Using Denture Adhesives Can Be a Sticky Situation; Here’s How They Work

Dentures can be a fantastic way to replace a few, many, or a whole set of missing teeth, and they should feel incredibly comfortable after you get used to wearing them. However, your appliance may lose its fit over time due to the wear and tear caused by regular use and the changing shape of the mouth. Here’s a quick guide to how dentures work, why they can lose their fit, and how you can use denture adhesives to keep your appliance functional and comfortable between adjustments.

How Do Dentures Work?

A denture is a dental restoration that consists of an acrylic base designed to fit comfortably over the gums and the artificial teeth mounted upon it. These devices can be partials, meaning they are designed to replace several teeth in a row or throughout the mouth, or full dentures, meaning they are designed to replace a full arch. These appliances can allow a patient to feel confident in their smile while also restoring their ability to speak clearly and chew thoroughly.

Why Do Dentures Lose Their Fit?

Dentures are customized to be incredibly comfortable, but they do not provide the exercise the jawbone needs to stay healthy and strong. This means the mouth will still change shape and recede after the patient receives their appliance. Eventually, the denture will not fit as well as it used to, which can lead to gum irritation, dental damage, bad breath, and oral infections. Dentists can address this problem by adjusting or relining dentures, but it will eventually be necessary to replace the appliance completely.

How Do Denture Adhesives Work?

Denture adhesives are a short-term solution that can help a patient wear their appliance comfortably between relines. There are several types of adhesive available, and the right one for you will depend on your preferences. It might be a great idea to experiment with different products until you find one that helps you keep your restoration in place comfortably. A few types of denture adhesive include:

• Creams: These products come in tubes with applicator tips that allow the adhesive to be easily and evenly distributed along the restoration.
• Powders: These adhesives come in shakers, and they can be a convenient way for many people to enjoy a stable hold.
• Strips: These adhesive strips can be torn into appropriate shapes and arranged along the contact points between the denture and the dental ridge with minimal mess.

Denture adhesives may be an excellent way to help you wear your restorations comfortably between relines, but dental implants are the ideal way to ensure that your restorations fit securely. Consulting with your dentist can help you find the best way to keep your dentures functional and your mouth healthy.

About the Author

Dr. Bob Heil earned his dental degree at the University of Minnesota and completed a General Practice Residency at the Hennepin County Medical Center. He is proud to serve as a member of the American Dental Association, the Wisconsin Dental Association, and the American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine. His office in Oshkosh offers general, restorative, cosmetic, and emergency dentistry as well as denture services. To learn more about proper denture care, contact his office online or dial (920) 235-0320.