OK to Reuse Invisalign Trays Because of Drift After Initial Treatment Over?

Question

Mostly due to laziness and failing to wear my retainers, my bottom teeth have shifted. Not as bad as they were when I began treatment, but enough that I know I need to do something. I have started wearing my old aligners, starting with one that almost fits the shape of my teeth now.

	I am concerned, is this dangerous to move through the aligner process without the help of my orthodontist? I do not have the money to go back and pay again for this process, so I am hopeful that using my aligners will correct this problem.

Lance Timmerman, DMD, MAGD · Answer

Aligners are made from a material that degrades over time and can distort due to the forces placed during tooth movement.  You MIGHT find that your efforts work, but they might not.  Worth a shot.
There is no real long term data to prove if this is harmful.  The forces used are pretty minor, but I wouldn't be too worried.

Gabriela Hricko, DDS · Answer

I would recommend going back to your orthodontist with all your old invisalign trays and talking with them about your situation in order to discuss all of your options.  Since you already went through the entire Invisalign process, there is a good chance that you will not be charged the same fee all over again. (Most likely, there will be a smaller fee).
Your teeth have shifted and they probably have not shifted the same way they were before, or exactly to the fit of the old invisalign trays. It is possible the aligners may fit, but it is also possible they are not fitting correctly and that will be for your orthodontist to decide when he/she sees you.
It is imperative to move through the aligner process under the supervision of an invisalign certified provider doctor.

OK to Reuse Invisalign Trays Because of Drift After Initial Treatment Over?

Answers (2)