When you finish eating a meal, it has likely become a habit to reach for your clear aligners. You’ll need to put them on after brushing your teeth, but what if you can’t find your trays? It’s easy to get worried about how this will affect your treatment, but you should do your best to stay calm. This guide walks you through on what you should do right away and how you can avoid this situation later on.
What Do I Do If I Lost My Aligners?
After you have taken a breath, take a minute or two and look into every small crevice and space nearby. These orthodontic trays are often small, so they might’ve slid somewhere. Double-check the counter, table, etc., you put them on, and hopefully you can find them. If not, then it’s important you call your dentist right away. They will let you know what you should do next, such as:
- Advance in your treatment and go on to the next set early.
- Go back to your previous pair and wait for a replacement to be ordered and delivered.
Does Losing My Aligners Affect My Treatment?
You might be worried about how losing your aligners will affect your treatment, but you may not have any delays if it’s just a one-time thing. However, if you consistently do, then you may push back your results. That’s because you may not be able to reach the full 22-hour wear time with the right set of trays, as you may need to wear some longer than expected.
Tips to Avoid Losing Your Aligners in the Future
Thankfully, there are some easy habits you can build that will help you keep your aligners safe. Here are simple ones you can add to your routine.
- Never put your trays into napkins or set them on the counter by themselves. Since they are small and clear, it’s easy for someone to throw them away or knock them to the ground.
- Always place your aligners in their designated case and keep one on your person if you know you will take them out soon.
- Have a spare case in convenient places, like a bag, backpack, or car. That way, you are never far from a backup if you forget your main one.
Stick to these tips, and you can do your best in avoiding any more lost clear aligners. You’ll set yourself up for success and enjoy a smooth treatment to a healthier bite you love.
About the Practice
At Zahner Dental, you benefit from the skilled leadership of Dr. Jonathan Zahner and Dr. Shawn Zahner. This compassionate brother duo is happy to help the Ellington community get the confident smiles they deserve with clear aligners. By sticking with you during your metal-free orthodontic service, you can know what you can do to avoid delays. If you misplaced your trays, the fastest way to contact us is by calling us at (860) 870-9031.