What To Do If You Lose Your Invisalign Frisco, TX

Going Without Aligners

Patients who have undergone the first stage(s) in their treatment plan have initiated the movement of the teeth, which causes both tension and pressure to the teeth, gums, and mouth. Removing the aligners releases the tension and pressure provided to allow movement and positioning. The PubMed journal of natural science, biology, and medicine reports that “relapse is an unwanted change… changes take place shortly after the removal of the active appliances, during the period of post-treatment ‘settling,’ or over a period of years.” Even removing the aligners for a few hours per day can cause the teeth to relapse.

Treatment plans are curated based on predicted teeth movement over time, as well as anticipated patient cooperation. According to the Journal of the Canadian Dental Association, “Adherence to a prescribed treatment modality is of utmost importance in ensuring successful therapy. Lack of adherence can reduce the effectiveness of the best treatment plan and the most promising treatment mechanisms.” Since aligners are self-applicable, orthodontists may be unaware of their patients’ actual wear time, making it difficult to monitor progress.

Although common, misplacing aligners may cause slight back-tracking when continuing with previous aligners or waiting on replacements. A one-time loss should not cause any detrimental effects on the patient’s progression or overall outcome. Multiple interferences, however, will likely alter the treatment plan altogether or cause adverse effects.

The Importance of not Misplacing Aligners

Misplacing or going without aligners more than once throughout the treatment can significantly impact the overall outcome of a patient’s teeth positioning and bite.

A major difference between fixed appliances (braces) and clear aligners is patient compliance, as results depend greatly on a patient’s adherence to all given instructions without frequent check-ups. The National Institutes of Health study revolving treatment outcomes of tooth positioners concludes that “treatment revolves around the cooperation of the patient, and as the tooth position settles and adjusts in the mouth, sore spots might occur in the gums. Maintenance of oral hygiene and the appliance is tedious for the patient as it requires continuous use.” Due to this, uncooperative patients may not achieve their desired results or cause unexpected damage to other parts of their mouths.

Apart from differing treatment outcomes, misplacing aligners can be costly. Because aligner trays are customized for patients at each stage in their plan (teeth shift and settle throughout treatment), replacements are made at the time of order. Essentially, we re-examine the patient to check for any changes and give them a brand new aligner reflective of the exam. This may result in the patient paying for the extra aligners as well as delaying the overall treatment time.

Avoiding Loss or Breakage

Invisalign treatment usually comes with two cases for safekeeping and easy placement when eating, drinking, or brushing teeth. To avoid losing the aligners, keep a case handy at all times and place them in the case any time they are not in use. It is much easier to forget the aligners if left out on a table, napkin, or food tray.

Invisalign offers various accessories to prevent loss and damage, including unique cases, cleaning crystals, and cleaning kits. The specialized cleaning tools keep the aligners clean, hygienic, clear, all while removing plaque in as little as 15 minutes.

It is also important to clean out the aligners daily with lukewarm water and a sterile mouthwash to maintain their durability. Teeth should be brushed and clean before placing the aligners back in, especially after eating or drinking.

FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

Replacement aligners may be included in the package offered at the beginning of treatment. However, this is not always the case. We can go over the details of the treatment process during an appointment.

Cases in which a patient will not be home for longer than the prescribed week or two of their current aligners should pack both the last previous aligners as well as the next pair in line. They should bring a case for each to ensure they are secure and keep them out of the sun, water, and trapped heat, like cars.

One way patients can practice accountability is through open communication with their orthodontist. It is crucial to inform them of any concerns that arise or changes you want to make in order for the treatment plan to go as planned. Because success is reliant on patient cooperation, orthodontists are unaware of the actual duration of wear, and there is no way of monitoring that. Practicing self-discipline and constantly visualizing your end goal helps remind patients of the importance.

Invisalign creators at Align Technology insist on keeping them out of excessive heat and hot water to avoid warping the plastic. Attachments connecting the aligners to specific teeth also help to keep them in place, minimizing the amount of damage that movement can cause. It is crucial, however, to clean them daily in order to maintain their durability and effectiveness.

