I was super hesitant at first too, mostly because of the cost... but honestly, my dentist-made guard has lasted me almost three years now, and it's still going strong. Before that, I went through DIY ones every few months—they'd either cloud up or just get gross no matter how much I cleaned them. I think it's probably a combo of saliva acidity and cheap materials. Either way, definitely worth the investment if you can swing it.
I've had my dentist-made guard for about two years now, and it's still in pretty decent shape. I totally agree about the DIY ones—they never lasted more than a few months for me either. But now I'm curious... has anyone noticed if certain cleaning methods or solutions help extend the lifespan even more? I've just been using regular toothpaste and water, wondering if there's something better out there.
I've had mine for about three years now, and honestly, it's still going strong. I used to do the toothpaste-and-water routine too, but my dentist actually recommended switching to a mild denture cleaner once or twice a week. At first, I was skeptical—thought it was just another thing to buy—but I gave it a shot anyway. Surprisingly, I've noticed less discoloration and it feels fresher overall. Plus, I think it's helped keep the material from getting brittle or cracking.
One thing I'd caution against is using hot water—I learned that the hard way with my first guard. Warm water is fine, but hot water can warp the shape over time. Also, toothpaste can sometimes be abrasive depending on the brand, so maybe that's something to consider too.
Anyway, everyone's different, but switching up my cleaning routine definitely made a noticeable difference for me... might be worth trying out!
Interesting take—I get the denture cleaner angle, but honestly, I've stuck with baking soda and lukewarm water for years. Cheaper, easy to find around the house, and zero brittleness issues so far... maybe I've just been lucky though?
I've been using baking soda too, and honestly, it's worked pretty well for me. I did try denture cleaner tablets once or twice out of curiosity, but didn't notice a huge difference—maybe just a bit fresher smell? But nothing groundbreaking.
One thing I've wondered though is if the type of mouthguard material makes a difference in how long it lasts or how brittle it gets over time. Mine usually holds up for about two years before I start noticing some wear and tear. But my friend swears hers barely lasts a year, even with careful cleaning. Maybe it's down to grinding intensity or something else entirely...?
Have you noticed any difference in lifespan depending on the brand or material of your mouthguard? Curious if that's a factor we're overlooking here.
