{"id":86,"date":"2021-05-01T22:09:00","date_gmt":"2021-05-01T22:09:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.simplypedoortho.com\/blog\/?p=86"},"modified":"2021-06-03T19:14:02","modified_gmt":"2021-06-03T19:14:02","slug":"what-to-do-if-your-teen-loses-invisalign-aligner","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.simplypedoorthopelham.com\/blog\/2021\/05\/01\/what-to-do-if-your-teen-loses-invisalign-aligner\/","title":{"rendered":"What to Do If Your Teenager Loses an Invisalign Aligner"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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When it comes to orthodontic treatments, none are more convenient than Invisalign<\/a>! 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\u2019s important to act fast in order to keep their treatment from getting lengthier or more expensive. Here\u2019s what to do if your teen loses an aligner.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

Step 1: Look Closely<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Step #2: Call Your Orthodontist<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

If you still can\u2019t find your teenager\u2019s lost aligner after a thorough search, it\u2019s time to call the orthodontist. Don\u2019t 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\u2019t found your teen\u2019s aligner within a day, call your orthodontist.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Step #3: Follow Your Orthodontist\u2019s Instructions<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

When you (or your teen) calls the orthodontist, they\u2019ll 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\u2019ll 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\u2019s Invisalign treatment, not to mention backed by extensive training. Moving on to the next set of aligners too soon could damage your teenager\u2019s teeth and lengthen their treatment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Step #4: Make This Experience a Teaching Moment<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

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:<\/p>\n\n\n\n