As a denture wearer, have you ever seen those commercials promising an “all-day hold” and wondered if it was actually true? Denture adhesives are a legitimately great product that can help keep your dentures snug against your gums.

But do you really need denture adhesive? The answer isn’t a simple yes or no; it entirely depends on how well your dentures fit and your personal comfort levels. Some people can’t live without it, while for others, the product isn’t necessary.

Here’s how to know if you’d benefit from dental adhesives.

What Is Denture Adhesive?

Denture adhesive (also called denture adherent) is a product applied in a thin layer to the underside of your dentures to create a stronger-than-usual seal to reduce slippage.

Adhesives come in creams, powders, and wafers, and they can improve denture retention and chewing force for well-fitting dentures.

Why Use Denture Adhesives?

Many denture wearers use products like Fixodent Denture Adhesive Cream to boost confidence while eating, talking, or laughing. If you have a big presentation or dinner coming up, a dab of adhesive can provide extra peace of mind that your full dentures will stay put.

When Denture Adhesive Makes Sense and When It Doesn’t

A properly fitted full denture should stay in place through suction, muscle control, and saliva. But as life goes on and time passes, it’s inevitable (and extremely common) that your mouth will change shape. This is because bone and gum tissue naturally shrink after tooth loss, and that can lead to tiny gaps between your denture and gums.

In those moments, before you’re ready for a reline or replacement, denture adhesive can be a great solution.

But what can denture adhesive not do?

Adhesives are not a cure for ill-fitting dentures.

If you find yourself using large amounts of denture adhesive every day just to keep your dentures from slipping, that’s a problem that needs to be fixed beyond an adhesive product. Overreliance may signal that your dentures no longer fit properly. In that case, it’s worth going to your dentist or consider getting an at-home denture reline kit.

How to Apply Denture Adhesives Correctly

It’s surprisingly common for people to think that more adhesive means a stronger hold, but that’s not how it works. Applying too much denture adhesive can actually cause the dentures to move around too much or ooze out, neither of which feels very comfortable when you’re going about your day.

Excess product can also trap food or bacteria underneath, which leads to irritation and odor. Worse, if you’re using large amounts just to keep your dentures from slipping, it’s often a sign they no longer fit properly.

A thin, even layer is all you need. Here’s how to apply it.

1. Moisture prevents adhesives from sticking to your gums, so to start, you’ll want to make sure that your dentures are clean (very important) and dry.
2. Apply a few small dots or a very thin strip onto your dentures.
3. Press your dentures firmly into place on your gums for several seconds.
4. Do not eat or drink for a few minutes afterward to allow the bond to set.

Also, if you notice residue buildup (plaque, tartar, food debris, too much adhesive that sticks to the dentures, etc.), make sure to increase your denture cleanser usage. Whatever you do, do not scrape or use hot water since these can warp and damage the acrylic.

And if your dentures still feel loose even with adhesive, it’s time to check out a reline or replacement entirely.

So, Do You Need Denture Adhesive?

Denture adhesive can be an incredibly useful aid, but it’s not necessary for everyone.

When you should use denture adhesives:

• During the adjustment period, when you first get dentures, your gums and muscles need time to adapt.
• When you’re attending a social event or dining out and want to prevent slips at inconvenient times (like a “just in case” type of situation).
• Those with dry mouths sometimes use adhesive because a lack of saliva makes dentures looser, and adhesives can make up for it.
• When dentures loosen over time.

Signs that your dentures are a poor fit and should be replaced:

• You have to apply adhesive multiple times a day.
• You need large amounts of cream or powder.
• Even with adhesive, your gums are sore, or you get pressure spots.

So, yeah, if your dentures feel loose or uncomfortable even after using adhesive, it may be time for a better fit, not just more paste. Dental Lab Direct makes it simple and affordable to refresh your smile from home. With our easy, at-home denture and reline kits, you can get custom-fit dentures crafted by licensed dental technicians without the high cost or multiple office visits.

Skip the frustration of constant adjustments and experience the difference that a secure, natural fit can make. Visit Dental Lab Direct today and take the first step toward dentures that feel as good as they look! (But if you still need denture adhesives, we have that too).