What to Do If You Lose Your Invisalign Trays?

Recently, I found myself in a difficult situation: I had lost my Invisalign trays, specifically the last ones before a new batch, and I didn't hold on to the previous ones. What can you do if this situation arises? Here are some steps and advice to help you navigate this challenge effectively.

Immediate Steps to Take

1. Contact Your Orthodontist or Company: The first and most important step is to contact your orthodontist or the company where you originally got the trays. They can help you with further instructions on what to do next.

2. Schedule a Visit: See your orthodontist as soon as possible. They can make a custom retainer or retainers for you to prevent any further movement of your teeth. This is crucial to maintain your orthodontic progress.

Preventive Measures

3. Be More Careful: Losing your Invisalign trays can be a headache, but it's easy to prevent. Use your retainer case and be more careful with the trays. It's not their fault that they belong to you; they've paid for them. Save your old trays in the little envelopes they came with until you finish your treatment.

Personal Experience: My Journey with Invisalign

4. Understand the Challenges: Before switching to braces, I went through a total of 12 Invisalign trays, and I lost around 4 of them. The key advice I can give is to communicate clearly with your orthodontist if a tray doesn't fit.

If your orthodontist knows that the next tray won't fit, they will likely inform you and make the necessary replacements. This process might come with additional charges, but it's worth it to maintain your orthodontic treatment.

Ordering Replacement Trays

5. Digital Plans Make It Easy: Invisalign is digitally planned, so ordering replacement trays is a straightforward process. Just communicate with your dentist, and Invisalign can handle the rest. While there may be an additional fee for replacements, it's well worth it for the convenience and continued success of your orthodontic treatment.

6. Contact Your Dentist for Impressions: Finally, call your dentist. They may still have your impressions or molds, which can be used to create replacement trays if needed.

By taking these steps, you can effectively manage the situation and ensure your orthodontic treatment continues successfully. Remember, communication is key in these scenarios, and your orthodontist is there to help guide you through every step.