Denture Adhesives: How to Choose and Use Them Effectively
Having well-fitting dentures can make all the difference when it comes to your comfort and their function. However, one out of three people who wear dentures report that their dentures don’t fit well. Fortunately, the solution can be as simple as changing the type of denture adhesive you use.
Using the right denture adhesive can help your dentures fit better and feel more comfortable, making your denture-wearing experience more pleasant. The experts at Shelby Dental in Calera, AL, have gathered some tips and organized them below to help you explore your options and find the right solution for you.
Most Popular Types of Denture Adhesives
At Shelby Dental, we want our patients to have the best possible options for their care, including which type of denture adhesive they use. Below are some common types of denture adhesives, along with the benefits they offer:
Adhesive Creams
When most people think of denture adhesives, they think of adhesive creams. This type of cream comes in a tube and is applied directly to dentures before placing them in your mouth.
Adhesive creams are a long-lasting solution that holds your dentures in place for up to 12 hours or so. You can find denture adhesive creams over the counter at most retail pharmacies.
Adhesive Powders
If you do not enjoy the mouthfeel of cream adhesives, a powder denture adhesive may be a better choice. It is easy to apply as you sprinkle a small amount of powder (around ¼ of a teaspoon) on dentures that have been moistened with water.
Once you place your dentures in your mouth, your saliva will activate the adhesive powder. Much like the cream option, the adhesive will hold for around 12 hours. However, you must have well-fitting dentures for this solution to be effective.
Adhesive Strips
An increasingly popular option, adhesive strips allow for more accurate placement of the adhesive on your dentures. Made of safe, non-toxic materials, these strips are placed directly on your dentures in order to adhere them to your gums.
An advantage they offer is that they can be used with dentures that do not fit as well. However, a risk of ill-fitting dentures is that they can change your bite alignment, so you should only use this fix if it is comfortable for you and additionally, consider getting better-fitting dentures.
Adhesive Pads
Also known as denture adhesive cushions, denture adhesive pads are easily adaptable to your gumline. Unlike adhesive powders or creams, they are easier to remove and leave no mess behind on your dentures.
Much like adhesive strips, they are applied directly to your dentures before placing them on your gums. However, your dentures must be completely dry before applying the pads in order for them to work properly.
What to Consider When Choosing a Denture Adhesive
Once you’ve chosen the type of denture adhesive you wish to use, there are other factors you need to consider, including:
Holding Strength
Depending on how your dentures fit, you may need a stronger adhesive to hold them in place. Consider how secure and comfortable your dentures feel while using the adhesive to determine how well it holds.
Duration of Effectiveness
If you wear your dentures all day, you will want an adhesive that is effective for that amount of time. While most denture adhesives last around 12 hours, there are longer-lasting solutions available.
Ingredients & Allergies
As with any medication or hygiene product, look at the ingredients of your denture adhesive to determine if you are allergic to any of them. If so, consider finding an alternative that does not contain the ingredient you are allergic to. If you have an allergic reaction to your denture adhesive, seek professional help immediately.
Ease of Application & Removal
Applying adhesives and putting in your dentures takes time. To spend less time getting ready in the morning, you want an adhesive that is easy to apply. You also don’t want to spend the end of every day cleaning adhesive off of your dentures. That is why application and removal are important factors to consider when choosing a denture adhesive.
Explore Your Denture Adhesive Options at Shelby Dental
When you’re ready to experience the comfort that well-fitting dentures bring, reach out to Shelby Dental Center in Calera, AL. We can help you find the right denture adhesive or other solutions you need to eat, speak, and live more comfortably. Call us at (205) 235-3371 or contact us online to get started today!
Find the Best Denture Adhesive in Calera at Shelby Dental
Adjusting to new dentures brings many challenges, including which adhesive to use. If you need help finding the right adhesive or other denture solution, contact the dental specialists at Shelby Dental Center in Calera, Alabama.
You can easily schedule your appointment by calling us at (205) 235-3371 or contacting us online. Our dedicated team is here to help you keep you smiling confidently with denture solutions that fit any need you may have.