Full dentures rely on natural suction to hold them in place. While this is often enough to create a stable fit, many patients turn to denture adhesive for additional security. For those new to these prosthetics, knowing how to use this type of product correctly can take time, especially since it can come in different forms. If you want to know how you can fix loose dentures properly, keep reading.
When Should You Use Denture Adhesive?
It is up to you to decide when you want to use a bit of denture adhesive; however, most individuals rely on it while eating and speaking. If they are snug in place, though, you may not require the use of any additional products.
However, since adhesive products are designed to stabilize artificial teeth, a small amount can be enough to give you greater confidence when enjoying a meal with family or presenting to colleagues at work.
How Should Denture Adhesive Be Applied?
Denture adhesives come in various forms, such as paste, powder, and strips. The type you choose is your decision, but if you’re unsure, here are a few tips that can help you apply each one correctly.
Adhesive Paste (Cream)
- Make sure your dentures are clean and thoroughly dried before applying the cream in short strips along the underside of your denture. Be careful not to place the adhesive too close to the edge or use too much, as this can cause it to ooze out.
- Before inserting your dentures, give your mouth a thorough rinse.
- Insert your dentures and press them firmly into place, holding and biting down for a few seconds.
Adhesive Powder
- Clean your dentures and leave them wet before spraying the powder lightly and evenly onto the underside of your teeth.
- Rinse your mouth before inserting your dentures.
- Shake off excess powder from your artificial teeth before placing them inside your mouth and press them against your gums and/or the roof of your mouth. Bite down firmly and hold for a few seconds.
Adhesive Strips
- Clean your dentures and make sure they are dry before applying the strips.
- Using dry hands, remove the strips from the packaging and lightly wet each one with water (one at a time).
- Apply the strips along the underside of your denture (one across the top and two on each side), being careful not to apply them too close to the edges. Also, do not overlap the strips.
- Rinse your mouth with water.
- Press your denture into place and bite down firmly to ensure a proper grip.
When it’s time to remove your denture adhesive, you’ll want to rinse with warm water before gently moving your denture back and forth until it detaches. You can use a soft-bristled toothbrush and warm water to remove any additional adhesive from your teeth. You’ll then soak them in a cleansing solution before letting them sit in a glass of water.
Knowing how to apply denture adhesive will give your smile the stability it needs and ensure greater confidence while enjoying the finer things in life.
About Grand Dental – South Elgin
At Grand Dental – South Elgin, our dental experts are trained in providing tooth replacement solutions to help patients suffering from tooth loss. With years of proven experience, our dentists can use custom-made dentures to rebuild smiles as well as discuss additional products and techniques that can be used to help hold these teeth firmly in place while eating and speaking. If you want to make sure your dentures don’t become loose, visit our website or call us at (847) 999-0935.