Can I Reuse My Old Invisalign Trays After I’ve Finished My Treatment?

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When you first embark upon your Invisalign journey, it can be daunting to come to terms with the amount of responsibility you hold over the outcome of your smile, and while all the best intentions are given, life can get hectic and once treatment has finished, wearing your retainer can easily drop off the radar.

It may seem like wearing your retainer is not that important, and while part of that is true, your retainer is not responsible for the movement of your teeth, it is a crucial step in ensuring your smile remains exactly as intended.

Let’s take a look at why some individuals may try to revert to using their old Invisalign trays to get their tooth alignment back on track.

The Importance of Wearing Retainers After Treatment has Finished

After completing your Invisalign treatment, your orthodontist will recommend the use of retainers to maintain the alignment of your teeth. Retainers are crucial for preventing your teeth from shifting back to their original positions, which can happen naturally over time. While Invisalign trays might seem like retainers, they serve different purposes.

What’s the Difference Between Invisalign Trays and Retainers?

Invisalign trays are designed to move your teeth into their desired positions gradually. They are custom-made to fit the specific stages of your treatment plan, applying controlled pressure to shift your teeth over time. Retainers, on the other hand, are intended to maintain the achieved alignment and prevent relapse.

Can Invisalign Trays be Reused Once Treatment has Finished?

If you find that your teeth are beginning to relapse, it may be tempting to start wearing your aligners again after treatment has finished, however this isn’t recommended. Your trays are designed to move specific teeth at different stages in your orthodontic process and should only be intended for use at certain times determined by your orthodontist.

Even if your old trays fit, they can cause unseen damage to your teeth and gums, the same goes for retainers. Both aligners and retainers that you must force onto your teeth may loosen or adjust your bite position and cause extra expense for another round of Invisalign treatment.

What to do if Your Teeth Have Moved and You Need to Restart Invisalign Treatment?

If you're unsure about what to do with your old Invisalign trays or have questions about post-treatment care, it's crucial to consult with your orthodontist. They can provide personalised guidance based on the specifics of your treatment and help you make informed decisions about maintaining your newly aligned smile.

If you haven’t managed to keep up with your retainer care after your treatment has finished and you find that your teeth have moved, then your orthodontist will be the best person to consult. They will be able to examine your teeth and gums to check for any underlying issues and provide the best course of action to get your smile back on track.

Northenden House Orthodontics: Specialist Orthodontist in Manchester

If you have fallen behind on your retainer wear and feel embarrassed about approaching your orthodontist, please don’t try and force an old Invisalign aligner or retainer back onto your teeth. Your orthodontist will not want you to compromise your oral health and will want to help you get back on track.

Here at Northenden House Orthodontics, we are a specialist orthodontist in Manchester, committed to helping our patients gain the smile they deserve. If you’re searching for Invisalign in Manchester, or are looking to correct your smile after treatment, our team of enthusiastic, expert orthodontists in Manchester can help.

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