In most cases, yes. The aligner set is curated for each patient to completion, so every step counts and ultimately leads to the end goal. Even post-treatment, many patients need a retainer for an extended amount of time in order to keep the teeth position stable and eliminate relapse. We will inform you of specific instructions regarding your case and the likely effects of discontinuation.

Definition

Definition of Orthodontic Terminology

Aligner Therapy

Aligner therapy is the teeth-straightening process in which the patient continues the applied pressure of the teeth with a series of aligners and seeks professional checkups from the dental professional.

Aligner Trays

With Invisalign® treatment, the patient will receive a series of aligner trays and swap out each one for the next one in the series every two weeks in order to gradually straighten the teeth.

Blue Compliance Indicator (Invisalign® Teen)

The blue compliance indicator is a small blue dot on the aligners that will fade from blue to clear in order to indicate if the patient is wearing the aligner for the proper amount of time and where the patient is in the Invisalign® process.

ClinCheck® Software

ClinCheck® software allows professionals to map out the straightening process the patient’s teeth will go through with Invisalign® in great detail.

Incisal Ridges

Incisal ridges are the portion of the crown of the tooth that makes up the incisal portion and can be a direct cause of overbite if they are extended too far.

Intermediate Tooth Alignment

Intermediate tooth alignment is the process in which an orthodontic device gradually adjusts the position of the teeth and straightens them.

Malocclusion

Malocclusion is the condition in which the upper and lower teeth do not meet properly when the bite is closed. Conditions of malocclusion can include overbite, underbite, crossbite and open bite; all of which are treatable with Invisalign®.

Medical Grade Thermoformed Material

Medical grade thermoformed material is a type of material for products like aligner trays to match the shape and form of a patient’s teeth.

Orthodontic Laboratory

An orthodontic laboratory specializes in developing orthodontic tools and appliances to help correct and straighten teeth.

Polyurethane Resin

Polyurethane Resin is a USP Class VI medical grade, high molecular weight compound that makes up the Invisalign® aligners.

Testimonials

Trusted Orthodontic Patient Reviews

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I have recently completed my orthodontic treatment with Dr. Brandon Price and his team at Price Family Orthodontics, and I could not be happier with the results! This was my second time around with braces (after a problem with my retainers resulted in my teeth shifting back), and from my first visit to the office, I could tell this was going to be a very different experience. In other offices where I had consultations, I felt I was viewed as nothing more than a pile of dollars. Dr. Price, however, made me feel my treatment and satisfaction were going to be as important to him as they were to me.

Having been a middle school teacher for the past 15 years, I am constantly around students wearing braces. A conversation with one of those students convinced me that I should take the plunge and get myself some ‘real’ braces, since I wore Invisalign the first time. I have seen many different approaches for interacting with children during my time as an educator, some being more effective than others. A relatable style for working with kids is a special gift, and I truly believe it could be said that you either ‘have it’ or you don’t…

On many occasions, I’ve sat in the chair next to kids as Dr. Price worked, and I’ve always been impressed with the rapport he has with them. To some people, this might seem trivial compared to the quality of the orthodontic work itself, but as a father, I know I only want professionals working with my daughter who are focused on her comfort as well as treatment. Dr. Price is himself a family man, and it definitely shows in his rapport with young people!

An accident in my childhood had left me with one top central incisor that was noticeably shorter than the other, and it had always been something that made me feel self-conscious. As we neared the end of my treatment, Dr. Price gave me the option of polishing my teeth so they would match. I was AMAZED with the results! He is an absolute artist with his tools, and the results exceeded my expectations! In short, I highly recommend Price Family Orthodontics in Frisco just off 121 on Independence (near both McKinney and Plano). The amount of personal attention, combined with skilled professionalism that you or your child will receive, are of the highest caliber. I have received many compliments on my new smile, and I’m so happy I did it!

