What Should I Do If I Lose My Invisalign Aligner?

Losing an Invisalign aligner can be frustrating, especially when you’re focused on keeping your treatment on track. Because each aligner is designed to move your teeth gradually, wearing them as directed is essential for achieving the best results. If you misplace, damage, or accidentally throw away an aligner, don’t panic—there are clear steps you can take to stay on course. Here’s what you should do if your Invisalign aligner goes missing.

Retrace Your Steps Immediately

The moment you realize your aligner is missing, pause and retrace your steps. Most lost aligners turn up in common places—wrapped in a napkin at a restaurant, inside a pocket, or left on a bathroom counter. Invisalign trays are transparent and easy to overlook, so check surfaces carefully and look in bags, trash cans, and between couch cushions. Finding it quickly can save you from treatment delays.

Move Forward or Back a Tray (With Your Dentist’s Guidance)

If you can’t find the lost aligner, your next move depends on where you are in your treatment.

• If you were almost done with your current set, your dentist may instruct you to move ahead to the next aligner.
• If you just started a new set, your teeth may not yet be ready for the next tray. In this case, your dentist may advise you to go back to your previous aligner to keep your teeth stable.

Never switch trays on your own without guidance—it could cause discomfort or compromise your treatment progress.

Contact Your Dentist Right Away

Your dental team handles lost Invisalign aligners often, so they’ll know exactly how to keep your treatment moving smoothly. They may recommend ordering a replacement aligner, which can take a few days to arrive. In the meantime, they’ll help you determine which aligner you should wear to avoid shifting and setbacks.

Prompt communication is key. The sooner you call your dentist, the easier it is to keep your progress on schedule.

Avoid Going Without an Aligner

Try not to go long periods without wearing an aligner. Teeth can begin to shift in as little as 24 to 48 hours, especially early in your treatment. Wearing your previous or next aligner—whichever your dentist recommends—helps minimize disruptions.

Losing an aligner is inconvenient, but it doesn’t have to derail your Invisalign treatment. Acting quickly, contacting your dentist, and following their instructions will keep your smile transformation right on track.

About the Practice

How would you like a straighter, healthier smile without the metal involved with traditional braces? We have the clear solution at Care 32 Dental of Grand Prairie with Invisalign! We have fully customized treatments for each patient and putty-free digital impressions so you don’t have to deal with any mess. Also, you can preview your results using our 3D iTero scanner. Go ahead – schedule your appointment through our website or call (469) 346-8828.