Even the most diligent, responsible individuals lose items on occasion. Whether the couch eats your car keys or you accidentally throw away the receipt for an item you want to return to the store, losing track of important things is always stressful. It can be especially so if you misplace one of your aligners for Invisalign in Hamden. But do not panic. There are some practical steps you can take to get your treatment back on track as soon as possible.
Where to Look for Your Aligner
One of the first things you should do if an aligner goes missing is take a look in all the places where it might have ended up. Here are a few ideas to get you started:
- The trash can. Some individuals wrap their aligner in a napkin while they eat, and the napkin can easily get thrown away after the meal.
- Your purse. If your purse contains a lot of items, it might be tricky to spot a clear aligner inside of it.
- Places where it might have fallen. If you ever remove your aligner while you are in the car, it might have slipped between the seats. If you ever place it on your bedside table at night, it might be beneficial to check under your bed.
Call Your Dentist
If your reasonable efforts to locate your aligner fail, give your dentist a call. They might advise you to do one of two things:
- Go back to wearing a previous aligner. Your dentist can order a replacement for the aligner your lost. In the meantime, wearing an older aligner can prevent your teeth from drifting too far out of place.
- Move onto the next aligner a little early. If you were just a few days away from being able to graduate to the next aligner in your series, it might be okay to do so a little early. However, you should never do this without your dentist’s explicit approval; switching to a new aligner too soon may damage your teeth and cause significant pain.
Tips for Keeping Track of your Aligners
Here are a few tips that can reduce the risk that you will lose an aligner:
- Do not remove your aligners unless it is absolutely necessary.
- Store your aligners in a designated case whenever you are not wearing them. Some people choose to buy at least two storage cases — one for use at home, and another for when they are on the go.
- Do not wrap your aligner in a napkin while you eat. If it is not in its case, you should keep it in sight.
A lost aligner can cause you stress, but there is no need to become overly worried. The above tips can help you get your treatment back on track ASAP.
Meet the Practice
The dentists at New Haven Dental Group in Hamden are proud to offer Invisalign as one of their many services. If you have questions about Invisalign or you are concerned due to a lost aligner, our team is ready to assist you. Contact us at 203-806-9257.