{"id":25,"date":"2020-12-12T02:09:00","date_gmt":"2020-12-12T02:09:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.simplyorthodonticsnh.com\/blog\/?p=25"},"modified":"2021-01-29T19:06:24","modified_gmt":"2021-01-29T19:06:24","slug":"invisalign-new-hampshire-lost-aligner","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.simplyorthodonticsnh.com\/blog\/2020\/12\/12\/invisalign-new-hampshire-lost-aligner\/","title":{"rendered":"Help! I Lost an Invisalign Aligner\u2014What Do I Do Now?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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One of the most popular benefits of Invisalign in New Hampshire<\/a> is that you can remove your aligners whenever you need to! This allows you to keep enjoying all your favorite foods and activities all throughout your treatment. However, this freedom comes with a lot of responsibility. Hopefully, you\u2019ll never lose an aligner, but accidents happen. If you\u2019ve misplaced your Invisalign aligners, follow these steps to keep your treatment on track.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

Step 1: Look for Your Aligner<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

While it\u2019s a huge benefit that your aligners are practically invisible when you wear them, this can make them difficult to find if you lose one. Try retracing your steps and carefully looking around all the areas you\u2019ve been recently. It may also help to try and remember what you were doing the last time you can recall seeing them. Check between couch cushions, under napkins, on the floor, and in your pocket or bag. You may need to check the garbage to see if you accidentally threw them out!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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

If you\u2019ve looked everywhere and simply can\u2019t find your lost aligner, don\u2019t wait a day or two to see if they magically show up somewhere. The longer you go without wearing your aligner, the more likely it is that your teeth will gradually shift out of position and reverse your progress. By then, even if you do find your aligner, it may no longer fit! If you haven\u2019t found your aligner by the end of the day, you should call your orthodontist.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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

The directions your orthodontist will give you when you call them will depend on your unique situation. If you had just switched to this aligner, they may recommend wearing your previous set until your replacement aligner arrives. If you were almost done with your lost aligner, they may instead tell you to move on to your next set a bit early.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Don\u2019t try making this decision on your own! Only your orthodontist can determine the safest way to care for your smile in the event you lose an aligner. In addition, they\u2019ll let you know if a replacement aligner is needed and when you can expect it to be ready for pickup.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Step 4: Learn How to Avoid Losing Your Aligner<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

As with anything that doesn\u2019t go quite as planned, it\u2019s important to take some time to learn from the experience. Hopefully, this ordeal will help you to remember to keep better track of your aligners! A few good lessons to take away from this situation are:<\/p>\n\n\n\n