Denture adhesive is a material designed to enhance the stability and retention of a denture, acting as a thin, temporary cushion between the prosthetic and the gum tissue. Its primary function is to supplement the natural suction and fit of the denture. While a well-fitting denture should rely mainly on suction, adhesive offers extra security, especially as the jawbone naturally changes shape over time following tooth loss. This product is an aid for temporary security, not a solution for a poorly fitting or damaged appliance.
Preparing the Denture and Mouth for Adhesive Use
Proper preparation of both the mouth and the denture is the first step to ensuring the adhesive performs effectively. For cream and strip adhesives, the denture must be completely clean and dry before application, as moisture on the prosthetic surface will compromise the bond. Thoroughly clean the denture using a soft brush and a non-abrasive cleanser to remove all residual adhesive and debris. Afterward, the surface that meets the gums should be patted completely dry with a clean cloth or allowed to air dry.
The procedure changes slightly when using a powder adhesive, which requires the denture to be left slightly moist after cleaning. This moisture helps to activate the powder and create the necessary bond with the fitting surface. Regardless of the adhesive type, the mouth should also be prepared by rinsing with water to ensure the gum tissues are clean and slightly moist. A clean oral environment and a prepared denture surface are crucial for the adhesive to achieve maximum retention.
Precision Application: The “Where” of Upper Denture Adhesive
The application site on an upper denture is placed to maximize hold while preventing the adhesive from squeezing out. For cream adhesives, apply short, thin strips or small dots—roughly the size of a pencil eraser—to the fitting surface of the denture. These applications should be focused along the crest of the ridge where the denture rests, often forming a gentle “U” shape. Apply the material a few millimeters inside the denture’s borders, avoiding the edges, which is the main cause of messy oozing when the appliance is seated.
Cream and Strip Application
For the upper denture, a small, isolated dot of cream can also be placed toward the center of the palate area. This helps secure the large, flat portion against the roof of the mouth. If using adhesive strips, they should be trimmed to fit the contours of the denture, applied to a dry surface, and kept away from the outer borders.
Powder Application
Powder adhesive requires a different technique, as it is sprinkled lightly and evenly across all surfaces that will contact the gums and the palate. After dusting, any excess powder should be gently shaken off the denture before insertion.
Seating the Denture and Ensuring Retention
Once the adhesive has been correctly applied, the denture must be seated to establish the strongest possible seal. Begin by aligning the upper denture correctly within the mouth, ensuring it is positioned over the gum ridge. Press the denture firmly into place and apply even pressure with the fingers for a few seconds to initiate the adhesive bond. This firm pressure allows the material to spread slightly and conform to the gum tissue.
After the initial seating, bite down gently but firmly for five to ten seconds to fully secure the appliance. This action helps to compress the adhesive layer and create the final seal that resists movement. To allow the adhesive to fully cure and achieve maximum holding power, wait a few minutes before attempting to eat or drink. A successful seating technique creates a vacuum-like seal, which is the foundation of the denture’s stability.
Troubleshooting Common Adhesive Issues
If adhesive consistently oozes out from under the denture, it indicates that too much product was used or the application was too close to the border. Reducing the size of the strips or dots to a minimal amount usually resolves this problem. Conversely, a weak or short-lived hold may result from failing to thoroughly clean old adhesive residue before reapplication. The adhesive must contact a clean surface to work effectively.
For removal, the seal can be loosened by swishing the mouth with warm water or a warm saltwater solution. The upper denture is removed by placing a thumb against the front teeth and pressing upward and outward toward the nose. Chronic problems with retention, despite correct application, signal that the jawbone has changed shape and the denture requires professional attention, such as a reline or adjustment.