My Invisalign Smile Catcher

(Last Updated On: October 15, 2012)

Here’s something you don’t hear Invisalign users talk about all that often…

What to do with all the used trays?

Sure, you could just throw them away. But then you lose the chance to marvel at just how far your teeth have moved.

So I, uh… came up with a craft.My kids groaned.

Seriously? SERIOUSLY mom? You’re going to craft with your old invisalign trays? GROSS!!! But, kinda cool!

Now look, I realize that the likes of what I just created is enough to land me a coveted spot on the very awesome Craftastrophe blog but I don’t care. I like my crazy dental device “art”.  It’s a temporary installment. I’m calling it a “Smile Catcher” instead of a dreamcatcher. I’ll get to smile about my dream coming true when treatment is done and my smile straight.

 And yes, I will probably throw this away when I’m done. I’m not a crazy hoarder. I just like seeing the work in progress. Literally.

Here’s how I did it:

In order to see what is ideally invisible, a little more colorfully, I washed and dyed my old Invisalign trays. They were soaked in a dye bath (food safe dyes, though I don’t intend to put these back in my mouth again!) for two plus days. I used strips of tie dyed tee shirt fabric and a metal macrame ring to complete the project. Viola! Smile!

What do you do with your used trays? Throw them away immediately? Store them for an emergency? Keep them a week and then toss them? I’d love to hear!

Disclosure: I am a member of the Invisalign Mom Advisory Board and have been compensated for sharing my experience with this product. I probably won’t be compensated for this artwork, however. All opinions as per usual, are my own. Thanks for following along.