If you wear dentures, you should be able to feel confident that your prosthetic will stay in place all day when you are eating, speaking, and laughing. In order for that to happen, your dentures should fit well. However, you might also benefit from a denture adhesive. Granted, all of the different adhesive products out there can seem a little overwhelming. Which one should you use? This blog post aims to help you compare your options.
Should You Use Adhesive?
Before you apply adhesive, it is important to consider whether you really need it. Some individuals have a poorly fitting prosthetic, and they use adhesive in an attempt to “force” their dentures to fit. If you have ever been tempted to do that, consider skipping the adhesive and visiting your dentist instead. They may be able to adjust your dentures or provide you with a new set of teeth that has a better fit.
Also, if you have any known allergies, be sure to check the ingredients label of any adhesive you are thinking about buying. Zinc is a common component of adhesives, and while allergies to it are rare, they do occur in some people.
Your Denture Adhesive Options
Here is an overview of the three most popular categories of denture adhesive:
Adhesive Cream
Cream is a classic adhesive option. All you have to do is apply a small amount to the base of your denture and enjoy the all-day hold that it provides. One possible drawback of cream is that some people find that it is easy to apply too much, which can affect the way the dentures feel and look.
Adhesive Powders
To use an adhesive powder, you simply sprinkle a bit onto your denture before placing it in your mouth. It may be easier for you to use the right amount of powder as opposed to a cream. One potential downside is that you might accidentally make a small mess on the surface below your denture when you are sprinkling the powder.
Adhesive Strips
Adhesive strips are pre-cut and designed to be easy to apply to the base of a denture. However, they tend to cost a bit more overall than creams and powders.
Shopping for Denture Adhesive
Here are a few tips to keep in mind while you are shopping for denture adhesive:
- Look at online reviews of different products to see how other people feel about them.
- Ask your dental team if they have any specific product recommendations.
- Try out a few options — it might take a bit of trial and error before you find the product that works best for you.
Denture adhesive can help you to get the most out of your prosthetic teeth. Use the tips in this article to choose a product that will keep your smile in place all day long.
Meet the Practice
The experts at New Haven Dental Group in Branford are proud to offer a wide variety of top-quality services for our community, including dentures and denture maintenance. If you have questions about how to use your prosthetic, we would be happy to speak with you. Contact our office at 203-439-6895.