I honestly thought the tablets would be a game-changer, but that taste just stuck around all day. Kind of makes me wonder if it’s actually cleaning or just leaving behind something else? The foams seem interesting, but are they really any less “chemically” than the tablets? Also, is anyone else worried about scratching the trays with a toothbrush, even if it’s soft? I keep thinking I’ll mess them up and then they’ll get cloudy even faster...
Also, is anyone else worried about scratching the trays with a toothbrush, even if it’s soft? I keep thinking I’ll mess them up and then they’ll get cloudy even faster...
I’m right there with you. I keep reading that even soft brushes can scratch the plastic, and then it’s like, what’s worse—cloudy trays or gross ones? I tried using just my fingers and some clear soap, but then I started wondering if that actually does anything. About the foams, I’m skeptical too. The ingredient list looks just as long as the tablets, so is it really any gentler? Has anyone actually noticed a difference in how cloudy their trays get depending on the cleaning method? I feel like I’m overthinking this stuff, but I don’t want to mess up my aligners in the first month...
I’ve been stressing about this too, honestly. I switched to using a super soft baby toothbrush and just water, and my trays still get a bit cloudy after a week, no matter what. Tried the foams—didn’t really see a big difference. The tablets seem to work a bit better, but they’re not exactly cheap, so I just use them when things look rough. I don’t think there’s a perfect method, but at least my aligners don’t smell gross.
Cloudy trays are the bane of my existence too, honestly. I tried the baby toothbrush and water route for a while—didn’t do much except keep them from being totally gross. The cleaning tablets definitely help with clarity, but yeah, they add up fast. For me, the biggest game-changer was soaking them in diluted white vinegar (like a 1:3 ratio with water) for about 15 minutes once a week, then brushing and rinsing really well after. It’s not perfect, but it gets rid of that stubborn film way better than just water. And no weird smells left behind either... which is huge.
I tried the baby toothbrush and water route for a while—didn’t do much except keep them from being totally gross.
That vinegar trick is a lifesaver, seriously. My kid’s trays get that “cloudy” look almost instantly, and nothing else really worked. I was worried about smells too, but like you said—no weird aftertaste or anything. Makes this whole process just a little less annoying.