When Invisalign in Round Rock was first introduced in the late 90s, it’s entirely removable aligners revolutionized the teeth-straightening scene. While this does mean that patients can remove them for a seamless eating and brushing experience, it also means they can be misplaced or accidentally thrown away. Although this experience can be anxiety-inducing, it is important to act fast to ensure your treatment plan is not negatively affected by your time without them. Therefore, make sure to follow the below steps if you find yourself on the hunt for your missing aligners.
First Steps to Take
You know what they say, “The best place to start is at the beginning.” To effectively cover ground, start by retracing your steps from the last moment you remember having them. Make sure to go through the motions while looking into small crevices where they may have fallen, like couch cushions. It can also be helpful to look in unusual places, like the refrigerator or trash can, where you may have unintentionally misplaced them while going through your day. If you are unable to locate them, it is of the utmost importance that you notify your dental team before using a previous or upcoming aligner! Although this option can be tempting, it can negatively impact your treatment. Therefore, speak to your dentist about the next best steps before moving forward on your own.
How to Prevent It From Happening to You
Although treatment with Invisalign often includes two replacement trays, it is important to not get into the habit of losing them. After all, not wearing them for 22 out of the 24 hours of the day can significantly impact your treatment. To prevent this from happening to you, practice proper prevention by:
- Purchasing a dedicated case to put them in when you aren’t wearing them.
- Keeping them in your mouth at all times (unless you are eating, drinking, or brushing your teeth).
- Never wrapping them in a napkin or paper towel during a meal (since this can lead to them accidentally being thrown out).
To get the fast, effective, virtually invisible treatment that Invisalign is known for, it is of the utmost importance that you are diligent about the care of your aligners. Therefore, always make sure to keep them safe by keeping them in your mouth or storing them in a designated case. That way, you don’t have to go through the panic of trying to find them!
About the Author
After graduating with honors from Brigham Young University, Dr. Mike Asay scored in the 99th percentile on the Dental Admission Test! This led to him accepting an academic scholarship from the Baylor College of Dentistry for his doctorate. Today, he continues to build on his training, skill, and knowledge through continuing education courses and memberships in multiple reputable organizations, including the American Dental Association. If you are looking for a cosmetic dentist in Round Rock, don’t hesitate to visit his website or give him a call at 512-244-2796.