"Ever since then, I've stuck strictly to mild soap and lukewarm water."
I get why you'd prefer soap and water, but honestly, have you tried denture cleaning tablets? My orthodontist actually recommended them for my retainer, and they've been great—no weird textures or brittleness yet. Maybe your vinegar solution was just too acidic? Denture tablets seem pretty gentle, but still effective enough to keep things fresh. Might be worth a shot if you're ever feeling adventurous again...
Maybe your vinegar solution was just too acidic? Denture tablets seem pretty gentle, but still effective enough to keep things fresh.
I've wondered about denture tablets too, but aren't they kind of pricey if you're using them regularly? I've been sticking with soap and water mostly because it's cheap and easy to find. But now you've got me curious—do you think generic denture tablets would work just as well, or is it one of those things where brand actually matters? I'd hate to spend extra if the cheaper ones do the trick...
I've been using generic denture tablets for my mouthguard for about two years now, and honestly, I haven't noticed any real difference compared to the brand-name stuff. They're usually half the price, and they still get rid of any funky odors or buildup just fine. I usually soak mine for about 15-20 minutes, rinse thoroughly afterward, and it's good to go. But now you've got me wondering... does anyone know if soaking it too long might cause issues over time?
I've been soaking mine overnight pretty regularly (oops...) and haven't noticed any major issues yet. My orthodontist mentioned that too much soaking might wear down the material faster, but honestly, after a year mine still feels fine. Maybe just keep an eye on it?
Haha, I've gotta admit, I'm a little jealous yours survived the overnight soakings! Mine wasn't so lucky. I used to toss mine into a glass of water every night (figured it'd keep it fresh, right?), and after about six months, it started feeling kinda... gummy? Like it lost its shape a bit and didn't fit quite right anymore. My dentist laughed when I confessed my nightly soaking ritual—said I was turning it into a jellyfish. Apparently, some materials handle soaking better than others, so maybe yours is just tougher stuff.
These days, I just give it a quick brush and rinse before bed. Still fits like a glove, and no more mystery vanishings or jellyfish transformations. Maybe keep an eye (or tooth?) out just in case yours decides to get mushy down the line.
