Battle of the Adhesives: Which Product Is Best for Keeping Your Dentures in Place?

While each set of dentures is customized to match precise measurements of its wearer’s jaw and oral cavity, these appliances can lose their fit over time due to the changing shape of the mouth. A poorly fitting pair of dentures can make it difficult to speak and chew, fall out accidentally, or even cause gum irritation or dental damage due to it sliding about in the mouth. While it’s usually ideal to have loose dentures adjusted or replaced by a qualified dentist, you may be able to find some relief by using denture adhesives. Here’s a quick guide to these products and which may be best for you.

Denture Adhesive Cream Can Help Your Smile Beam

Many denture patients find that adhesive cream is an excellent way to keep their appliances fitting and functioning well between relines. These products are typically sold in tubes with specialized tips designed to control the flow of the cream, allowing patients to precisely position it along the contact points between their appliance and their gums. Denture cream offers a strong hold that lasts all day while sealing out almost 75% of food particles.

Denture Adhesive Powder Can Give Your False Teeth the Power

If you find that adhesive cream isn’t suiting you well, denture adhesive powder may be the right product for you. All you’ll need to do is apply a light coating of powder evenly along the area of the denture that makes contact with your gums before shaking off the excess product. Then, place your appliance upon your gums and bite down into it to create a secure hold. Adhesive powders offer a powerful and reliable hold in a convenient powder form.

Denture Adhesive Strips Might Just Do the Trick

Many denture patients find that denture adhesive strips give them a mess-free way to secure their appliances for the day. These strips come pre-cut and coated with just the proper amount of adhesive, making them easy to apply to and remove from the interior of your dentures. To use this product, peel the strip from the packaging, moisten it with water, and place it along the area that makes contact with your gums while pressing down. When enough strips have been placed, bite down into your dentures to form a secure hold.

Denture adhesives may help you stay comfortable when your dentures aren’t fitting as well as they used to. However, it’s important to eventually have your appliance adjusted or replaced to preserve your chewing ability and oral health. If you’re looking for a permanent solution that offers the most secure hold possible, implant dentures may be the ideal treatment for you.

About the Author

Dr. Chris Johnson earned his dental degree at Texas A&M College of Dentistry before completing the Implant Pathway Implant Continuum in 2019. He takes great joy in helping people achieve better oral health and more beautiful smiles. His office in Houston offers general, restorative, cosmetic, and emergency dentistry as well as denture services. To learn more about keeping your dentures fitting well, contact his office online or dial (713) 229-8100.