Invisalign is a clear alternative for young patients who are embarrassed by their smile and would rather undergo treatment with a more discreet set of braces. Its design promotes flexibility because of how easy it is to remove the trays before eating and drinking. However, this removability comes with great responsibility. Invisalign aligners do not affix to teeth like metal brackets and wires, so what should you do if your child or teen loses one of their trays? Keep reading to find out.
Immediately After Losing an Aligner: What to Do
It’s tempting to panic after losing one or both clear aligners; however, this will only make matters worse. Instead, stay calm and ask your child where they last saw them. You can begin helping them retrace their steps from there. Checking in a purse, bag, drawer, in the couch cushions, or even in the trash can are all good places to start.
If this proves unsuccessful, the best course of action is to call your child’s pediatric dentist in San Ramon. Depending on how long they’ve been wearing the aligner(s), there are two options their dentist might suggest:
- Wearing the previous set to avoid a significant delay in treatment (this is if a new aligner needs to be created)
- Moving forward with the next set in the series (this is if they are close to swapping out their trays)
How to Prevent Losing an Aligner
It’s no secret that children and teenagers often require reminders and observation while wearing Invisalign. Purchasing a few protective cases can be worth the investment if they keep your child from losing one or more of their trays. You can also help by making sure they:
- Have protective cases readily available in a backpack, on the bathroom counter by the sink, and in the kitchen. This will ensure they know where to put their aligners at certain times throughout the day.
- Do not place them in a napkin when out to dinner, as these can get picked up and thrown away easily.
- Wear their aligners accordingly (20-22 hours a day).
Making sure your child or teenager is wearing their Invisalign not only cuts down on the chances of losing them but also keeps their treatment on track.
About the Practice
Gale Ranch Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics consists of four pediatric dentists who care about building straighter, healthier, and longer-lasting smiles. Offering Invisalign to young patients who may feel self-conscious about their appearance, we can ensure their teeth begin to shift accordingly, revealing a more beautiful smile after treatment is complete. If you have a child or teenager interested in Invisalign, contact us at (925) 648-8580 or visit our website to schedule an appointment.