It’s not fun to lose anything, but not being able to find your Invisalign aligners can be particularly stressful. After all, you kind of need to wear them in order for the treatment to work! If you’ve already retraced your steps and turned your home upside down, keep reading. These tips will tell you what to do next.
Look Where You Least Expect Your Invisalign to Be
One of the first things most people do when they lose something is to mentally run through their day and check related locations. But even if you’ve accurately retraced your steps, sometimes items end up where you would least expect them to be. Your Invisalign may have been accidentally thrown away when you put it down to eat, for example, or maybe you left it in a gym locker. Be sure to check trashcans, sporting equipment, and storage bins, just in case!
Ask a Friend or Family Member for Help
Have you ever looked too hard for something, only for a friend or family member to find it in a really obvious spot? Stress can make your mind go totally blank, so getting a second pair of eyes to help you look for your Invisalign is a good idea. Plus, they might remember something about your day that you forgot or even saw where you put your aligners. It never hurts to ask for assistance!
Promptly Call Your Dentist
While it is important to look for your Invisalign, it’s also wise to contact your dentist promptly. Going for extended periods of time without wearing your Invisalign aligners can prolong your treatment and interfere with the straightening process. Make sure to fill your dentist in on the situation before the end of the day, even if you plan on continuing the search.
You should also know that dentists almost never recommend moving on to your next-step trays while you wait for a replacement. Instead, they might tell you to wear your previous set of aligners – as long as you can do so without complicating the treatment process.
Losing your Invisalign can be stressful, but your dentist will be able to tell you what to do next!
About the Practice
Dr. Dory Stutman is an Invisalign certified provider, and Dr. Khalida Stutman has completed the United States Dental Institute’s one-year program in orthodontics. By combining their unique experiences, they can provide patients at South Shore Dental Care with effective Invisalign treatment plans. They’re also well-qualified to help if you’ve lost your aligners! To make an appointment or ask what you should do about your missing Invisalign, call Dr. Dory and Dr. Khalida’s office at 516-798-3808.