Getting brand new dentures or keeping an older pair in place can be a lot easier with the temporary help of a denture adhesive. Although not a permanent solution, these materials can help keep your prosthetic stable, so it doesn’t shift while you’re eating, speaking, or smiling. But using them correctly takes a bit of a learning curve. Here’s a few popular adhesive types and some best practices for getting a secure hold.
How to Choose a Denture Adhesive
There are many different brands and types of denture adhesives available. Often, patients are unsure which choice is “best” for their smile. However, the good news is that it often comes down to a matter of personal preference. Whether you’d like something fast and mess-free, something more affordable, or something that allows you to carefully control the amount of product you use, there’s an adhesive for every situation. Here’s a closer look at a few of the options.
Denture Adhesive Cream
Denture adhesive cream comes premixed in a tube, making it easier to apply. However, it can sometimes be easy to overdo the amount you use, so be sure to squeeze carefully to avoid excess:
- After cleaning and drying your dentures completely, squeeze a small amount of adhesive cream directly to the inside of your dentures in short strips. Be careful not to get any on the edges so it doesn’t ooze out when you put it in your mouth.
- Rinse your mouth out with water to moisturize it
- Press the denture in place in your mouth and hold it there for several seconds.
Denture Adhesive Strips
One of the benefits of adhesive strips is that they’re not as messy as other types of adhesives. In fact, they can even be cut to fit exactly where they’re needed. Simply moisturize them with water to activate them and they’ll stay exactly where they belong:
- Completely clean and dry your dentures.
- Using clean, dry hands, take your adhesive strips out of their packaging and wet each strip to be used with water.
- Attaching one strip at a time, avoid the edges of the denture and don’t overlap the adhesive strips.
- After rinsing your mouth with water, press your denture into place and hold it firmly, biting down to secure the hold.
Denture Adhesive Powder
For patients with dexterity issues, powder can be an ideal choice. Furthermore, because it doesn’t require much product, it can also be much more economical than other kinds of adhesives.
- Clean and rinse your dentures well but leave them wet.
- Spray the adhesive powder lightly and evenly on the surfaces will touch your gums and the roof of your mouth.
- Moisten your mouth with water.
- Gently shake off any excess powder from the denture, and place it in your mouth, biting down on it to hold it into place.
Removing Adhesive from Your Dentures
After you’re done wearing your dentures for the day, it is important to remove all the adhesive from them. To remove the prosthetics, swish some warm water in your mouth and gently pull down. Then, place them somewhere safe so you can brush your gums using a soft-bristled toothbrush and toothpaste. This should help get any extra adhesive out of your mouth.
Once your mouth is clean, it’s time to care for your dentures. Using a separate soft-bristled toothbrush, clean them with either a mild hand soap or a denture cleanser. Be sure to floss between each tooth and rinse the entire prosthetic extremely well. Once clean, gently submerge them in a glass of water or denture soak until you are ready to wear them again.
Remember, denture adhesive is only meant to be a temporary solution. If you have begun noticing that your dentures no longer fit properly and that you’re relying on these products regularly to keep them in place, this is an important sign that it’s time to visit your dentist. Your dentures may benefit from a reline or it may simply be time to upgrade to a brand-new pair!
About Our Practice
At Next Door Dental, Dr. Bagley and Dr. Garcia want to see you smile! That’s why they’re proud to offer a variety of tooth restoration solutions including durable, lifelike dentures. If your prosthetics are in need of a repair or upgrade, don’t rely on temporary solutions like denture adhesives to keep it together. Schedule a consultation with us today to learn more about how we can help restore or replace your false teeth, so you get a secure, comfortable hold without the need for extra steps and products. To schedule a consultation for dentures, visit our website or call 336-854-5850.