The Best Denture Adhesive

Advances in materials used to make dentures have significantly improved their ability to improve speech, chewing efficiency, and the appearance of patients missing several or all teeth. However, dentures can become loose and one of the solutions, if this occurs, is a dental adhesive. Continue reading to learn more about their use in helping prevent denture movement and the best denture adhesive.

If you have questions about how your dentures look and fit, schedule an appointment at Trident Dental for a denture evaluation.

What Is A Denture Adhesive?

A denture adhesive is a product that is placed on the soft tissue side of a denture to help hold it in place. An ideal denture adhesive would require only a thin layer to hold the acrylic denture tightly against the gums during speaking and chewing foods. Denture adhesive materials are suitable for use with complete and partial dentures.

How Do Denture Adhesives Work?

Several factors, such as the shape of your palate, the amount of remaining jawbone, and your overall general health, can contribute to the fit of your dentures. One of the particularly important factors is the amount and quality of your saliva. Not only does saliva help prevent gum irritation by acting as a lubricant for your denture, but it also creates a suction that seals the denture against the gums. Denture adhesives interact with your saliva to enhance this seal and prevent the denture from moving.

Do All Dentures Require An Adhesive?

Most well-made and properly fitted dentures typically require no adhesive to hold them in place. However, denture adhesives can provide extra confidence as a temporary measure to hold your denture more securely in place. There are certain circumstances in which you should not use a denture adhesive, such as:

You have sores on your gums.
You have an allergy to one of the ingredients found in the adhesive.
You require an excessive amount of the adhesive to hold your denture in place.
You rely on the adhesive in place of having your denture evaluated by a dentist.

What Are The Types Of Denture Adhesives?

There are three main types of denture adhesives, and each one has its unique advantages.

Cream. The cream form of adhesive is the most common one used to hold dentures securely. You can dispense the cream from a tube that offers precise control over the amount used. These come in various flavors and help protect the gums from irritation.
Strips. Adhesive strips are usually pre-cut for easy application and removal. Their advantages over creams or powders are lack of mess when used, no risk of applying too much or too little, and eliminating the possibility of an uncomfortable texture.
Powder. New denture wearers favor powder denture adhesives due to their ease of use and convenience. Most powders only require that you sprinkle on and place the denture.

There are many denture adhesive products on the market. Those receiving the American Dental Association Seal of Acceptance can be found here.

What Is The Best Solution For Loose Dentures?

If you notice your dentures no longer stay in place like they did when you first got them, you should schedule an appointment to have them evaluated. While a denture adhesive may help as a temporary measure, you may need a more permanent and professional solution such as:

Denture adjustment.
Denture reline.
Remake your denture.
Dental implants.