Invisalign can be a fantastic way to address mild to moderate dental misalignments, and it requires patients to keep track of removable clear aligners that are virtually invisible when worn. While there are a few simple habits a patient can adopt to minimize the risk of their aligners being lost, your dentist will be able to help if one of your appliances is missing or destroyed. Here’s a quick overview of how you can keep track of your aligners as well as what you should do if you lose one.
How Does Invisalign Work?
Invisalign is often used to address mild to moderate spacing, crowding, overbites, underbites, crossbites, and open bites, and it does this by gradually straightening teeth using a customized sequence of removable clear aligners. The patient will have to wear these appliances for at least twenty hours daily and switch to the next pair in their sequence every two weeks or so to keep their treatment on track. Invisalign clear aligners must always be removed for oral hygiene sessions or when eating or drinking anything but water.
How Can I Avoid Losing an Invisalign Aligner?
Losing or damaging an Invisalign aligner can be quite frustrating and may lead to delays in your treatment. To prevent this, stick to the following habits:
- Only remove your clear aligners for oral hygiene, meals, snacks, and beverages other than water. Chewing while wearing your aligners can damage them and ruin their ability to straighten your teeth, and drinking dark beverages with them can lead to distracting stains in the clear plastic.
- When not wearing your clear aligners, store them in a strong, rigid, clean container that can be safely stored in your pocket.
- Keep your aligners away from children and pets when not wearing them.
What if I Lose an Aligner?
If your aligner is damaged or lost, call your dentist for further instructions. If you’ve already been wearing the aligner for a while, they may recommend simply switching to the next set in your sequence and proceeding with your normal treatment habits. If you haven’t been wearing your aligner for very long, they may recommend switching back to the previous appliance to keep your teeth in place while a new one is made for you.
Keeping track of your aligners will set you up for a smooth and complication-free Invisalign treatment. Consulting with your dentist can help you understand the best ways to keep your treatment on track.
About the Practice
White Clay Dental offers the best oral healthcare in Newark. Led by Drs. Donald T. Bond and Timothy D. Ganfield, the staff treats each patient with courtesy, respect, and exemplary customer service. Areas of expertise include general, restorative, cosmetic, and emergency dentistry as well as Invisalign services. To learn more about the Invisalign process, contact the office online or dial (302) 731-4225.