One of the biggest perks about wearing Invisalign aligners is that because they’re clear, they’re extremely discreet. In fact, from a distance it may be difficult to even tell you’re wearing them. But unfortunately, their nearly invisible appearance also means it can be easier to lose them when they’re not in your mouth.
Here’s what you should do if you lose an aligner, and how to reduce your risk of it happening again.
“I Lost My Invisalign Aligner. Now what?”
If you accidentally misplace or damage your Invisalign aligner, the first thing to remember is that there’s no need to panic. Next, retrace your steps. If you’ve recently eaten, check the area where you were sitting, the trash (sometimes they accidentally get thrown away with napkins or other debris), and on the ground around where you last were. If you still cannot locate it, call your dentist and explain the situation. He will likely offer a few solutions:
- You may be able to wear the previous aligner if you just advanced, however if you are about to advance again this might not be a viable option.
- If you are about to advance to a new set of aligners, your dentist may give you the green light to move on to your next set ahead of schedule.
- Your dentist may need to order a replacement if neither of those solutions are possible.
Regardless of the solution, do not take matters into your own hands and decide on your own. Your dentist is the best person to determine which option works best to ensure that your treatment stays on track and you don’t lose any progress your teeth have made by going backwards.
Preventing Aligner Loss
Now that you know how easy it is to lose your Invisalign aligners, here’s some helpful tips to help prevent it from happening again.
- Always store your aligners in their case when they’re not in use. It’s a lot easier to locate a colorful container than a clear aligner!
- You can also store them in a glass of denture or retainer soak to clean them while you’re eating.
- Try to remove aligners in the same place each time.
- Try to remove aligners at the same time each day.
- Never put your aligners down on a table or lunch tray if you are dining away from home.
Remember, accidents happen, and sometimes people lose their Invisalign aligners. If it happens to you, don’t panic. Retrace your steps, call your dentist, and make necessary changes to reduce your risk of losing them again.
About Our Practice
At Kramer Dental, our father-son team of Dr. James K. Kramer and Dr. Paul J. Kramer are pleased to offer a variety of oral health treatments right here in Selbyville. Whether you need an exam and cleaning, dental implants, or you’d like to straighten your smile with the help of Invisalign, they are honored to have been trusted by patients like you for over 30 years.
To schedule an Invisalign consultation, please contact us via our website, or call the office directly at 302-436-5133.