Losing an Invisalign aligner can be a stressful moment, especially if you are committed to a strict treatment schedule for aligning your teeth. However, there are steps you can take to minimize the disruption to your treatment and ensure that you stay on track towards achieving your desired smile. Here’s what you should do if you find yourself in a situation where you’ve lost an Invisalign aligner.

Contact Your Dentist Immediately

The first and most important step is to inform your dentist when you realize an aligner is missing. Prompt communication lets your dentist assess the situation and advise you on the best course of action based on how long you’ve been wearing the lost aligner and your overall treatment plan.

Assess the Timing of the Loss

The timing of when you lose your aligner plays a crucial role in determining the next steps:

Early in your aligner wear cycle 

If you lose your aligner early in the cycle such as within the first few days of a new set, your dentist can order a replacement from Invisalign. Thanks to digital records, Invisalign can produce a new aligner that matches the specifications of the one you lost, ensuring that your treatment progresses without significant delays.

Close to Changing to a New Aligner

If the loss occurs closer to the time when you are scheduled to switch to a new aligner, your dentist might suggest moving on to the next aligner ahead of schedule earlier than planned. This can be a viable option if the timing aligns closely with your transition period.

Using Previous Aligners as a Temporary Solution

In cases where neither of the above options is viable, or if there will be a delay in receiving a new aligner, your dentist might recommend reverting to the previous aligner. This is why it’s essential to keep all your past aligners, as advised by dental professionals. Returning to the previous set can help maintain the progress you’ve made until a replacement for the lost aligner is available or until it is appropriate to advance to the next stage in your treatment.

Keep All Your Aligners

As highlighted, keeping all your previous aligners is crucial. They not only serve as a backup in situations like this but can also be useful if there’s a need to temporarily revert to an earlier stage in your treatment. Store them in a safe place where they are labelled or organized in a way that you can easily identify and retrieve them if needed.

If you ever lose your Invisalign, we know it could cause panic but it does not have to derail your progress towards straighter teeth. By acting quickly and following the guidelines provided by your dentist, you can manage the situation effectively. Always communicate promptly with your dental professional and follow their instructions to ensure your treatment continues smoothly and your path to a perfect smile remains uninterrupted.

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