I totally get the “feels like overkill” thing, but I started using a UV box after my trays got that funky smell that just wouldn’t quit. Here’s what I do now: rinse after every use, quick brush with a soft toothbrush (no toothpaste, it scratches), then UV once or twice a week. It’s helped with the cloudy look and my gums don’t get as irritated anymore. Maybe it’s placebo, but I’ll take it. I guess it depends on how grossed out you get by buildup... I’m a little paranoid about it, not gonna lie.
“I guess it depends on how grossed out you get by buildup... I’m a little paranoid about it, not gonna lie.”
Honestly, I’m with you on the paranoia. That weird tray smell is enough to make me overthink every step. I used to just rinse mine, but after a while, even soaking in mouthwash didn’t cut it. The UV box seemed a bit much at first, but my trays look clearer now and—maybe it’s in my head—my gums feel less irritated too. I’d rather be a little over-cautious than deal with funky buildup again.
That weird smell freaks me out too, honestly. I keep wondering if I’m doing enough to keep the trays actually clean or just making them “look” clean. Is the UV box thing really worth it? I’ve just been rinsing and using toothpaste, but now I’m second-guessing if that’s enough. Has anyone had their trays get stained or start to look cloudy over time?
I’ve had the same worries about whether I’m actually getting my trays clean or just making them look okay on the surface. That weird smell is definitely a red flag. I used to just rinse and brush them with toothpaste, but after a couple months, mine started to get that cloudy, almost yellowish look. Didn’t matter how much I scrubbed—still looked kind of gross.
I tried one of those UV sterilizer boxes for a while (bought it secondhand, wasn’t about to pay full price for something I wasn’t sure about). Honestly, it’s not a miracle fix. It helps with the smell, but if you’re not already cleaning the trays well before putting them in the box, it doesn’t do much for stains or cloudiness. Plus, I found it kind of annoying to use every single day.
What’s worked best for me is a mix of things: I rinse after every use, brush gently with a soft toothbrush and clear hand soap (not toothpaste—my dentist said toothpaste can scratch the plastic), and once a week I soak them in a denture cleaner. The tablets are cheap and honestly do a better job than anything else I’ve tried. Since switching to that routine, my trays have stayed way clearer and don’t smell weird anymore.
If yours are already cloudy or stained, you might not be able to get them totally clear again, but at least they’ll be clean. If they get really bad, sometimes you can ask your dentist about getting new ones made, but I know that’s not cheap. Just my two cents—hope it helps!
That cloudy look and weird smell you mentioned? Had the same thing happen after a few weeks, and it really stressed me out. I thought I was being careful, but apparently not enough. My dentist also warned me about toothpaste—said it scratches up the trays and makes them look worse over time.
“my dentist said toothpaste can scratch the plastic”
I’ve tried those denture cleaning tablets too. They seem to work better than anything else, but I still get nervous about missing a spot or not rinsing enough. I’m always worried I’ll end up with some kind of buildup that I can’t see. UV box sounded promising, but I just couldn’t bring myself to add another gadget to my routine (plus, like you said, it’s not a miracle).
I do wish they made these trays a bit sturdier or easier to clean. Mine always seem to pick up stains no matter how careful I am. Guess it’s just part of the deal, but I get anxious about it anyway. At least the tablets help with the smell, which is my main concern.