The First Steps You Need to Take if you Lose your Invisalign Aligner

If you’re undergoing Invisalign treatment, you can expect to wear your aligners for close to a year. In all that time, it’s natural to accidentally misplace an aligner once or twice. If you’re in that situation now, don’t panic—take things step-by-step, and you still may be able to stay on track with your treatment. Here are things you should do if you lose your aligner.

Retrace Your Steps

The first thing to do if you’ve misplaced your aligner is to try and retrace your steps. Remember where you were the last time you took out your aligner, and check everywhere around that area. Search couch cushions, bathroom vanities, and even under furniture if necessary. If you have the stomach for it, you might even check the trash can; people often accidentally throw away their aligner if it’s been left on a tray or wrapped in a napkin.

If you’ve looked all over and still can’t find your aligner, then you can go on to step two…

Call Your Dentist

It’s important to let your dentist know if you’ve lost your aligner so that they can help you plan your next move. If you were close to the end of that aligner’s lifespan, they might just have you move up to the next stage a little early. Otherwise, they may recommend that you move back to a previous aligner temporarily. Finally, your dentist will let you know if it’s necessary to have your aligner replaced.

How to Avoid Losing an Aligner

Once you’ve got your replacement aligner, it might be good to make some adjustments to ensure that this doesn’t happen again. Here are some measures you can take.

• Wear your aligner as much as possible. You can’t lose your tray if it’s in your mouth, and you’ll make faster progress the more you wear them.
• Don’t place your aligners on a table, on a tray, or wrap them in a napkin. Get a personalized Invisalign case that will be easier to keep track of.
• Keep your Invisalign case in the same place so that you’ll always know where it is.

While losing an aligner can be scary or disorienting, with the help of your dentist you should be able to stay on track.  Just stay calm, and you’ll be just fine.

About the Author

Dr. Steven Oshins is a dentist who approaches every challenge the same way: by giving it 110%. He goes above and beyond in the service of his patients, and the people who visit his office can see it in the quality of care they receive. Dr. Oshins is a graduate of the University at Buffalo School of Dental Medicine. In the interest of continuing his education, he’s a proud member of the prestigious Seattle Study Club and the Academy of General Dentistry. If you have any questions about Invisalign treatment, we can be reached at our website or by phone at (518) 356-5635.