What to Do If You Lose or Damage Your Invisalign Clear Aligners
Invisalign is gaining popularity as an alternative to traditional metal braces for straightening teeth. It is easy to handle and can be removed whenever you wish to eat or brush your teeth. However, accidents do occur, and it is not uncommon to misplace or damage your Invisalign trays.
The loss or damage to your Invisalign retainers can be frustrating, but it’s absolutely crucial that you calm down and start thinking about a solution. Remember, this is not a problem, as a few options are available to ensure you remain on course. In this blog, you will learn the various ways to deal with the situation when your aligners are lost or damaged.
Stay Calm and Assess the Situation
The first thing you need to do if you think you have lost or broken your aligner is to keep your cool and analyze the situation. It is easy to panic in such situations, but more often than not, your aligner is just hiding in some place, and you can find it very easily in your bag, pockets, or around you. A lot of times, the answer is literally in front of you.
If it’s damaged but can still be used, don’t panic; instead, continue wearing it until your next appointment with an Invisalign dentist in Boca Raton. Do not delay getting professional help, but do not worry because there are always options available for you to continue on schedule.
What to Do if You Lose Your Aligners?
If you have lost your aligner, especially after removing it to eat or brush your teeth, it can be a problem. Here are a few things that you must do.
1. Call Your Dentist
The first person you should contact is your Invisalign dentist. They will walk you through what happens next and may recommend an interim fix until your replacement aligners arrive. Dental offices have multiple ways to provide you with fast replacement aligners or directions for what to do until you receive your new aligners.
2. Use Your Previous Set (If Applicable)
If you have a spare aligner from your former tray, you can wear those temporarily. While they will not be the most comfortable fit at first, they will keep your teeth aligned until your new aligner arrives. It is crucial to get back into the habit of wearing the aligners sooner rather than later.
3. Don’t Skip Days
Not wearing your aligners for days and weeks can slow down your progress. It would help if you could continue with your usual routine. If you are unsure what to do next or have concerns about the treatment progress, you can consult your Invisalign dentist for personalized advice.
If your aligner is completely lost or beyond repair, your dentist can place an order for a new one. In the meantime, to minimize the impact of the waiting period on your treatment time, it is very important to follow your dentist’s advice.
What to Do if Your Aligners Are Damaged?
If your Invisalign trays can still be worn despite being damaged, it’s crucial to take immediate action. This is what you should do:
1. Examine the Damage
Check to see if it is cracked or broken, or is just worn out. If it is only cosmetically damaged or cracked in a minor way, it is sometimes possible to wear it while waiting to replace it. However, in some cases, depending on how it is cracked, it must be replaced right away.
2. Consult Your Invisalign Dentist
If you find yourself with damaged aligners, it is important to seek advice from a professional dentist as soon as possible. They will assist you in deciding whether to continue with the damaged aligner or replace it with a new one. It is important not to interrupt the tooth alignment process.
3. Avoid Using A Damaged Aligner
Using the damaged aligner for a long time might slow down your progress. This is because aligners help move teeth in a particular way, and the changes they cause might compromise their effectiveness. This will be determined by your dentist.
It is also important to clean and store them after replacing your broken aligner. It is essential to ensure you store your aligners in the case whenever you are not wearing them, rather than placing them in a napkin or at random places, which may result in misplacement.
Future Problems with Your Invisalign Clear Aligners
To prevent losing or damaging your aligners in the future, here are some tips:
1. Always Store Your Aligners in Their Case
Always store the retainers in their case when removing them. This is to avoid losing them. Moreover, it protects them from getting damaged.
2. When to Remove Your Aligners
Refrain from taking out your retainers in public or when you are around food. Also, remember to place them somewhere clean when you are not using them.
3. Follow the Dentist’s Instructions
Your Invisalign dentist will provide guidance on the wear times for the different aligners and proper dental care for the aligners. These steps ensure that the treatment goes well.
4. Regularly Check for Wear and Tear
Though Invisalign aligners are quite durable and strong, they will nonetheless wear out. Check your aligners for wear and tear, as they are prone to damage.
Stay on Track with Your Invisalign Treatment
Even if you lose or damage your Invisalign braces, your treatment will not be affected. Provided that you have followed the procedure outlined above and consulted your Invisalign dentist in Boca Raton, your pursuit of a confident, lovely smile continues.
At Regency Court Dentistry, we’re here to help answer any questions that arise during your Invisalign treatment. Contact us today to learn more about Invisalign maintenance to keep your teeth looking their best.
FAQs
- How long can I go without wearing my aligners?
It’s best to wear your aligners for the full 20-22 hours per day as recommended by your Invisalign dentist. Missing too many hours can delay your treatment progress.
- What should I do if my aligners feel tight after missing a few days?
If you’ve missed a few days of wear, your aligners may feel tight when you put them back in. Contact your Invisalign dentist in Boca Raton for guidance, as you may need to wear a previous set or adjust the current aligner to ensure proper fit.
- Can I still eat with my damaged aligners?
It’s not recommended to eat with damaged aligners. Eating can worsen the damage or make it uncomfortable. Consult your dentist if your aligners are damaged and need to be replaced.
- What if I need to replace my aligner before my next scheduled visit?
If you need a replacement aligner, your Invisalign dentist can assist you. They may be able to send you a replacement quickly to minimize any disruptions to your treatment plan.
- Can I continue with my Invisalign treatment if I lose an aligner?
If you lose an aligner, you can continue treatment with your previous set if you have one. However, it’s best to contact your Invisalign dentist to ensure you’re following the right steps for a smooth treatment process.