False teeth are a necessity for people who are missing natural teeth. Unfortunately, many wearers have trouble getting their full dentures to stay firmly and comfortably in place. But modern technology has provided a solution to this: dental implants can be used to effectively stabilize dentures and secure them in the mouth to avoid embarrassing denture slips. Alternatively, you can use denture adhesives that’s either purchased or homemade as discussed below.
There are different ways to secure implant supported dentures, including:
- Mini implants
- Midi or hybrid implants
- Standard or maxi root-form implants
Each of the three types of implants is suited for a particular type of patient, depending on factors such as the amount of bone resorption, overall health condition of the individual, age, and lifestyle habits, like the use of tobacco, alcohol, and drugs products.
Mini Implants for Upper and Lower Dentures
Mini implants are the most common type of implant used with dentures, especially for the replacement of old dentures that make unwanted noise, slip out of place, or cause discomfort. Compared to larger implants, minis do not require a lot of bone, which makes them the best choice for people who lost their natural teeth years ago and never replaced them.
In addition, patients who have been disqualified from other types of implants due to health conditions can still have minis installed. Compared to standard root-form implants, minis are fairly painless, stable, and ready for immediate use after the installation procedure. This implies that patients can start using their dentures, like for eating, without waiting for hours after the surgery.
Denture Fitting Problems Pictures
The technology behind minis allows patients to capitalize on the ease and comfort of open-palate dentures, which do not cover the mouth’s roof. Implants are a comfortable, secure, and noiseless option that makes for a relaxed and worry free user, so you never have to be afraid of those embarrassing denture slips.
To determine if you are a suitable candidate for denture implants, you should visit a specialist. After the surgery, you should avoid hard foods like popcorn and nuts, and only eat foods that are at room temperature or slightly warmer.
How Does Denture Adhesive Work?
Dentures provide a great solution for people looking to fill gaps in their mouth. When you fit a partial or full denture, there is usually a small space, microscopic, between your gums and the base of the denture. If you have a perfect fit, saliva will fill this space, providing natural suction that lets the denture fit snugly against your gums.
But in some cases, denture wearers feel more comfortable when there is a stronger hold preventing the dentures from shifting when speaking or eating. Denture adhesives come in the form of pads, pastes, and powders, and help to provide the desired stronger hold. That said, these adhesives are not suitable for every denture wearer. Here are ways you can use denture adhesives to meet your unique needs:
How to Use Denture Adhesive
If you plan on using denture adhesive, you should start by making sure that your dentures are thoroughly cleaned and completely dry. Next, you should:
- Apply your preferred denture adhesive in short strips, making sure that it doesn’t come very close to the edges.
- Rinse your mouth as usual to remove any debris that may affect the fit or cause discomfort.
- Insert and press the dentures into place. Make sure to hold them firmly before biting down for a few seconds to secure hold.
Here are some reasons to use denture adhesive:
For Increased comfort
A well-fitting set of dentures is a great solution when your natural teeth are missing. However, they don’t quite feel like your original teeth. Using denture adhesive to hold them firmly in place makes them feel more like your real teeth, plus this prevents them from rubbing against surrounding oral tissue.
For Increased security
With time, the underlying tissue and bone structure can weaken, becoming unable to sufficiently support your dentures. Before your dentist can fix the fit, he can use some adhesive to secure them in place.
For Improved nutrition
When properly secured, you have more freedom to eat different types of foods, just like your real teeth, without fear that your dentures will get loose from chewing.
For effortless speech
Loose fitting dentures that shift as you talk can make it difficult to speak clearly and eloquently. Securing them with adhesive can fix this problem.
For better overall health
Poorly fitting dentures can cause mouth sores, infections, irritations, and a variety of other health problems. Adhesive improves the fit, preventing such problems.
Side Effects of Denture Adhesive
Denture adhesives can be advantageous when used correctly. However, you’re likely to encounter some challenges when using them, such as:
- Increased maintenance – dentures must be cleaned daily and old adhesive removed to avoid bacterial. However, this can become challenging when using adhesive, increasing the risk for bad breath and gum disease
- Messy and Nasty – denture adhesives can be grimy, especially when in the form of a runny paste or loose powder, and carry a foul taste.
- Costly – while denture adhesives are not expensive, daily use can affect your budget, especially since insurers don’t pay for adhesives.
- Zinc poisoning from denture adhesives
FAQs of Denture Adhesives
If you’re not sure that you need denture, your dentist can help you decide while weighing the various pros and cons of getting denture adhesives. Here are some commonly asked questions about denture adhesives to help you make the best decision for your case:
Denture Adhesive Poisoning Symptoms: Can Denture Adhesive Make You Sick?
Zinc contamination may occur, since many denture adhesives contain zinc, which increases the risk of tingling or numbness sensations in your limbs and nerve damage. Other health problems caused by zinc toxicity include spastic gait and difficulty with walking and maintaining balance due to weakness of limbs.
Homemade denture adhesive: how long will it hold?
Method 1: Using peanut butter
If you find yourself in a situation where you need to hold your denture in place immediately, then you can prepare some denture adhesive in your home kitchen using only some peanut butter. You only need to:
- Get your jar of peanut butter
- Scoop a spoonful of peanut butter and apply it to the dentures’ indents
- Put the denture back in your mouth
- Bite down on the denture to hold it in place
This homemade denture adhesive should hold for two to three hours. Since it’s a short-term fix, make sure to purchase a tube of denture adhesive from the store.
Method 2: Using bubble gum and confectioner sugar
- Unwrap several pieces of minty white chewing gum and place them in a heat-safe glass bowl
- Microwave for a minute – on high setting – to melt the gum
- Use a wooden spoon to stir the melted contents
- Put ¼ cup of confectioner sugar on a sheet of waxed baking paper and spread it
- Pour the melted gum over the sugar and mix thoroughly
- Roll the mixture and slice it into small pieces
- Wrap the pieces individually and put them in an airtight jar
These pieces should be safe to use for up to one month. Whenever you need some homemade denture adhesive, you only need to use one of the pieces. Squeeze the mixture into the indents of the denture and spread it before placing the denture in your mouth and biting down. This short-term denture adhesive will last about five hours.
Method 3: Using gum powder
- Mix 2 tablespoons of Karaya gum powder and 6 tablespoons of tragacanth gum powder in a bowl
- Put the powder mix in a 5-ounce jar
- Add 30 drops of peppermint oil using a dropper
- Close the jar and shake it vigorously to get a uniform blend
- Scoop only what you need and spread it evenly on your denture
- Then put the denture in your mouth and hold it in place for 30 seconds
Each application of this method should last for up to 12 hours while giving you fresh breath owing to the mint.
Wondering how to remove denture adhesive?
If your denture adhesive hasn’t come off and you can’t take your dentures out easily, you can apply the following tips to remove it:
- Swish some warm water in your mouth. To break the seal, drink some warm water and swirl it around in your mouth for a minute. Repeat the process two or three more times after removing the denture to completely eliminate the adhesive residue.
- You can use mouthwash to remove any remaining adhesive from your dentures and to clean your mouth and enhance your breath.
- Rinse your mouth with a solution of salt and water to loosen the denture adhesive and remove any residue from the gums.
- Gently brush your gums with a soft-bristled toothbrush and a little toothpaste to get rid of any leftover adhesive. Do this regularly to maintain clean and healthy gums.
