flinchum studied dentistry at the University of Kentucky, and she completed an Advanced General Dentistry Residency at Idaho State University. At My Dentist Midtown in Tulsa, she provides fully personalized solutions for her patients’ dental problems; this includes Invisalign for straightening teeth. To schedule a consultation with Dr. Flinchum, visit her website or call (918) 949-4450.