When it comes to orthodontic treatments, none are more convenient than Invisalign! These clear plastic aligners are removable and practically invisible when worn, which makes them a popular choice for teens and adults alike. However, these benefits can also make it very easy to lose an aligner! If your teenager loses track of one of their Invisalign aligners, it’s important to act fast in order to keep their treatment from getting lengthier or more expensive. Here’s what to do if your teen loses an aligner.
Step 1: Look Closely
First and foremost, help your teenager take a good hard look for their aligner. It can be helpful to have them retrace their steps (sometimes literally) and look around where they last remember seeing them. Did they recently take them out to brush their teeth or eat a snack? Be sure to have them check countertops, sinks, the floor, between couch cushions, under napkins, and in their pockets. You may need to search through the garbage or trash can in case they were accidentally thrown out.
Step #2: Call Your Orthodontist
If you still can’t find your teenager’s lost aligner after a thorough search, it’s time to call the orthodontist. Don’t wait around for a few days hoping that your teen will suddenly remember where they put them. The longer they go without their aligner, the more likely their teeth are to gradually begin to shift back out of place. By then, even if you do find the lost aligner, it may not fit anymore. If you haven’t found your teen’s aligner within a day, call your orthodontist.
Step #3: Follow Your Orthodontist’s Instructions
When you (or your teen) calls the orthodontist, they’ll tell you what you should do next. In some cases, they may simply have your teen move on to their next set of aligners a bit early. In other cases, they’ll instruct your teenager to wear the previous set of aligners until they can order them a new set. Either way, DO NOT attempt to make this decision on your own! Their recommendation will be based off of several unique factors about your teen’s Invisalign treatment, not to mention backed by extensive training. Moving on to the next set of aligners too soon could damage your teenager’s teeth and lengthen their treatment.
Step #4: Make This Experience a Teaching Moment
Hopefully, this ordeal will be enough to help your teen to keep better track of their aligners in the future. Some of the most important lessons to take away from a situation like this are:
- Only remove your aligners when you really need to
- Always store your aligners in their case when taken out
- Never wrap your aligners in a napkin or leave them on a countertop
The teenage years are all about learning responsibility, and Invisalign is a practical way to teach your teen some key values while straightening their teeth. If they happen to lose track of an aligner, make sure to follow these steps to keep their treatment on track.
About the Practice
Simply Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics is pleased to offer specialized services for the growing smiles of Nashua, Pelham, and the surrounding communities. Whether your child could benefit from pediatric orthodontics or your teenager is interested in Invisalign, we customize every treatment to meet the unique needs and goals of your little one’s precious smile. We are passionate about teaching teenagers about the importance of great oral health and how to make the most out of their Invisalign treatment. To learn more, we can be contacted via our website or at (603) 880-5002.