The experience of eating with dentures can be frustrating when the prosthetic shifts or slips, leading to discomfort and self-consciousness. Stability is achievable and is a significant factor in maintaining proper nutrition and quality of life. By understanding the tools and techniques available, denture wearers can significantly improve the security of their prosthetics during meals. External products, refined chewing habits, and professional maintenance all contribute to a more secure fit.
Utilizing Denture Adhesives for Stability
Denture adhesives are external products designed to enhance the natural retention of a prosthetic, providing a temporary seal between the denture base and the gum tissue. These products come in several forms, including creams, powders, and strips, each offering a distinct application method and hold strength. Adhesives work by reacting with saliva to create a sticky, expanding layer that helps fill microscopic gaps and improve suction.
For cream adhesives, apply three to four small, pea-sized dots or short, thin lines along the ridge that contacts the gum tissue, avoiding the edges to prevent overflow. Before application, the denture must be thoroughly cleaned and completely dry, as the adhesive adheres better to a dry surface. Conversely, powder adhesives are sprinkled thinly and evenly onto a clean, wet denture surface, and any excess powder should be shaken off before insertion.
Adhesive strips or pads are pre-measured liners that are convenient and mess-free, often preferred for their consistent adhesion. The strip is placed onto a clean, dry denture, sometimes lightly moistened with water, and then pressed firmly into place. Using too much adhesive is a common mistake that can cause the product to ooze out, which is wasteful and can cause irritation. Adhesives are not a substitute for a poor fit and must be completely removed from both the denture and the mouth daily to maintain good oral hygiene.
Mastering Chewing Techniques for Denture Wearers
Adjusting one’s chewing technique significantly contributes to denture stability, regardless of the adhesive used. The primary rule is to employ a bilateral chewing technique, meaning food should be chewed simultaneously on both the left and right sides of the mouth. This balanced pressure is necessary because chewing on only one side creates a fulcrum, causing the opposite side of the denture to lift or tip, especially with lower prosthetics.
Taking smaller bites and chewing slowly allow for greater control over the prosthetic’s movement. Cutting food into small, manageable pieces reduces the amount of force needed to break it down, minimizing stress on the dentures and the supporting gum tissue. Avoiding biting with the front teeth is also important, as this action acts like a lever that can easily dislodge the entire denture.
Initially, new denture wearers should focus on soft foods, gradually introducing more challenging textures as comfort and confidence increase. Foods that are overly hard (like nuts or hard candies) or extremely sticky (such as caramels) should be avoided, as they can pull the denture out of place. By consciously distributing the chewing load and preparing food appropriately, the wearer can help keep the denture firmly seated on the gum ridges.
Ensuring Optimal Denture Fit and Maintenance
While adhesives and proper technique offer short-term security, the most secure denture fits the mouth’s contours accurately, and maintaining this fit requires professional maintenance. Over time, the jawbone naturally changes shape and shrinks because it is no longer stimulated by tooth roots, causing the gum ridge to recede. This bone resorption results in a loose-fitting denture, making it prone to movement during eating and speaking.
Professional Reline Procedures
When a denture becomes loose, a professional reline procedure is necessary to restore the fit between the denture base and the gum tissue. A hard reline involves replacing the interior surface with a new, durable acrylic material that conforms to the current shape of the mouth. This process is a long-term solution, often lasting up to two years or more, and provides a tight, stable fit.
Alternatively, a soft reline uses a pliable, cushion-like polymer material applied to the denture’s inner surface. This option is recommended for patients with sensitive or chronically sore gum tissues, as the softer material acts as a shock absorber when chewing. Soft relines provide immediate comfort but are a temporary solution, generally lasting up to eighteen months before needing replacement.
Implant-Supported Dentures
For the most advanced and permanent stability, dental implants can be used to anchor the denture securely to the jawbone. These implant-supported dentures, sometimes called “snap-in” dentures, attach to titanium posts embedded in the bone, eliminating slippage and greatly increasing chewing efficiency. While this method is more involved, it provides stability unmatched by traditional dentures and significantly improves a person’s ability to eat a wide variety of foods with confidence.