Should i boil this retainer case, or am i going too far?

Question

i lost my first retainer case, so my mom looked in the bathroom cabinet and found my sister's mouth guard case that was used about SEVEN years ago, and my brother's retainer case that was used probably more than TEN years ago. my mom washed both, and she's expecting me to use them to hold my retainers. so, am i going too far to want to boil both to make sure they're both clean?

remember, it was stored in the bathroom cabinet.

i have to admit that i fear germs and i wash my hands more than anyone in the house, and the thought of using something that was kept in the dirtiest place in the bathroom leaves me really disgusted.

Answer 1

You should absolutely want to boil them.  Washing them will only try to kill the germs, boiling them will ensure that germs are destroyed.

Note: I am 99% certain that boiling the case will not melt the plastic.  That case is made by injecting melted plastic at high pressure, and the temperature gets very high in this process.  Boiling it only subjects it to 212 degrees F, which is not nearly enough to melt it.

Answer 2

Boiling them will probably cause the plastic to melt.  If your mom washed them, I'm sure they're perfectly fine to use.  If you still feel uncomfortable about it, put them in the dishwasher on the top rack.

Answer 3

boiling them will melt the plastic. you could wash them again in hot water, then rub the off will a small amount of rubbing achohol and wash one more time. that will ensure that the germs are gone. if it really upsets you, ask your orthodonist about getting another one, it wouldn't be too expensive and its probably worth it if you're going to be scared while using the other ones.