Guide to Dentures Adhesive

While dentures fix many functional and aesthetic problems for patients with missing teeth, they can sometimes come loose over time. Patients often invest in these prosthetics to improve eating and smiling, but it can seem like the wrong choice if they start to cause irritation because they do not stay secured. The mouth naturally changes shape with age, and patients who complain of their dentures moving too easily around may benefit from an adhesive to hold them in place. 

Reasons for an adhesive

It is possible for dentures to cause some discomfort after initially being installed. Gums may be sore or red in areas where the denture rubs, and a patient must allow time to adjust to the new appliance. However, sometimes problems persist for months after the denture is placed, signaling the need for an adhesive to keep the piece from causing irritation. Here are some of the signs that a patient requires denture adhesive.

Looseness

Once properly fitted, a dental prosthetic may shift slightly for several weeks as a patient’s mouth grows accustomed to it, but it should not move around freely for long. If a denture does continue to move, it may indicate another underlying health issue that is preventing the piece from settling. In this case, an adhesive can be used to prevent further movement.

Pain or sores

Sores can appear on the gums where a denture rests, and other parts of the mouth can become irritated after it is placed. Usually, the mouth recovers from this irritation after a while, but this is not the case for everyone. Patients who suffer from persistent pain may need an adjustment in the dentist’s office or an adhesive.

Gaps

If there are gaps between the denture base and the gums, food may easily get wedged between the two and become stuck. This can lead to discomfort and oral hygiene problems, such as inflammation of the gums, that need to be addressed by a dentist.

What to expect from a denture adhesive

An adhesive is a type of material like a glue that fastens a denture into the mouth. Adhesives can solve issues with a denture that is loose, causing pain or slightly removed from the gums. It may also be recommended for those with bone density or muscle problems where a tight fit is not possible. Patients may receive adhesives upon first getting dentures simply to make the transition into using them easier.

Application

Most adhesives are made from powder or cream that become sticky when mixed with saliva in the mouth. An adhesive may be applied in the morning to create a sturdy seal between the dentures and gums. It should last up to 12 hours no matter what a patient eats or drinks. A good adhesive will hold throughout the day, but it should still be easy to remove the denture in the evening.

Conclusion

If concerns about mobile or irritating dentures arise, ask a dentist for recommendations on adhesives. There is no need to live with a denture that causes more problems than it solves.

Request an appointment here: https://familydentistphoenix.com or call Phoenix Family Dentistry at (602) 547-9007 for an appointment in our Phoenix office.