Emily, I sympathize with you at your age even though it's been awhile since I was anywhere near it. My dentist (good one so I've always thought, but not a specialist) has indicated to me that in his opinion I only need to use the trays a few times a week. The rest of the time I could just brush with the Prevident, which is what I use. However my RO said to continue with the nightly trays. I'll ask her again (RO) when I go in for my 5 year checkup, which should be in the next few months. In these matters I tend to defer to her as she's always been right and takes things conservatively. My fellow David's advice above is as always spot on.