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Considering that Invisalign treatment can be pretty expensive, you might be wondering if you should continue to use the old trays even after you're done with your treatment.
Before Dental House MI addresses that and other questions you might have about your used Invisalign trays, let's first talk about the reasons you might want to hold on to your old trays:
You Want to Make the Most of Your Investment
If you've just spent thousands of dollars on Invisalign treatment, you might be tempted to reuse your trays to save a few bucks.
The problem is, Invisalign trays are designed specifically for your mouth and teeth, so using them again can spell disaster for your new smile.
Due to the fact that the trays are custom-fitted, using them again after your treatment can result in them being too tight, too loose, or not fitting correctly at all.
In addition, the material of the trays can deteriorate over time, which will compromise how your teeth fit inside them.
You Have Tooth Alignment Concerns
If your teeth are misaligned and you're already past the point where you can do anything about it with braces, you might consider getting a new set of Invisalign trays to give you the comfort of knowing your mouth is still in proper alignment.
If you're using your original trays after your treatment, though, you might be causing new dental issues because the materials and design of your old trays aren't made for your changed teeth.
Should You Wear Old Invisalign Trays?
New Invisalign trays can cost upwards of $1,000, so the question you need to ask yourself is, "Is it worth wearing my old trays after treatment if it means saving money?"
If your old trays are still in good condition and fit your mouth well, you might consider wearing them for temporary dental support, but you shouldn't make a habit of wearing your old trays.
Should You Throw Out the Old Trays?
If you're not going to wear your old trays after your Invisalign treatment, you should dispose of them properly, which means taking them to the dentist or trash. You might want to consult your dentist to know if they're going to need the trays for reference for the progress of your treatment or if you should throw them out.
Some people think that you can use the trays for other dental issues like grinding your teeth, but unless your old trays are still in good shape, using them for something other than Invisalign treatment might cause harm to your teeth and gums.
Are They Recyclable?
The trays aren't made of materials that can easily be recycled, so unless you want to throw away the trays improperly, you should bring them to the dentist or trash them.
Conclusion
Plastic dental trays aren't designed to be worn after Invisalign treatment, but if you're determined to use them, you should know that they may not fit your mouth the same way after your teeth have changed.
Dental House MI wants to stress that using your old trays may result in new dental issues and will even compromise the integrity of your smile.
Whether you're trying to save money or just having second thoughts about letting your trays go, you really should stop wearing them and throw them away properly so you can maintain the alignment of your teeth and the health of your gums.
If you are in need of Invisalign in Waterford, Dental House MI’s seasoned dentist can help you with that. Contact us today so we can set your dental appointment!
