Losing a clear aligner can feel stressful—especially if you’re in the middle of Invisalign treatment in Englewood or nearby Edgewater, NJ, and are not sure what to do next. Losing trays happens more often than you think, and in most cases, it’s easy to fix without throwing off your progress.
At Capan Orthodontics, we’ve been helping families in Bergen County for over 25 years. We know exactly how to get your treatment back on track quickly. Here is your step-by-step guide on what to do if you lose your aligners.
1. Don’t Panic, But Don’t Wait
If you’ve lost an aligner, take a breath. One missing tray does not mean your treatment has failed.
Clear aligner plans are designed to be flexible. As long as you act quickly and follow the right steps, your treatment can stay on track.
The most important thing to remember is that time is of the essence. Your teeth are constantly moving. Without the pressure of your trays, your teeth can start to shift back to their old positions surprisingly fast.
If you lose a clear aligner, don’t wait until your next scheduled appointment to tell us. Call our Englewood Cliffs office right away.
2. Search One Last Time
Before you call the team at Capan Orthodontics, do a thorough sweep for your clear aligners. Check the usual spots:
- The bathroom counter.
- The pocket of the hoodie you wore yesterday.
- The nightstand.
- The “napkin trap” (check the trash if it was a recent meal!).
If they are truly gone, it’s time to move to the next step of your Englewood Invisalign plan.
3. Call Your Edgewater Orthodontist
When you call us, Dr. Natalie Capan and our team will look at your specific treatment plan. Since we use advanced iTero 3D scanners and uDesign software, we have a digital map of your smile ready to go.
Depending on where you are in your current tray cycle, Dr. Capan will give you one of two directions:
- Move back a step: Wear your previous set of trays to keep your teeth from shifting.
- Move forward a step: If you were almost ready to switch anyway, we might suggest moving to your next set early.
Never make this decision on your own! Moving to a new tray too early can cause issues with your tooth roots if not supervised by a professional.
The Benefit of Capan Custom Clear Aligners
One of the reasons patients choose us for clear aligners or Invisalign in Englewood is our flexibility. While we offer Invisalign, we also provide Capan Custom Clear Aligners.
Because we print our Capan Custom Clear Aligner trays right here in our office, we can often replace a lost tray much faster than a big national brand could. You won’t have to wait weeks for a shipment to arrive from a factory across the country. We keep your smile on the fast track!
How to Prevent Losing Your Aligners in the Future
Once we get you a replacement, let’s make sure it doesn’t happen again. Here are some pro tips from our team:
Use Your Case Every Single Time
“If it’s not in your face, it’s in the case.” This is the golden rule of clear aligner treatment. Most aligners are lost because they were wrapped in a tissue or set on a lunch tray. A bright-colored case is much harder to throw away by mistake.
Create a Routine
Try to keep your case in the same spot at home and in the same pocket in your bag. Having a “home base” for your aligners makes them much harder to misplace.
Keep Them Away from Pets
Dogs love the smell of saliva on aligners. To them, your expensive orthodontic tray is just a fancy bone. Keep your case inside a drawer or high up on a shelf where your furry friends can’t reach.
Why Choose Capan Orthodontics for Your Clear Aligner Journey?
If you are looking for an orthodontist in Edgewater or Englewood, you want a team that treats you like family.
- 25 Years of Experience: As a trusted orthodontist in Edgewater and Englewood, Dr. Natalie Capan is board-certified and has spent over two decades perfecting smiles in NJ.
- High-Tech Care: We use 3D imaging to make sure your trays fit perfectly and work efficiently.
- Fun Environment: We believe orthodontic care should be something you enjoy! Our friendly staff makes the process a blast.
- Convenient Scheduling: We offer late hours on Wednesdays to fit your busy life.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I just skip the lost tray and go to the next one?
You should only do this if Dr. Capan tells you to. If your teeth haven’t moved enough yet, the next tray won’t fit correctly, which can delay your treatment or cause discomfort.
How much does it cost to replace a lost Invisalign tray?
The cost can vary depending on your specific treatment plan and how many trays were lost. When you call us, we will be transparent about any replacement fees.
What if I lose my trays while on vacation?
If you are away from Englewood, call us immediately. We can advise you on whether to wear your previous set or move forward. We can often arrange to have your next sets ready for you the moment you return.
Does insurance cover lost aligners?
Most insurance plans cover the initial treatment, but may not cover “lost appliances.” Our financial coordinator can help you check your specific benefits and discuss our interest-free payment plans.
How long does it take to get a replacement?
If you are using our Capan Custom Clear Aligners, we can often get you a replacement very quickly because we make them in-house. For Invisalign, it may take a little longer for the lab to ship a new one.
Ready for Expert Invisalign Care?
If you’re looking for Invisalign in Englewood or a trusted orthodontist in Edgewater, the team at Capan Orthodontics is here to help.
Schedule a consultation today to learn more about clear aligners and get personalized care designed to fit your life and your smile.