Invisalign® clear aligners are virtually-invisible, making them a convenient treatment option for any type of lifestyle. But let’s be honest, their transparent appearance means it’s possible to misplace them.
If you’ve found yourself saying, “oh no, I lost my Invisalign trays… should I skip to my next set?” Your team at Just for Grins Orthodontics in Alabama is here to help.
Before deciding on your own…
Whether it slipped into the trash at lunch or vanished during vacation, losing a tray happens. But the decision to simply skip ahead to the next aligner depends on a few key factors—and it’s not one you should make alone. Always consult your orthodontist before making any changes to the prescribed sequence, as it could affect your treatment progression.
We’re here to walk you through exactly what to do if you lose your Invisalign tray, how to avoid losing another one, and why it’s so important to follow the right steps.
What To Do If You Lose an Invisalign Tray
First and foremost: don’t panic! Losing one can feel like a setback, but don’t worry – we can get you back on track quickly if you reach out to us as soon as you realize they’re gone. Acting quickly is crucial to avoid treatment delays and stay on track for your estimated treatment length.
Step 1: Call Your Orthodontist
Always start by calling your orthodontist. We’ll talk about when your tray was lost and how long you wore the tray before it was lost, and take a look at your current aligner schedule. Based on this information, we may recommend:
- Skipping to the next Invisalign tray if you were close to the end of your wear time (typically day 7-10).
- Wearing your previous tray to hold your progress if the new tray was just started.
- Ordering a replacement tray if the timing or fit makes skipping ahead risky.
Remember, every smile is different and every treatment plan is unique. What works for someone else (on reddit) may not be the right solution for you, so don’t make the decision to skip without your orthodontist’s instructions.
Step 2: Hold Your Progress (If Needed)
If you’re instructed to wear your previous tray for a few days while we wait on a replacement, that’s totally normal. Keeping previous trays as a backup for current trays is important. The goal is to prevent your teeth from shifting backward while you wait for the next step.
Using a Previous Tray as a Temporary Solution
Previous trays can help maintain the current alignment of your teeth, preventing them from shifting out of place in the meantime. However, there are a few things to consider when using a previous tray:
- Only use a previous tray that is in good condition and has not been damaged.
- Ensure the previous tray fits properly and does not cause any discomfort.
- Wear the previous tray for the recommended 20-22 hours a day.
- Keep in mind that using a previous tray may not be suitable for everyone, and your orthodontist may recommend alternative solutions.
Why You Shouldn’t Skip Ahead Without Asking
Moving on to your next set of aligners might feel like the obvious solution, but moving on too soon can actually hurt your progress.
Skipping ahead before your teeth are ready can cause:
- Improper fit of the new tray
- Tooth soreness or pain
- Delayed or reversed treatment results
- Gaps or tracking issues that affect your overall outcome
It might seem like a small issue, but aligners are carefully calibrated to move your teeth in stages. Jumping ahead to the next set without professional guidance could lead to setbacks, or the need to redo trays later.
Common Reasons People Lose Invisalign Trays
The most common reasons people lose Invisalign trays include:
- Wrapping trays in a napkin and accidentally throwing them away
- Leaving them on a lunch tray or restaurant table
- Forgetting them in hotel rooms or on vacation
- Pets chewing on trays left out
- Misplacing them during travel or overnight stays
How to Avoid Losing Aligners
- Always use your Invisalign case — make it a habit to carry it with you, or get multiple cases to keep in different places.
- Don’t wrap aligners in napkins — clear aligners blend right in, and it’s the #1 way they end up in the trash!
- Keep them away from pets — dogs love a ‘scent’, and your clear aligners or retainers are irresistible to them.
- Plan ahead — develop good habits and consider potential challenges in advance to minimize the chances of misplacing your trays.
Taking a few small precautions can save you the time, energy, and potential cost of replacing lost Invisalign trays.
What Happens If You Lose Invisalign Retainers?
Lost your Invisalign retainers instead of an aligner tray? That’s a bit different.
Retainers are worn after treatment is complete in order to maintain your results. If you lose your retainer, call us asap! If your teeth have not changed from your last scan, we can order your replacements right away.
We offer a high-value retainer protection program to ensure that you’re able to maintain your beautiful new smile with lower cost replacement retainers, and stress-free ordering. Learn more about our Replacement Retainers Program!
Delaying replacements for too long can lead to relapse (or teeth reverting back to their original positions) — and no one wants to undo all that hard work!
Invisalign Case: Your Best Friend
We can’t stress this enough: your Invisalign case is your best friend. It’s small, easy to travel with, and designed to keep your trays safe when they’re not in your mouth.
If your Invisalign isn’t in your face, put it in your case! (Remember that rhyme.)
Smile Confidently with Invisalign in Alabama
At Just for Grins Orthodontics, Dr. Dunn and Dr. Schreiber, and the JFG team are committed to helping you achieve a beautiful, healthy smile with a stress-free treatment experience. If you’ve lost your Invisalign tray, don’t try to figure it out alone. We’ll assess your situation and give you the best solution to stay on track.
Ready to get started or need to replace a lost tray? Let’s get your complimentary consultation on the books – or reach out to us at any of our orthodontic offices in Montgomery, Millbrook and Wetumpka, for your replacement Invisalign tray!
