A partial denture replaces missing teeth, using remaining natural teeth for support, offering restoration of both function and appearance. While a well-fitted partial should ideally rely on its clasps and the natural shape of the mouth for retention, many users opt for an adhesive to provide greater stability and comfort. Adhesives work by filling the microscopic space between the denture base and the gum tissue, enhancing the natural forces of suction and cohesion. This added security can improve confidence during everyday activities like speaking and eating.
Selecting the Appropriate Adhesive for Partial Dentures
The choice of adhesive is often determined by the surface area of the partial denture, which is typically smaller than a full denture. Adhesives come in three main forms: creams, powders, and strips. Cream adhesives are the most common, offering a strong hold and a cushioning effect that helps reduce friction against the gums. These creams often use polymers which swell upon contact with moisture to form a tacky, elastic network.
Powder adhesives are a good option for partials that fit well and only require minor retention enhancement. The powder creates a very thin, uniform layer when activated by saliva, making it less messy than creams. Strips or wafers are pre-measured, mess-free options that can be trimmed to fit the specific contours of a partial, making them suitable for those with dexterity issues or sensitive gums. Because partial dentures often incorporate metal clasps, an adhesive that provides cushioning and a reliable food seal, like a cream or a well-placed strip, can be beneficial.
Preparing the Partial and Your Mouth
Proper preparation is necessary to ensure the adhesive forms the strongest possible bond with the denture and the oral tissues. Begin by thoroughly cleaning the partial denture to remove any lingering debris or residual adhesive from the previous wear cycle. Use a soft-bristled brush and a non-abrasive denture cleaner, avoiding standard toothpaste, which can scratch the acrylic surface.
Next, clean the mouth itself, focusing on the gums, palate, and any remaining natural teeth that interact with the partial. Brushing these areas helps to remove bacteria that could otherwise become trapped beneath the device, and it stimulates circulation in the tissue. The condition of the partial before application depends on the adhesive type: cream and strip adhesives are typically applied to a completely dry denture surface, while powders are usually sprinkled onto a clean, slightly wet surface to aid in their activation.
The Proper Technique for Applying Adhesive
When applying cream or paste adhesive to a partial, remember that a small amount is sufficient, as using too much will cause the product to ooze out from under the appliance. Apply the cream in three to four small dots or short, thin strips, keeping the application confined to the areas that make contact with the gum tissue, not the edges of the denture base. Each dab of cream should be no larger than the size of a pencil eraser.
For an upper partial, the adhesive should be placed primarily along the ridge area and any portion of the base that covers the palate. Lower partials often have less surface area and are subject to greater movement from the tongue, requiring careful placement along the supporting ridges. When using a powder adhesive, lightly sprinkle a thin, even coating over the entire surface that will touch the gums, then lightly shake off any excess. When using strips, cut the wafer to match the contour of the partial and place it on the clean, dry surface, ensuring the strips do not overlap.
Securing the Partial and Cleaning Up
Once the adhesive is applied, position the partial denture correctly in your mouth. Press the appliance firmly into place using your fingers and then bite down gently for several seconds to set the adhesive. This pressure ensures the adhesive spreads into a thin, uniform layer between the denture and the gum tissue, maximizing the cohesive and retentive properties of the polymers.
If any adhesive oozes out from under the edges of the partial, wipe the excess away immediately. At the end of the day, the partial must be removed to allow the oral tissues to rest, which is necessary to prevent tissue irritation and inflammation. To remove the partial, gently rock it back and forth until the seal breaks.
Thoroughly clean the denture and the mouth to remove all residual adhesive. Any remaining adhesive residue on the gums or palate should be gently wiped away with a soft cloth or toothbrush, as leaving it can trap bacteria and irritate the tissue.