How To Keep Your Dentures Firmly In Place

Denture adhesives are used to help ‘glue’ dentures in place, rather than solely relying on suction or clasps. When you use an adhesive, your saliva that comes into contact with the adhesive.  This causes the material to swell, which creates an adhesion between the denture and the gum, thus ensuring they stay more firmly in place.  Adhesives come in a variety of forms such as creams, strips, liners, pads, powders or liquids. Depending on your individual needs, we can advise you on which adhesives and cleaners you should use.
 
Especially in the first few weeks, some people find it difficult to get used to their new set of dentures,  and constantly worry that they may slip out of place.  In which case, a denture adhesive, which can help provide more stability, may be what you need. Although modern technology has given us the ability to make dentures that are far better fitting and much more comfortable than they were even a generation ago, many people feel more secure with the added stability, and biting capability that an adhesive gives. However, dental adhesive is only designed to help denture fit more securely. Never try to force poorly fitting dentures into place with an adhesive, and never uses adhesive to try and ‘fix’ a denture that actually need to be either be replaced or repaired. If they are loose or uncomfortable, you need to see us right away to have them relined or adjusted.
 
Since everyone’s dentures are configured differently, the denture adhesive you use will greatly depend on your individual requirements. You have to choose the product that best suits your needs which often depends on whether you have a full or partial set or even whether it is a lower or upper. Each denture adhesive works slightly differently, and some may be more suitable for the upper jaw, some may be more appropriate for the lower jaw. Many denture wearers prefer a cream adhesive over a powder, not because creams are necessarily better than powders, but some people may not like the texture of the cream, or even its taste or smell. The powder form tends to be easier to clean than paste.  However, it is very important that when you use one of these denture adhesives, you read the instructions on the packaging carefully, and use them exactly as directed according to the manufacturer’s instructions, and never apply more than is needed.
 
Every time you take your denture out before you go to bed, make sure to remove the adhesive by thoroughly cleaning the denture. There are soft bristled brushes specially designed to  clean dentures which will not scratch, or damage them in any other way.
 
If a denture is well constructed, and well maintained, it will allow you to not only feel better about your appearance, but will help you with everyday tasks that might, otherwise, prove difficult. Denture adhesives can help make you feel more confident, but it starts with the right fitting set to begin with.  In our dental office, we can ensure that your dentures fit snuggly and securely so if you don’t like your current set, visit us for a replacement.