Losing an Invisalign aligner can feel like a dental emergency—especially when you’re in the middle of treatment and working hard to stay on track. But don’t worry, it’s more common than you might think, and there are clear steps you can take to fix the issue without derailing your progress.
If you’ve misplaced a tray, here’s what to do next.
Step 1: Contact Your Dentist or Orthodontist Immediately
The first and most important thing to do is call your Invisalign provider as soon as possible. They’ll help assess where you are in your treatment plan and advise you on the best course of action. Depending on the situation, they may recommend moving forward to your next aligner, reverting to your previous one, or ordering a replacement.
Every patient’s timeline is different, so don’t make assumptions—your dentist will give you a personalized plan to keep things moving smoothly.
Step 2: Check the Time Spent Wearing the Lost Aligner
One of the biggest factors your provider will consider is how long you wore the lost tray before it went missing:
- If you wore it for more than 7 days: Your dentist might approve moving on to the next aligner in the series, as long as it fits well and doesn’t cause discomfort.
- If you wore it for fewer than 7 days: You may be asked to go back to the previous aligner (if you still have it), which helps prevent your teeth from shifting out of place while a new one is ordered.
This is why it’s a good idea to always keep your previous aligner in a clean case, just in case of emergencies like this.
Step 3: Don’t Go Without an Aligner
If neither the previous nor the next tray is usable—or you’re waiting for a replacement—it’s important not to leave your teeth without support. Going days without an aligner can undo progress and make future trays harder to wear.
In the meantime:
- Wear your previous aligner if it still fits
- Use the next aligner only with your dentist’s approval
- Avoid skipping treatment altogether
Step 4: Prevent Future Losses
Losing an aligner once is understandable—but it’s best to take steps to prevent it from happening again. Here are a few tips:
- Always store aligners in their case when not in your mouth (never wrap them in napkins—they often get tossed).
- Avoid putting them in your pocket where they can warp, crack, or fall out.
- Label your case so it’s easy to identify in public places or at school/work.
Losing an Invisalign tray can feel like a major setback, but with quick action and guidance from your dental provider, it doesn’t have to throw off your treatment plan.
- About the Practice
Omega Dental of Bedford offers modern orthodontic and cosmetic solutions for patients of all ages. Led by Dr. Prashantkumar Gajera and Dr. Julyat Gajera, our practice provides expert Invisalign treatment with a focus on convenience, comfort, and long-term results. Lost your aligner? Getting a clear aligner for the first time? Whatever the reason, we’re here for you.
Call us at (817) 518-6915 or request an appointment online.