It’s totally normal to feel anxious when you realize your aligner is missing, but stressing out won’t solve the problem. Losing an aligner doesn’t mean your treatment is ruined, and there are several ways to recover without compromising your results. The most important thing is to avoid going too long without any aligner in place, as this can cause your teeth to shift. So take a deep breath, collect any remaining aligners you have, and move on to the next step.

As soon as you notice your aligner is lost, reach out to your provider. They’ll want to know how far along you were in that aligner’s wear cycle and whether you still have your previous set on hand. In some cases, you may be instructed to move on to the next set if you were only a few days away from switching. In others, you may need to wear your previous aligner to hold your progress until a replacement can be made. Either way, professional guidance is key to avoiding setbacks.

Leaving your teeth without an aligner can allow them to shift out of alignment quickly, especially if it’s been more than a few hours. If you still have your previous aligner, clean it thoroughly and start wearing it again until you receive further instructions. This will help hold your teeth in place and prevent regression in your treatment. If you don’t have a backup set, let your provider know immediately so they can determine the next best step for your situation.

It might seem like a good idea to just move on to your next set of aligners, especially if they’re sitting right there in the box. But putting in a new set before your teeth are ready can cause unnecessary discomfort and disrupt your treatment plan. Invisalign® aligners are designed to work in a specific sequence, with each set building on the progress of the last. Jumping ahead too early can throw off that rhythm and may even require additional correction later on. Always wait for professional approval before making that decision.

Once you’ve resolved the immediate issue, it’s a great time to make sure it doesn’t happen again. One of the most common reasons aligners get lost is because they’re wrapped in napkins or left out in the open. Getting into the habit of always storing them in their case—no exceptions—can protect your investment and your smile. Keeping a backup case in your bag, car, or desk can also help ensure you always have a safe place to store your aligners when they’re not in your mouth.

If you’ve lost an Invisalign® aligner and need help getting your treatment back on course, Great Smiles of La Mesa is here for you. Our experienced team will guide you through the next steps, whether that means replacing a tray or adjusting your treatment plan. We’ve been helping La Mesa smile confidently since 2011, and we offer Invisalign® expertise, flexible scheduling, and financing options to make your smile journey smooth and stress-free. Request your appointment at our La Mesa, CA office today!