What Happens if I Lose My Invisalign Aligner at College?

I’m about to start my freshman year at an out-of-state college. I started Invisalign treatment a little over a year ago and we all thought I’d be done long before I left. In truth, some of the fault is mine because I wasn’t always the best at wearing it, but I’ve gotten better. I got to thinking, though, what happens if I lose my aligner while I’m away from home and can’t get back in to see my Elgin dentist? I’ve got return trips planned throughout the year. For example, I will be back at fall break and Christmas break for sure, and then again for spring break. But, we’re talking nine weeks or so between each return trip. If I lose my aligner, it could totally derail my treatment. Obviously, I’ll do everything I can to take care of it, but to set my mind at ease, what happens if I do lose my Invisalign aligner? Worse yet, they’re sending me away with several… what if I lose them all?

Thanks,

Shea

Dear Shea,

If it happens, place a call to your dentist right away. Depending on where you’re at with treatment and how long you’ve been wearing a particular set, your doctor will pitch a different solution. For example, if you’re close to moving onto the next one, your office may just tell you to progress, so long as the new aligner fits ok. If it doesn’t or you’ve just started with an aligner, the doctor may have you backtrack to your most recent one and will have the missing one remade for you. Depending on the office, they may either send it to you or will give it to one of your family members, so they can get it to you in a timely manner.

Some plans have replacement aligners built in just in case you lose one. Odds are, however, if you lose several of them at once, you’ll be responsible for paying to replace them. If you’re living in a dorm or home where you’re not certain you can keep them safe, it may be better to leave them at home and have a parent send them to you one or two at a time as needed. It wouldn’t be the end of the world if you lost them—they can be replaced—though it would be pricy to do so. If you’re still worried and having them sent to you is not an option, chat with your office to see what they suggest. If the aligners haven’t been made already, you may be able to transfer to an office closer to your school.

This blog is sponsored by Elgin Invisalign dentist, Dr. Steve Sirin.