Clear aligners are responsible for straightening your teeth. It also helps in correcting misaligned teeth. If you're a dental patient who wears aligners, chances are you've had at least one run-in with lost retainers. It can be an incredibly frustrating experience, not only because it often means you have to purchase a replacement aligner. It's also because you may have to put your treatment on pause until your new aligner arrives. Losing your aligner can be stressful, but it doesn't have to be.

What Happens If You Lose Your Aligners?

Invisalign aligners are the most popular choice for cosmetic dentistry, chosen by more than 8 million patients worldwide. But if you lose your Invisalign aligners, you must replace them immediately. Nevertheless, don't despair! Losing these tiny trays need not get in the way of achieving the smile of your dreams. Speak with your dentist for advice and replace your Invisalign aligners quickly to avoid derailing your entire treatment plan or experiencing a gap in treatment time.

4 Tips For Dealing With Lost Aligners

Contact Your Orthodontist Immediately

The first thing you should do when you realize that your aligner is missing is contact your orthodontist as soon as possible. They may advise you on what you can do until you get a replacement tray. Depending on the type of braces you have, they can send a new one right away or set up an appointment for you to come in and get fitted for a new one.

Check For Damage Before Inserting The New Aligners

Always ensure your new set fits comfortably and adequately before wearing them regularly again – no matter how long it takes! It's essential to check the new set of aligners for any signs of damage before putting them in your mouth. If there are any cracks or chips in the plastic, don't insert them! This could cause injury or pain if not caught early on and addressed by a professional before using them again.

Wear Your Aligners Consistently & Properly

After getting fitted with a new set of aligners, ensure that you wear them consistently and correctly. This means wearing them for 22 hours every day and taking them out only when eating or drinking anything other than water. Wearing them consistently will help keep your treatment on track. It eventually helps you to ensure that no further complications arise from prematurely losing or breaking an aligner tray during treatment time!

Invest In A Retainer Case

Retainer cases are usually affordable, and having one is always recommended, especially if you misplace things easily! A dedicated case for your retainer will help ensure that it stays safe and secure when it's not worn. And if it does get lost or misplaced again, at least this time, you'll know exactly where to start looking!

The Bottom Line

Losing an aligner tray can be stressful, but with these tips, it doesn't have to derail your orthodontic treatment plan! Contacting your orthodontist immediately upon realizing the loss is essential. Doing this will help you to get a new set of aligner trays. These four steps will help ensure everything goes smoothly while waiting for new trays to arrive! With just a bit of extra care taken now, you can rest easy knowing that everything will continue progressing toward achieving those perfect results down the road!

FAQ

What happens if you skip one tray of Invisalign?

If you lose one tray of your clear aligners, your teeth might begin to shift out of place. This causes setbacks in your treatment and causes discomfort in your new trays of clear aligners.

What will happen if you miss a day of aligners?

It will delay your treatment if you miss a day of aligners. It's also possible that your current aligner won't fit if not worn for the recommended duration.

December 4, 2023
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