The Case of the Disappearing Invisalign Aligner: What You Should Do

The disappearing act of a magician can be a mystical feat, but what if your Invisalign clear aligner was the headliner? It may have vanished during lunch and got tossed on accident, or your pet thought it was their new toy. Losing a tray can feel like your orthodontic treatment is going to be set back, but calling your dentist can help keep your progress going steadily. Here is what you should do if you find your Invisalign tray missing.

What Should I Do If I Lost My Invisalign Tray?

When you notice that you misplaced your clear aligner, you should retrace your steps and see if it’s close by. Check in between small spaces that it could have slid into, but if you cannot find it, don’t hesitate to call your dentist. The earlier you reach out, the better! They got the answers you need, so skip the guessing and let them clear it up

Depending on how far along you were with that tray, your dentist may have you go back to your previous set to preserve your progress or move forward to the next pair. If ordering a replacement is the best option, your dentist will do that and let you know when it’s ready to be picked up.

Tips to Avoid Losing Your Clear Aligners

The good news is that losing an aligner doesn’t mean a major setback to your treatment, but misplacing more than a few can put a delay. Be sure to take extra steps to prevent future loss. For instance, always keep your Invisalign case handy and avoid wrapping it in a tissue or napkin. That way, you’re less prone to accidentally throw them away. Also, keep them out of reach of pets that may want to chew on them. Even having a backup case can be beneficial, just in case you misplace your main one!

Why Keeping Your Invisalign Secure Is Important

The reason that wearing your clear aligners is important is that they are only effective if you wear them for 20 to 22 hours a day. This allows them to gently move your teeth, and without that consistent pressure, it can delay your treatment plan. You are already spending a lot of time getting the straighter teeth you want, and you don’t want to add on more!

While you may be mystified at seeing a magician vanish before your eyes, if it were your Invisalign tray, then it may not have the same pizazz. Having lost an aligner won’t stall your progress, but calling your dentist can make the difference. Follow their advice and you can stay on track to have the perfect smile you dream of!

About the Author

Dr. Alan DeAngelo earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery from the University of Illinois College of Dentistry. He believes in giving his patients the best care possible, so he is proud to take many courses spanning dentistry, including ones about occlusion (bite alignment). By being Invisalign certified, you can rest easily knowing that he will keep your teeth straightening journey smooth and effective. To learn more about how Invisalign can benefit you, schedule an appointment or call us at (708) 854-5912.