Invisalign offers you so many benefits! Unlike traditional braces with metal wires and brackets, you are able to straighten your teeth comfortably due to the dental-grade plastic trays. In addition to still being able to eat your favorite foods, Invisalign goes virtually unnoticed by others. While the clear, removable aligners discreetly give you your dream smile, unfortunately, you can sometimes accidentally lose or misplace them. No need to panic though! Your dentist in Newington is here to tell you what to do next.
Do a Thorough Search
Since you remove your aligners mostly when you are eating, they often get lost when they are taken out during mealtimes or having a snack. Many people get in the habit of wrapping them in a napkin to keep them safe or placing them on a tray near their plate. Unfortunately, this opens the opportunity for them to easily be mistaken for garbage. Be sure to take a deep look around your dining area and in any nearby trash bins. If you do find your aligners (yay!), be sure to wash them before placing them back in your mouth.
Contact Your Dentist for the Next Best Step
If your aligners don’t turn up after your thorough search, it’s time to call your dentist. It is important not to take matters into your own hands; they will consider your treatment plan and lead you to the next best step. This may include:
- Switch to a new set of aligners. This may be an option if you were only a few days from moving on to the next aligner in your treatment. However, you should not do this without your dentist’s approval. Moving to a new aligner too quickly can cause significant discomfort and other issues.
- Go back to wearing an old set of aligners. Wearing a previous aligner can prevent your teeth from shifting too far out of place while you wait for your dentist to receive a replacement for the one that got lost.
How Can You Prevent Losing Your Aligners?
As the saying goes, “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” To keep your Invisalign treatment on track, be sure to:
- Only remove your aligners when it’s necessary (such as eating or drinking something other than water)
- Always place your aligners in their storage case when not in use
- Don’t put your aligners on a lunch tray, table, napkin, or plate
If your Invisalign trays have suddenly become invisible, all is not lost. Consider these tips and reach out to your dentist if need be…your smile will be back on track before you know it!
About the Practice
Cedar Mountain Dental can help you with all your oral health needs! Their two exceptional dentists provide a range of services, including cosmetic treatments like Invisalign. With late hours during the week and open on Saturday, they can assist you immediately if you lose your aligners. Visit their website or call (860) 667-2600 if you have any questions or need to make an appointment.