Invisalign Inquiry: What Happens if I Lose a Tray?

Although braces are the tried-and-true solution for straightening smiles and have a long history of success, many people prefer to avoid the frustration and self-consciousness of having metal brackets attached to their teeth.

Thankfully, many dentists offer Invisalign, which is often considered a more comfortable and discreet alternative to standard orthodontics. However, because the trays are completely transparent, you might accidentally lose one, which can interrupt your treatment timeline. Continue reading to learn more about how to handle a misplaced tray!

What Should I Do If I Lose My Invisalign?

Typically, it’s not considered an emergency if you lose or break a clear aligner. After all, it’s not the first time it’s happened to a patient and certainly won’t be the last! If you’re missing a tray, it’s best to contact your dentist as soon as possible to let them know what happened.

This is because they must be worn for 20 to 22 hours to prevent your teeth from reverting to their starting positions. Your provider will need to share instructions about the best next steps. For example, they can inform you whether to wear the previous set of trays or switch to the next pair earlier than initially anticipated, based on your current treatment progress. Otherwise, you could potentially add weeks or months to your total treatment timeline.

How Can I Avoid Misplacing My Aligners?

One of the reasons so many people choose Invisalign is that the transparent trays allow their enamel to show through, allowing them to look and feel like their most confident selves. But because they are intended to be ‘invisible’, they can easily be misplaced, damaged, or thrown away if you’re not careful.

For instance, if you take them out at lunch and set them on a napkin nearby, you might forget where you placed them and throw them out with your trash after your meal. You might also drop them during a cleaning or lose them under furniture, or in your purse or backpack, if you store them there.

If you’re worried you might lose your aligners, you can try the following helpful tips:

• Have a dedicated place where you store them when you’re not wearing them, like in their carrier case, so you know where to find them later.
• Only remove them when it’s absolutely necessary, like for meals or cleanings.
• Don’t place them on a lunch tray or table or wrap them in napkins or tissues.

Fortunately, losing your Invisalign isn’t the end of the world, but you do need to take steps to remain on track with your treatment timeline!

Meet the Author

Dr. Marianna Gaitsgory is committed to helping patients build and maintain the most beautiful and healthiest versions of their smiles. She earned her Doctor of Dental Medicine from the Goldman School of Dental Medicine at Boston University, and today, she offers a complete menu of services, including Invisalign, to meet your needs under one roof. Whether you want to straighten your smile for cosmetic purposes or to prevent oral issues, she has the expertise and state-of-the-art equipment to help you achieve your goals. You can request an appointment on the website or call (508) 875-0900.