{"id":203,"date":"2024-07-07T14:13:34","date_gmt":"2024-07-07T14:13:34","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.huntingtonortho.com\/blog\/?p=203"},"modified":"2024-08-18T14:16:23","modified_gmt":"2024-08-18T14:16:23","slug":"ive-lost-my-invisalign-what-do-i-do","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.huntingtonortho.com\/blog\/2024\/07\/07\/ive-lost-my-invisalign-what-do-i-do\/","title":{"rendered":"I\u2019ve Lost My Invisalign: What Do I Do?"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Invisalign<\/a> is a popular orthodontic method that can straighten your smile without bulky metal brackets. Instead, this alternative utilizes clear plastic trays that fit snuggly over your teeth to shift them. Every other week or so, your provider will have you switch to a new set of aligners to account for the ongoing movement of your teeth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Although treatment can often be completed in as few as 12 months, if you are prone to losing your aligners, it can extend your overall timeline. If you\u2019re panicking because you\u2019ve misplaced your trays, continue reading to learn what to do!<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

What Should I Do If I Lose My Invisalign?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

One reason so many patients choose Invisalign is that the transparent material is much more discreet than traditional braces. While this \u2018invisibility\u2019 works in your favor while wearing them, it\u2019s less convenient when they\u2019re not in your mouth. The clear plastic can be challenging to find if it\u2019s anywhere other than in the carrier case it came with.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The first thing to do is try to find your trays. You could have misplaced them, so try retracing your steps. Check recent areas you\u2019ve spent time in, and be sure to check in between seats, under furniture, or in small spaces where they may have fallen\u2014including the garbage can.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Should I Switch to The Next Set of Aligners?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

You might feel tempted to avoid calling your orthodontist and switch to the next trays early, but that might do more harm than good. The aligners are specifically designed to advance your teeth in minuscule movements over time. If you try wearing them too early, they may not fit correctly and can be damaged.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Instead, contact your provider and let them know what happened. They\u2019ll tell you whether you can try moving to the next set of trays or if you need to wear previous ones until the set you lost can be replaced.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How Can I Avoid Losing My Invisalign?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

To avoid interrupting your treatment timeline, try your best to always keep track of your aligners. Some helpful tips include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n