Many denture wearers use denture adhesive to improve comfort and stability. Adhesives help dentures stay secure while eating, talking, and smiling.
New denture users often feel that their dentures are loose at first. This happens because the tongue and cheek muscles must learn how to hold them in place.
Most patients adjust within a few weeks. However, some people choose to use adhesive products for extra support.
Dr. Thein offers Implant-Supported Dentures in Glendale, CA.
But for those patients who don’t achieve sufficient retention between the denture and underlying tissue, or those whose dentures become unstable due to tissue deterioration from long-term use, denture adhesives may prove to be quite useful. Even on good fitting dentures, the proper application of denture adhesives can further improve retention between the denture material and underlying gum tissues.
Why Dentures Sometimes Feel Loose
Dentures never sit perfectly against the gums. A small space always exists between the denture base and the gum tissue.
This gap happens because of natural limits in denture fabrication and the changing shape of the gums and jawbone.
Normally, saliva fills this space and creates suction. This suction helps keep dentures in place.
Over time, the gap can increase. When that happens, denture stability decreases.
Denture adhesive can help fill this space and improve retention.
Benefits of Using Denture Adhesives
Many denture wearers use adhesive for added comfort and confidence.
Benefits include:
- Improved denture stability
- Greater confidence while speaking
- Less food trapped under dentures
- Reduced irritation caused by movement
- Better comfort for patients with dry mouth
- Easier adjustment for new denture wearers
These benefits help many patients feel more comfortable in social settings.
Limitations of Denture Adhesive
Although denture adhesive helps improve retention, it does have some drawbacks.
For example:
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Adhesive can make denture cleaning take longer.
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Some patients rely on adhesive instead of seeing their dentist.
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Dentures still require adjustments and replacement over time.
Adhesive should improve denture comfort, but it should not replace regular dental care.
Types of Denture Adhesive
Several types of denture adhesive are available.
Common options include:
- Adhesive pads
- Adhesive powder
- Adhesive paste
Many dentists recommend paste adhesives because they are easier to control and apply.
However, some patients prefer powder adhesives depending on their comfort level.
How to Apply Denture Adhesive
Apply small pea-sized amounts of adhesive to the denture surface.
For upper dentures, place the adhesive along the palate. For lower dentures, place it along the ridge that sits on the gums.
After inserting the denture, bite down gently. The adhesive will spread into a thin layer across the denture surface.
Always clean dentures before applying fresh adhesive.
Warm water or saltwater rinses can help remove leftover adhesive from the gums and dentures.
When Denture Adhesive Is Not Enough
Some patients continue to struggle with loose dentures even when they use adhesive.
In those cases, dentists may recommend Implant-supported dentures.
Dental implants anchor the dentures directly to the jawbone. This solution greatly improves denture stability and comfort.
Robert Thein offers implant-supported dentures at his private practice in Glendale, California.
Call (833) 357-7578 for more information.