Though your dentures are meant to stay in place on your arches with natural suction, sometimes they may need a little help. Thankfully, you can easily keep brand new dentures or older ones that may need a reline or replacement in place with a product called denture adhesive. Though it is not recommended for regular use, denture adhesives can prevent your prosthetics from slipping while chewing or speaking until they have either molded to your mouth or received important repairs to keep them in place.
If you’re wondering what type of adhesive is best, here’s a breakdown of the most popular types, how to use them, and how to decide which one is right for you.
Which Denture Adhesive is Best for Me?
The type of denture adhesive you choose is mainly a matter of personal preference. Each product ranges in price and formula, but all work well to keep your prosthetics in place temporarily.
Please note that if you do decide to try denture adhesive, the American College of Prosthodontists (ACP) recommends avoiding denture adhesives containing zinc, as excessive use of these products has been found to cause numbness, tingling, and nerve damage.
Denture Adhesive Cream
Though it works well, denture adhesive cream can be a bit messy if you’re not careful, so be sure to apply it sparingly as it can easily ooze out from the sides of your prosthetic if you use too much. Here’s how to apply it:
- Clean your dentures thoroughly and dry them completely.
- Squeeze the adhesive directly on the denture in short strips. Be careful not to get any on the edges of the prosthetic.
- Rinse your mouth with water.
- Place the denture in your mouth and press it into place as you hold it firmly for a few seconds. Bite down on it to secure it.
Denture Adhesive Powder
Denture adhesive powder is often easier to manage because you can direct where the spray goes on your prosthetic. The problem with powder adhesives is that they can sometimes leave sticky residue on your sink and countertops, so you may need to do a little cleaning after your dentures are in place. To use denture adhesive powder, follow these instructions:
- Clean your dentures thoroughly but leave them wet.
- Spray the adhesive powder very lightly and evenly on the surfaces of the denture that touch your gums and roof of your mouth.
- Rinse out your mouth with water.
- Shake off any loose powder from your denture.
- Place your denture in your mouth and press down on it to set it in place.
Denture Adhesive Strips
Denture adhesive strips are the least messy way to keep dentures in place, but they do require you to have a bit more dexterity to properly attach them. Here’s how:
- Completely clean and dry your dentures.
- Using clean, dry hands, remove the adhesive strips from their packaging.
- Moisten each strip you will be using with water, one at a time.
- Follow the instructions on the adhesive packaging, attaching each strip to your dentures. Be sure to keep the strips away from the edges, and don’t overlap them. If you need to adjust the size, you can tear or cut them into shape as needed.
- Rinse your mouth with water.
- Pressing your denture into place, hold onto it firmly. Bite down on it to get a firm hold.
Removing Adhesive from Your Dentures
Once you are ready to remove your dentures for the day, be sure to clean them completely and remove all traces of adhesive. First, swish some warm water around in your mouth. Then, gently pull your prosthetics out and place them somewhere safe. Using a soft-bristled toothbrush, scrub off any adhesive from your gums with regular toothpaste.
Next, it’s time to clean your dentures. Using a second toothbrush, use a mild hand soap or denture cleanser to scrub the entire prosthetic. Floss between each tooth and rinse them well before gently placing them in a glass of water or denture soak. Leave them submerged until you are ready to put them back in your mouth.
Remember, unless you have a brand-new pair of dentures, you shouldn’t need to use denture adhesive to hold your prosthetics in place. If you find that you cannot keep your steady without adhesive, it’s time to schedule an appointment with your dentist for a reline or a replacement pair.
About Dr. Knott
Dr. Teresa Knott loves being able to help patients achieve their smile goals and truly strives to listen to their needs. She believes strongly in self-improvement, too, which is why she is a proud, active member of the Texas Dental Study Club, a branch of the Seattle Study Club. She has also attended classes with SPEAR Education in Scottsdale, AZ.
If you are interested in restoring your smile with the help of dentures, Dr. Knott can assist you in selecting a prosthetic that fits and functions properly, allowing you to enjoy a wide variety of nutritious foods and the benefits of a beautiful smile! To schedule a consultation for dentures at Town Center Dental, please visit our website or call us today at 972-530-5200.