{"id":32,"date":"2021-04-16T15:34:00","date_gmt":"2021-04-16T15:34:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/simplyorthoworcester.com\/blog\/?p=32"},"modified":"2021-10-04T15:56:27","modified_gmt":"2021-10-04T15:56:27","slug":"what-to-do-if-you-lose-an-invisalign-aligner","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/simplyorthoworcester.com\/blog\/2021\/04\/16\/what-to-do-if-you-lose-an-invisalign-aligner\/","title":{"rendered":"I Lost an Invisalign Aligner \u2014 What Do I Do Now?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Invisalign clear aligners<\/a> are quickly becoming one of the most popular orthodontic treatments available, and it\u2019s easy to see why! Not only are they practically invisible when worn, but they can be removed for eating, cleaning, and other daily activities for optimal convenience. Unfortunately, these unique freedoms also make it much easier to accidentally lose track of an aligner! If you want to keep your treatment on track, it\u2019s important that you act right away. Here\u2019s the steps you should take if you lose an Invisalign aligner.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

Step 1: Look for Your Aligner<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

First and foremost, take some time to really search for your aligners. Remember, they\u2019re clear and will blend in with their surroundings, so look carefully. Retrace your steps and search the places you\u2019ve been recently, or start with where you last remember having your aligners. Were you brushing your teeth? Did you grab a snack at the counter? Try looking between couch cushions, under napkins, on the floor or in your pocket. You may even need to check the garbage or trash can to see if you accidentally threw them out!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Step 2: Call Your Orthodontist<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

If you still can\u2019t find your aligners after a thorough search, it\u2019s time to call your orthodontist. Don\u2019t wait around hoping that you\u2019ll happen upon them somewhere. The longer you go without wearing your aligners, the more likely your teeth are to gradually shift out of place and reverse your hard-earned progress. By then, even if you do find your aligner, it may no longer fit! Call your orthodontist if you haven\u2019t found your missing aligner within the first day or two.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Step 3: Follow Your Orthodontist\u2019s Instructions<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

When you call your orthodontist, they\u2019ll give you specific instructions based on your unique situation. Depending on where you are in your treatment plan, they may tell you to wear a previous set of aligners until you can get replacements, or they may recommend that you simply move on to your next set of aligners. Even if you think you know what your orthodontist is going to say, don\u2019t make this decision on your own! Only your orthodontist will know which is the safest choice for your smile. Plus, you may need to talk to them about ordering a replacement aligner.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Step 4: Learn How to Avoid Losing Your Aligners<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Perhaps the most important step is to learn how to avoid this problem in the future. Hopefully, losing your aligners once will be enough to help you keep better track of them! A few key lessons to take away from this situation are:<\/p>\n\n\n\n