Have you ever thought about recycling your old Invisalign retainers?
Nowadays, everyone is increasingly environmentally conscious. Reducing our environmental impact by recycling is difficult, but it's worth it. How should old aligners be disposed of if you have Invisalign?
We'll provide you with information about recycling used Invisalign retainers in order to assist you. Additionally, we'll demonstrate how to accomplish it for you. Read on to learn more about our recycling method for old Invisalign retainers.
Invisalign is an orthodontic treatment used alternative to traditional metal braces. It is a sequence of clear plastic aligners custom-made for each patient's teeth to gently and gradually move their teeth into the correct positions over time.
It is popular because it is almost invisible, and it is much more comfortable other than orthodontic treatment. These are also removable, which makes cleaning and brushing your teeth much easier.
This Invisalign system of dental aligners gradually pushes your teeth into the right position over time. The time frame of the treatment is typically 12 to 18 months, during which you have to wear a new set of aligners in two-week intervals. It also requires that you dispose of your old aligners correctly.
As you know, Invisalign aligners are. Since they are composed of plastic, if properly disposed of, they can be recycled. You may believe that you can just toss away your old aligners, but it isn't the proper course of action.
Used aligners are considered medical waste and pose a possible environmental hazard if not disposed of correctly. Throwing away your old aligners will just lead to them ending up in landfills where they can't be recycled, which means they'll sit there for years without degrading.
If you go about it the right way, your old aligners can be your new recycled products, just like your extra plastic trays. Recycling them helps the environment by keeping them out of landfills, where they may take thousands of years to disintegrate.
You might be wondering if Invisalign trays can be recycled like aligners. Yes, it is the short answer here. Most tray aligner is made of thermoplastic, which may be recycled.
However, your Invisalign trays must be clean and clear of any debris before you may recycle them. To accomplish this, rinse the trays in warm water and gentle soap to get rid of any residue and saliva.
Place the trays in a sealed plastic bag or container that has a recycling symbol on it once they have dried completely. Include any extras, such as the carrying case and cleaning supplies, that came with your trays. By doing this, the materials in old trays will be recycled appropriately.
Then, for proper disposal, bring your sealed bag or container of Invisalign trays to a nearby recycling site. To learn about the recycling possibilities in your area, contact your local government.
Most aligner bags are composed of multiple types of plastic and may be recycled, just like the Invisalign trays. The Invisalign bag must, however, be residue-free in order to be recycled.
Empty and clean your Invisalign bags before recycling. After drying, wash it with soap and water and take it to a nearby recycling site.
Keep in mind that recycling facilities don't take all plastics. Therefore, call your nearby facility before attempting to recycle Invisalign bags. There are several methods to reuse your Invisalign bags. You can sell or give them away.
As we've mentioned above that your aligners cannot be disposed of in the same way as other plastic items, you don't want them to end up in a landfill, so you should look into different recycling methods and options.
There are two main reasons you can't simply toss your aligners in a regular recycling bin:
These are made from medical-grade plastic, which means they can't be treated like regular plastics. If thrown in the regular recycling bin, they may contaminate other recyclables and lead to further damage to our environment.
Invisalign state: Aligners are considered medical waste and should be disposed of properly. They have CE marking and are manufactured to comply with human medical device standards, so they require special treatment.
The multilayer polymer used to make invisible aligners is designed to help with tooth movement, and it also needs special treatment when being disposed of. Each type of plastic will require different methods for disposal. Because of this, you cannot simply put used Invisalign trays in the recycling.
You should ask your dentist or orthodontist for guidance on how to discard your old aligners correctly. The great news is you can recycle your worn aligners at your dental practice. Spotlight Oral Care has partnered with Terracycle to create a recycling program for used Invisalign trays.
There are alternatives to recycling your aligners. Here are some ways to reuse your aligners:
Donate them to local dental practices: If you’re looking for a way to give back, consider donating your aligners to a local dental office. They can use them for educational purposes.
Create artwork: Get creative and turn your aligners into something unique. Use them to make a base, sculptures, and keychains—the possibilities are endless.
Overall, recycling old aligners can be challenging. However, with the right research and guidance, you can find ways to responsibly dispose of them. You may even be able to find creative outlets for your used aligners, trays and bags.
No matter what you choose to do with them, make sure that, it’s safe for the environment. With cooperation from everyone in the dental community, we can work together to decrease plastic waste and create a sustainable future.
So consider the information above and make an educated decision when it comes to recycling your old Invisalign aligners. Good luck!
You must be logged in to post a comment.
