Dentures are designed to restore the ability to speak and chew, but they often lose their initial snug fit over time. This occurs because the jawbone naturally begins to shrink—a process called bone resorption—once the teeth are missing. Since dentures rest directly on the gums, changes in the shape of the oral tissues cause the prosthetic to become loose. When this happens, the denture may move while eating or speaking, leading to discomfort and clicking sounds. Denture adhesives offer a temporary, over-the-counter solution to stabilize the prosthetic and restore retention.
The Different Types of Denture Adhesives
Denture adhesives are available in several forms, each using a water-soluble base to create a bond between the denture and the gum tissue. These products enhance the sticking power and internal strength of the layer between the denture base and the mouth, which is normally provided only by saliva. Understanding the mechanisms of each type helps in choosing the best option.
Adhesive creams, often packaged in tubes, are the most common form and provide a strong, all-day hold. The cream forms a thin layer that acts as a seal, preventing food particles from getting trapped underneath the prosthetic. When the cream interacts with moisture, it swells to create a hydrostatic seal, which improves the denture’s stability.
Powder adhesives offer a lighter hold and rely on the natural moisture in the mouth to activate their binding properties. The user sprinkles a thin layer onto a moistened denture surface, where the powder swells and becomes sticky upon contact with saliva. Powders are preferred by new wearers or those who want a less messy removal process, as they leave less residue than creams.
Strips or wafers are pre-measured, mess-free options placed directly onto the denture base. These strips are made of non-toxic material that adheres to the gums when moistened. Because they are pre-formed, they are useful for managing lower dentures, which have less surface area for retention than upper dentures.
Proper Application and Removal Techniques
The effectiveness of any denture adhesive depends on its correct application, starting with proper oral hygiene. Before applying adhesive, both the denture and the mouth tissues must be thoroughly cleaned to remove food debris or old residue. The denture should be rinsed with water and gently dried, as moisture levels affect the adhesive’s ability to bond properly.
When using cream or paste, apply the adhesive in small dots or short, thin strips along the ridges of the denture, avoiding the edges. Applying too much adhesive causes it to ooze out when the denture is seated, which is wasteful and irritating. After placing the denture in the mouth, firmly press it into position and bite down for several seconds to allow the adhesive to set a secure bond.
The denture must be removed daily to allow the gum tissues to rest. To safely break the seal, rinse the mouth with warm water or a salt-water solution, which helps to loosen the adhesive. The denture should then be removed using a gentle rocking motion to avoid damaging the underlying tissues. Any remaining adhesive residue must be cleaned off both the denture and the gums using a soft-bristled brush before soaking the prosthetic overnight.
When Adhesives Are Not Enough
While adhesives enhance stability, they are only a temporary fix and should not be used to mask a poor-fitting denture. Increasing amounts of adhesive, chronic sore spots, or the denture clicking while speaking are warning signs that the prosthetic no longer fits the mouth’s anatomy. Continued use of excessive adhesive on an ill-fitting denture can accelerate jawbone loss by creating uneven pressure on the gums. When the fit is significantly compromised, a dentist or prosthodontist must intervene with a professional solution.
Denture Reline
The most common procedure is a denture reline, which involves adding new acrylic material to the fitting surface of the existing denture to reshape it according to the current contours of the gum tissue. A reline is recommended every two years to maintain a snug fit as the mouth changes.
Rebasing and Implants
A more extensive procedure is a rebase, where the entire pink acrylic base of the denture is replaced while keeping the original teeth. Rebasing is performed when the base material is damaged, weakened, or when a simple reline is insufficient to resolve a major fit issue. For the most secure, long-term stability and to help prevent further bone loss, the gold standard is implant-supported dentures, which anchor the prosthetic to titanium fixtures surgically placed in the jawbone.