{"id":307,"date":"2025-03-20T15:33:21","date_gmt":"2025-03-20T15:33:21","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.sdentalnj.com\/blog\/?p=307"},"modified":"2025-08-25T15:40:54","modified_gmt":"2025-08-25T15:40:54","slug":"what-to-do-if-you-lose-an-invisalign-aligner","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.sdentalnj.com\/blog\/2025\/03\/20\/what-to-do-if-you-lose-an-invisalign-aligner\/","title":{"rendered":"Did You Lose an Aligner? Here\u2019s What to Do (& What Not to Do)"},"content":{"rendered":"
\n
\"Woman<\/a><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

Although every Invisalign<\/a> treatment plan is unique, there is something that\u2019s universal: the 20+ hour-a-day wear time. So, you can see why losing an aligner can be panic-inducing for patients. After all, the less you wear the trays, the more likely it is that you will experience treatment plan delays. So, if you find yourself in this situation, it\u2019s important that you act fast. Below, you will learn both what to do as well as what NOT to do.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

First, Here\u2019s What You Should NOT Do<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Oftentimes, patients assume that their dentist will judge them, so they try to take matters into their own hands. More specifically, they will move on to the next set of aligners in the series without consulting with their dental team. While that may seem like a simple solution, doing so can cause you to fall even further off-track with your treatment plan.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Here\u2019s What You Should Do Instead<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

First, try retracing your steps, starting from the last place you know you had them. In the process, look in \u201crandom\u201d places, like the center console of your car, the waste bin in your kitchen, and the pockets of the pants you were wearing earlier. If you\u2019ve looked and looked but can\u2019t find your aligners anywhere, take the next step: call your dental team ASAP.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Over the phone, your dental team will learn more about your situation, including where you are in the teeth-straightening process. If you just transitioned to those aligners, they will likely ask you to wear your previous ones until the replacements arrive. If, on the other hand, you are only a day or two away from progressing to the next set, they will probably ask you to do so a bit earlier than originally planned.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How To: Avoid Losing an Aligner<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Fortunately, there are several ways to avoid losing an aligner (and the panic that comes with it), like:<\/p>\n\n\n\n