Denture adhesive is a common product used to help keep teeth in place, so they do not shift or fall out when eating or speaking. Millions of people rely on its added security to feel more confident in their smile, and you may want to as well, but what you may not realize is that there are different kinds of adhesives. How do you prepare your dentures for application, and how do you remove it? Keep reading to learn the answers.
How Do You Prepare Your Dentures for Adhesive?
There are several kinds of denture adhesive to choose from, each with its own application process, so you’ll need to determine which kind is easiest and most effective for you.
- Powder Adhesive: After cleaning your dentures, wet them with warm water before sprinkling powder on the underside, then shake off any excess. Place them in your mouth and hold them for a few seconds so that the powder sets up.
- Strip Adhesive: Your dentures need to be clean and dry before opening the strip and laying it in the middle of the denture. After swishing warm water in your mouth, insert your dentures and firmly press down to hold your teeth in place.
- Cream Adhesive: Make sure your dentures are clean and dry before using a Q-tip to apply the cream to your denture. A small amount is enough. Spread a thin layer around the edges of your denture for a tight seal. Make sure that you don’t place any in the middle, or it will ooze out when you push your dentures into place. Place your teeth inside your mouth and press down.
How to Know When to Use Adhesive
If you are just starting your denture journey and are unsure when you might need to apply denture adhesive, there are a few ways to tell:
- When you are preparing to speak in front of others. The adhesive provides an added layer of security so that you don’t have to worry about your teeth slipping while you talk.
- If you need to take a cold medicine, you may find that your mouth dries out easily, so having a denture adhesive to hold your teeth in place can help you feel more confident.
- Adhesive is helpful immediately after receiving your dentures, especially if you had to have teeth removed. Until the bone heals and restructures, adhesive can help keep dentures in place, even amid the relining period.
- Before you eat a meal, applying a small amount of adhesive can ensure your teeth don’t shift while chewing.
How to Remove Adhesive From Your Dentures
Denture adhesive should not be applied and kept on all the time. It needs to be removed each day as part of the normal cleaning process. This is accomplished by first swishing water in your mouth and using a back-and-forth motion to remove your dentures.
You’ll then use warm water and a soft toothbrush to remove excess adhesive from your denture. It’s best to soak your teeth in a cleanser so they undergo a more thorough cleaning process throughout the night. You can also place them in a glass of water.
If you want to feel more confident in your smile while wearing dentures, using adhesive is likely to be a part of the process. Once you know how to correctly apply and remove it, you’ll be on your way to enjoying the benefits these prosthetics can provide.
About Grand Dental – Naperville
Grand Dental – Naperville is led by a team of dental experts whose mission is to help patients take back their oral health and enjoy life with a healthier smile. We do this by offering tooth replacement solutions like dentures to those who need help to rebuild their appearance and improve their oral function. Our team will not only ensure the fit and comfort of these prosthetics but also provide helpful tips to make sure any products used for stability are applied correctly. If you have questions about denture adhesive and how to use it, visit our website or call us at (630) 576-9970.