{"id":218,"date":"2024-03-14T17:56:00","date_gmt":"2024-03-14T17:56:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.bridgemilldentalcare.com\/blog\/?p=218"},"modified":"2024-04-03T05:56:29","modified_gmt":"2024-04-03T05:56:29","slug":"what-to-do-if-you-lose-a-clear-aligner","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.bridgemilldentalcare.com\/blog\/2024\/03\/14\/what-to-do-if-you-lose-a-clear-aligner\/","title":{"rendered":"A Clear Problem: What to Do If You Lose a Clear Aligner"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Unlike metal braces, clear aligners aren\u2019t cemented onto your teeth. You can remove these trays<\/a> for daily meals and oral care. So, you\u2019ll need to respond correctly if you lose a clear aligner. Doing anything less may delay (or reverse) your treatment results. Luckily, learning the right approach to this dilemma isn\u2019t hard. Your Indian Land dentist will even walk you through it. To that end, here are four steps to take when you\u2019ve lost a clear aligner.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

Take a Look Around<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

For starters, make sure that you don\u2019t panic. You may have just misplaced the aligner. Therefore, look around and retrace your steps \u2013 the tray could be nearby.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

To be specific, check those areas that you visited recently. Maybe the tray fell in between some couch cushions. On the other hand, perhaps it was tossed into a garbage can by accident. Examine such areas to confirm whether the aligner is truly lost.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Don\u2019t Just Proceed as Usual<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

If you really have lost the aligner, don\u2019t simply move to the next treatment phase. Ignoring the problem will cause more issues for your teeth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Remember, an aligner tray shifts each tooth through tiny movements. Advancing when your teeth haven\u2019t reached the right positions can disrupt your treatment. Should that happen, you may face unwanted side effects or need to re-do earlier portions of care. Neither outcome would make for a smooth aligner journey.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Call Your Dentist\/Orthodontist<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Once you know the aligner is gone, call your dentist or orthodontist. They can adjust your treatment plan and help you get back on track.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

There are various ways a dentist can address your lost tray. If you\u2019ve just started wearing this particular aligner, they may say to wear the previous one until a new tray arrives. In contrast, they could suggest moving to the next aligner if you were almost done with the lost one. The dentist will tell you if another tray must be made regardless.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Avoid Future Mishaps<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

After you\u2019ve solved the aligner problem, you should keep it from happening again. That means taking steps to ensure you don\u2019t lose future trays. In particular, consider methods like:<\/p>\n\n\n\n