If you’ve just had removable dentures fitted, have worn them for years, or know someone who has trouble with these types of appliances, you probably have some questions about the best way to get them to stay in place without moving, securely and comfortably. Even though removable dentures may fit well, it’s always a good idea to look for a little extra security. That’s why denture adhesive can offer you some peace of mind in this regard.
Adhesives aimed to make dentures more functional and more comfortable are available on the market in different shapes and forms. Thus, knowing which one to use, or even knowing if an adhesive is the right choice, can be difficult and sometimes overwhelming.
Denture adhesive is a product that is applied on the inside of your dentures. The adhesive creates a layer between the denture and the gum that prevents the denture from moving or slipping out of place. The adhesive is suitable for both full denture and partial denture wearers.
Generally speaking, if dentures are well-fitted, it is not usually necessary to use adhesive to keep them in place. However, if you notice mobility and feel that some help is needed to keep both full and partial dentures in place, the first thing to do is to talk to your dentist to assess the condition of the denture and whether it needs to be adjusted or even replaced with a new one.
Over the years, the structures which support the mouth may get weaker or change their shape and size, causing the dentures to no longer fit properly. Poorly fitting dentures can cause pain, injury or damage to the other teeth, so they should be fitted correctly as soon as possible. If the dentures fit well but you are looking for a little extra security, an adhesive may offer some peace of mind. However, keep in mind that you shouldn’t consider an adhesive as a permanent solution to serious issues with your denture’s fitting.
Denture adhesives come in different forms:
Adhesives that include gel and paste: these types come in the form of gels or pastes which are applied directly to the denture. The denture is then placed in the mouth.
The pads: they must be trimmed to fit the size of each prosthesis and then applied directly to the dentures with the adhesive side of the pad. Afterwards, the pad must be moistened before being placed in the mouth.
For most adhesives, the saliva in the mouth changes its consistency to give it a stronger, more elastic grip. This grip holds the dentures in place along the gum line. Each denture adhesive is slightly different, so be sure to follow the application instructions provided by the manufacturer very carefully. It should never ooze out from under the dentures, and if it does, it is because too much is being applied.
These adhesives are not harmful to dentures or adjacent teeth left in the mouth, but they can become unhygienic if not cleaned after every meal. You should make sure to remove your dentures after every meal in order to get rid of any food debris as well as adhesive residue. If dentures are removed to sleep, it is important that they are never stored with adhesive residue.
Each application of adhesive should not last more than one use and failure to clean dentures thoroughly after this use can cause a build-up of bacteria that can lead to infections or other health problems in the mouth.
There are many patients who have been wearing dentures for years and when they get new sets of dentures they find it necessary to use adhesives, which they did not do with their old dentures. This is a typical issue for patients who have worn their dentures for an especially long time. Generally, in these cases the supporting bone is very resorbed and there is so little bone that the attachment of the dentures is complicated.
With time, you learn to wear the dentures and, although the old ones may be worn and have some mobility, you feel comfortable with the old set because you are fully adapted to them. In cases when new dentures are manufactured without supporting bone, they are created to fit the mouth in its actual state. The bite has also usually changed due to all the wear and tear on the old teeth.
This is why when a new set of dentures is made, it feels so different and with some movement. The use of adhesive can help find the necessary stability until full adaptation to them occurs. Although it is possible to use dentures which are comfortable and functional dentures without adhesive, in most cases, dental adhesive helps in significantly improving the stability of new dentures, while making sure that it is used according to the dentist’s instructions. Make sure not to use too much adhesive. Only three or four dabs the size of a grain of rice are typically more than enough.