Price Family Orthodontics is AMAZING. They deserve more than a 5 star rating! I have truly enjoyed Dr. Price, his wife Amy and his entire staff for their superb patient care and making me feel right at home in their lovely office. Dr. Price is very knowledgeable and highly skilled utilizing state of the art technology throughout my treatment. His quality of work is incredible. I got my ceramic braces off ahead of schedule! Plus had some laser contouring done for the perfect finishing touch. I am extremely HAPPY with my results and highly recommend Dr. Price and Price Family Orthodontics.

When we moved here, one of our kids already had braces. We shopped around and found that Dr Price not only had the best prices, but he was clearly the most open to working with us even when she had a different kind of braces than he typically uses. He did an amazing job and my daughters smile is beautiful! The office was always able to schedule withing a reasonable amount of time and the staff is so kind, I consider them all friends! Since then, both myself and my husband have had Dr Price improve our smiles! Of course we are thrilled with the outcome! He is very knowledgeable and makes sure he does the best job possible. He also prioritizes your concerns and desires as a patient! Definitely the best ortho!

The most incredible staff! Everyone made my daughter feel completely at ease and comfortable. My child is actually excited about getting braces after having such a wonderful experience.

My sister and I have both been going to Price Family Orthodontics for over a year! I feel like I have made a new family here—I always feel so welcome, and they always want to know what I am up to! The process of getting braces is never fun, but Price Family is definitely the best at making it a smooth process! I just finished my final retainer check and will miss coming here, but I will still stop by and visit just because everyone is so awesome!

My son was in braces two years and my daughter is currently a patient with Dr. Price. Dr. Price has a great bedside manner. He was very patient with my 13-year-old son, as he lost brackets and was generally an un-ideal patient! I appreciated his mercy and sympathy. I found his pricing very reasonable. He is very professional and knowledgeable.

We have been seeing Dr. Price for the last two years, first for my daughter and now my son. He and his staff are so friendly with my kids, and he really cares about their treatment. I trust that he won’t do any unnecessary treatment, and wants to do what is best for the individual. I highly recommend him for any orthodontic treatment.

Two of my children are currently receiving orthodontic treatment from Dr. Price. The visits are efficient and we have never had a long wait. Dr. Price and his staff are warm and friendly and willing to take whatever time is necessary to answer questions and address my concerns. I know that Dr. Price will only recommend treatment he feels is necessary and helpful for the long-term benefit of the patient. From my kids’ perspective, Dr. Price and his assistant Ginger genuinely care about them and how they are doing. My kids also LOVE his unique incentive program that rewards them for good dental hygiene and for setting and achieving goals in their life. I don’t have to push them to do what is needed because they are motivated by his reward system. We have been very happy with Price Family Orthodontics.

I take both my children to Dr. Price after going to see another orthodontist in the local area for a consultation. What impressed me right up front was that he wasn’t going to rush and place braces on my daughter when it wasn’t the most opportune treatment time for her versus just putting braces on her for a quick sale. If you are considering treatment, I would recommend visiting Dr. Price first! He does offer in-house financing and payments can be made monthly for parents who are wondering how to budget treatment.

We love Price Family Ortho for so many reasons! Dr. Price gives thorough, detailed treatment and has excellent training in his field. He really cares about his patients, plus never treats you like a number. Dr. Price is fabulous at explaining treatment options to both adults and kids. He makes everyone feel valued and listens to your concerns. Dr. Price is true to his motto ‘live life smiling.’ I highly recommend Dr. Price to anyone needing good orthodontic treatment. My kids love going to their office for the rewards program and being part of the team to make their teeth healthy. The staff involves the kids in being responsible for their treatment. I love what my kids learn there. And I love that I don’t have to nag them to take care of their teeth now.

Dr. Price is a man of great integrity. You would never have to worry with him that he is recommending a treatment primarily for his financial gain. He has state-of-the-art equipment and is extremely knowledgeable in the field. He and his staff are very warm, friendly, and easy to feel comfortable around.

Dr. Price is thorough and passionate about providing the best orthodontics for each individual. We have three family members in braces (soon to be four) with Price Family Orthodontics, and are fully confident about their future smiles. The office staff is also the BEST. Thank you PFO!!!

Frisco, TX

What To Do If You Lose Your Invisalign