Supplemental materials are commonly used to hold dentures in place, enhancing comfort and improving function. While a well-fitting denture relies on natural suction and the contours of the mouth, over-the-counter products offer added security for daily activities. These products help minimize slippage and prevent food particles from becoming trapped beneath the denture. Understanding the correct approach and proper application methods can significantly improve the daily experience of wearing dentures.
The Primary Options: Types of Denture Adhesives
Denture adhesives are non-toxic, water-soluble materials designed to enhance the natural forces of adherence that keep dentures secure. They work by swelling when absorbing saliva or water, creating a soft, sticky layer that fills microscopic gaps between the denture base and the gum tissue. This enhanced bond helps reduce movement and slippage, which increases chewing power and comfort.
Adhesive creams are often the most popular choice, offering a strong, long-lasting hold that is easy to apply from a tube. The dense material helps fill minor voids and provides a cushioning effect, which can reduce irritation on sensitive gum tissue. Applying too much cream, however, leads to messy overflow and discomfort.
Adhesive powders offer a lighter, less messy alternative, often preferred for easier cleanup. They are sprinkled onto a clean, wet denture base, where moisture activates them to form a seal. Powders are easier to control than creams and are often recommended for individuals who experience excessive saliva flow.
Pre-cut adhesive strips or wafers are valued for their convenience and mess-free application. These strips are moistened slightly and placed directly onto the denture base, providing a consistent, pre-measured amount of adhesive. They are useful for lower dentures or for individuals with sensitive gums, as they offer a uniform layer of cushioning.
Best Practices for Application and Hygiene
Proper use of denture adhesives begins with preparation, as the material works best on a clean surface. Before application, the denture must be thoroughly cleaned using a soft brush and denture cleanser to remove all debris and residual adhesive. For most cream adhesives, the denture surface should be dried completely; powders often require the denture to be slightly wet for activation.
The guiding principle for application is that “less is more” to ensure both effectiveness and comfort. For cream adhesives, apply three to four small, pea-sized dots or short, thin strips along the ridges of the denture. It is important to avoid placing the adhesive too close to the edges, as it will spread when the denture is seated and prevent messy overflow. Powder adhesives should be sprinkled lightly and evenly over the tissue-fitting surface, shaking off any excess before insertion.
To secure the denture, seat it firmly and bite down for a few seconds to create a strong seal. If adhesive oozes out, it signals that too much product was used; the denture should be removed, cleaned, and reapplied with a smaller amount. This application should be sufficient for a full day. Re-applying adhesive is not recommended and suggests an underlying fit issue.
Daily hygiene requires the complete removal of all adhesive residue from both the prosthetic and the oral tissues. Adhesive left on the gums and palate can trap bacteria, leading to irritation and inflammation. To remove the adhesive, first rinse the mouth and dentures with warm water to loosen the bond. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush or a damp, lint-free cloth to gently massage the gums, palate, and tongue to remove lingering residue. The dentures should be brushed with a dedicated cleanser, paying close attention to the fitting surface before soaking the appliance overnight.
Non-Adhesive Security: Ensuring Proper Fit
While adhesives offer supplemental hold, the primary security of a denture comes from its precise fit against the oral tissues and natural suction. This fit is constantly changing due to bone resorption. When natural tooth roots are absent, the jawbone is no longer stimulated, causing the bone tissue to gradually shrink and be reabsorbed by the body.
This loss of bone volume alters the shape of the jaw ridge, which inevitably causes a well-fitting denture to become loose over time, typically requiring professional adjustment every few years. Increasing adhesive use, or adhesive failure, indicates that the underlying structure of the mouth has changed. Adhesives are not a substitute for proper fit and can exacerbate problems if used to compensate for a significantly loose denture.
Dentists address fit issues with two primary procedures: a reline or a rebase.
Reline
A reline is a surface-level adjustment involving adding new acrylic material to the fitting surface to conform to the current shape of the gum ridge. This procedure is generally recommended when the denture teeth are still in good condition but the base is loose due to minor gum and bone changes.
Rebase
A rebase is a more comprehensive structural adjustment that replaces the entire acrylic base while preserving the original artificial teeth. This is typically suggested when the base material is worn, cracked, or porous, or when substantial changes in oral anatomy require more than a simple reline. Both procedures restore the intimate contact necessary for the denture to achieve maximum stability and suction without excessive reliance on adhesives.