Lost an Aligner or Retainer? What To Do in the First 24 Hours

Finding yourself without a clear aligner or retainer can be stressful, but there is a clear plan to keep your treatment on track. The actions you take in the first 24 hours can help prevent unwanted tooth movement and protect the progress you have made. At Kahan Orthodontics in Tarzana, we focus on efficient, gentle care that helps you navigate these bumps with minimal disruption.

1) Do Not Panic, Place a “Placeholder” Tray

If you lost a current Invisalign aligner:

Try your most recent previous tray. If you recently advanced to a new stage, wear the last set you still have. This acts as a temporary placeholder to reduce the risk of teeth shifting.

Important:

Do not skip ahead. Do not try to wear an aligner you have not yet reached. Forcing a future tray can create unnecessary pressure and discomfort.
Retainers matter too. If you finished treatment and lost your retainer, look for any backup you have. Even a few days without retention can allow teeth to drift toward their original positions.

2) Contact Our Office Right Away

Lost appliances are time sensitive. Please reach out as soon as you notice the issue.

Call or text: 818-578-8782
If you are traveling: We can arrange a virtual check to review fit, progress, and next steps. In some cases we may order a replacement right away.

Our priority is to respect your time and reduce avoidable visits while keeping your treatment moving safely.

Prefer to message online Visit our Scheduling Page.

3) Manage Minor Discomfort

You may feel tightness or pressure when you place a previous tray or when a replacement arrives. This is common and typically improves as your teeth adapt.

Gentle transitions. We use modern systems that are designed to move teeth gradually and comfortably.
Oral hygiene first. Keep teeth and gums very clean while you wait. Good hygiene helps your new aligner or retainer fit properly and reduces irritation.

Helpful overview: Invisalign 101: Everything You Need to Know Before Starting

4) Replacement Timing and Costs

Replacement needs vary by case, appliance type, and where you are in treatment.

Insurance, FSA, and HSA. We will help you review any benefits that may offset a replacement.
Transparent fees. If a replacement fee applies, our team will explain options before ordering. Our goal is to support long term stability and a healthy bite.

Money smart tip: December Last Call, Use FSA HSA
Treatment timing basics: Braces and Invisalign Treatment Timeline

When To Call Sooner

Your previous tray no longer seats fully
You are more than 24 hours without any tray or retainer
Pain, swelling, or a rough edge that is cutting tissue
A cracked or warped replacement that does not fit

Your Next Steps

If you lost an aligner or retainer, do not wait for teeth to shift. Place a previous tray if you have one, then contact our Tarzana office so we can guide you to the right next step. Our team will help you protect your progress and move forward with a plan that fits your schedule.

Ready to talk to our team

Schedule an appointment or call 818-578-8782.

Disclaimer: This article is for general information only and is not a substitute for an exam or personalized clinical advice. Treatment plans and timelines vary by patient.

Tarzana/Encino