You’ve looked everywhere—under the couch, between the cushions, in the dog’s mouth, and even dug through the trash. Your Invisalign aligner is just gone! Losing a tray can certainly be stressful, but there’s no need to panic as long as you know what to do. This situation is more common than you might think, and it hardly ever means your treatment is ruined. Here’s what to do if you lose your Invisalign aligner.
Take a Moment
First, take a breath. Losing an aligner is frustrating, but it’s rarely an emergency. Invisalign treatment is designed with flexibility in mind, after all. What matters most is how quickly you respond and what steps you take next. With your heart rate reduced and your mind clear, you can make better decisions going forward.
Retrace Your Steps
Before assuming the aligner is gone for good, retrace your steps once more. Check places you may not have thought of, like crinkled napkins, pants pockets, bags, and bathroom counters. Aligners are often wrapped in tissues during meals and accidentally thrown away or taken out for oral care and left in soap dishes. A careful search can sometimes save you time and stress.
Call Your Dentist
Contact your dental office as soon as you realize your aligner is missing. They’ll guide you on the best next step based on where you are in your treatment.
In some cases, you may be told to move on to your next aligner a little early. In others, you may need to put your previous aligner in while a replacement is ordered. Every case is different, so it’s important to get guidance from your dentist.
Prevent Future Losses
Getting back on track is great, but once you’re there, it’s important to adopt new habits to prevent losing an aligner again.
First, always store aligners in their case while eating. Next, always do a mental check when you finish a task that requires you to take them out. A good way to do this is to set an alarm on your phone that will go off during or after the task. Whatever you can do to shore up your loss prevention will save you from future distress.
Losing an Invisalign aligner doesn’t mean treatment failure. With quick thinking and guidance from your dentist, most patients continue their treatment with little to no delay. If you ever have concerns or questions, your dental team is there to help ensure your smile stays on schedule.
About the Practice
At Amaze Dental, Dr. Suzanne Najjar and Dr. Caitlyn Le are dedicated to helping patients find confidence through a variety of personalized dental treatments, including Invisalign. With a supportive, patient-focused approach, their team provides guidance and practical solutions to keep your smile on track—even when the unexpected happens. Call (972) 230-1100 to schedule an Invisalign consultation with us or visit our website to explore other services.