Invisalign aligners are removable. This feature makes them very convenient; you can easily clean your teeth, and there is no need to worry about dietary restrictions. However, the removability of the aligners comes with a caveat — there is a chance you could lose one! What should you do if that happens to you? This blog post provides practical guidance.
Make a Thorough Search
If you realize your Invisalign aligner is missing, the first step is to conduct a careful search of your surroundings. You should retrace your steps from the moment you last remember wearing your aligner. Consider all the places where you may have removed them: your bathroom, kitchen, bedroom, or even your workplace. Check inside pockets, bags, and drawers where you might have stored the aligner temporarily.
If you think you may have disposed of it accidentally, look through the trash bins in your home or office. Sometimes, aligners can get wrapped up in napkins or tissues and tossed away, so it is important to check thoroughly. You should ask family members, roommates, or coworkers if they have seen your aligner. A systematic search often increases the chances of finding the aligner before it is lost for good.
Call Your Dentist for Advice
If you cannot locate your aligner after a reasonably thorough search, contact your dentist or orthodontist as soon as possible. Your provider will give you specific instructions based on your treatment stage. They might recommend one of the following:
- Go back to wearing your previous aligner. Doing this will prevent your teeth from drifting too far out of place. While you are wearing it, your dentist can order a replacement for the aligner that got lost.
- Move ahead to your next aligner. If you were only a few days away from being able to move on to your next aligner, this may be the better option. However, do not do so without permission from your care provider. Going ahead too soon could cause discomfort or other complications.
Losing an Invisalign aligner can be stressful, but taking swift, thoughtful action will help you resolve the situation and minimize any disruption to your treatment process.
Meet the Practice
At Willow Run Dental Association, our team is proud to provide high-quality, comprehensive oral care for our community. Invisalign is among the many services we offer. We are always ready to help patients navigate challenges that come up during treatment, so do not hesitate to reach out to us if you are dealing with a lost aligner or other problems. We will do all we can to assist you. Contact our Auburn, ME, office at 207-352-2825.