Lower dentures are often less stable than upper plates due to the constant movement of the tongue and the shallow ridge of the lower jawbone. This dynamic environment requires proper application of denture adhesive to maintain a secure fit throughout the day. Understanding the unique requirements of the lower plate can significantly improve comfort and function. This guide provides a step-by-step process for effectively applying adhesive to a lower denture.
Preparing the Denture and Mouth
Before applying adhesive, both the denture and the mouth must be clean to ensure maximum hold. Begin by thoroughly brushing the lower denture with a non-abrasive cleaner. This removes all food particles and any residual adhesive from the previous day. Residual adhesive creates an uneven surface that prevents the fresh layer from bonding properly to the plate.
Next, gently clean your gums, tongue, and the roof of your mouth with a soft-bristled brush or gauze. This stimulates blood circulation and removes plaque buildup. Managing moisture is the final step, as this directly affects the adhesive’s performance. Cream-based adhesives work best when the denture is slightly damp, while powders require a completely dry surface for initial adherence. An excessively wet denture will dilute the adhesive, preventing it from forming a strong, durable bond.
Precise Application Patterns for Lower Dentures
The geometry of the lower denture’s ridge requires a specific approach to adhesive placement. Instead of a continuous line, apply the adhesive in three to four short, thin strips or small pea-sized dots along the inner curve of the ridge. This creates separate points of contact that allow the adhesive to expand slightly without excessive overflow.
Ensure the strips are set no closer than one-quarter of an inch from the denture’s edge. This margin prevents the adhesive from oozing out when you compress the denture, which can cause discomfort and reduce the seal’s effectiveness. Using too much product is a common mistake, as it weakens the hold and leads to more frequent cleaning.
Less adhesive is generally more effective for the lower plate, allowing for a thinner layer that sets faster and provides a stronger seal. Avoid applying adhesive to the back third of the denture, near the area that sits close to the throat. Adhesive applied here can be dislodged by swallowing or strong tongue movement, potentially leading to accidental ingestion and irritation. This placement also compromises the front seal.
Cream adhesives offer flexibility in strip application, but powder adhesives require a light, even dusting across the entire fitting surface of the damp denture. The application pattern should primarily focus on the front and middle sections of the lower ridge where retention is needed. Proper application respects the unique shape of the lower jawbone and minimizes disruptive forces caused by speech and mastication.
Securing the Denture and Solving Common Issues
Once the adhesive is applied, secure the denture into position immediately. Gently place the lower plate into your mouth, aligning it correctly over the gum ridge. Press down firmly with your fingers, then follow with a sustained, gentle bite for several seconds. This evenly distributes the adhesive and initiates the bonding process.
Wait approximately five to fifteen minutes before consuming any liquids or food, allowing the adhesive polymers to fully set and create a secure bond. If adhesive oozes from under the edges after insertion, gently wipe away the excess with a clean cloth or tissue. This seepage indicates that you applied slightly more product than necessary, and the amount should be reduced during the next application.
Loss of retention mid-day often occurs due to excessive moisture or the consumption of hot liquids that can degrade the adhesive bond. If the hold fails, remove the denture, thoroughly clean and dry both the plate and your mouth, and then reapply a minimal amount of fresh adhesive. Never add new adhesive over the old, compromised layer. This will not establish a secure fit and can trap bacteria against the gum line.
Daily Removal and Cleaning Routine
At the end of the day, safely removing the lower denture is necessary to maintain oral health and the longevity of the appliance. To break the adhesive seal, rinse your mouth with warm water, which helps soften the bond. Gently rock the denture back and forth, or use slight pressure to lift it upward from the front, rather than pulling sharply.
Once the denture is out, clean your mouth thoroughly before sleeping. Brush your gums, tongue, and the inside of your cheeks with a soft brush to remove any remaining adhesive residue and stimulate the underlying tissues. The denture itself requires cleaning to prepare it for the next application.
Use a denture brush to scrub all surfaces, paying particular attention to removing every trace of residual adhesive from the fitting surface. Failure to completely remove the old adhesive leads to a buildup that compromises the fit over time and harbors bacteria. After the denture is completely free of adhesive, place it in a soaking solution overnight. This ensures the porous material is disinfected and ready for the next day’s application.