At first, your dentures gave you everything you wanted and more. They allowed you to eat many foods you couldn’t for years, speak with clarity, and best of all, smile with confidence again. But now your new teeth are starting to feel less stable. Do they need to be repaired? Is it time for a replacement? Or what about denture adhesive? The last option enables you to fix the problem without having to schedule a trip to the dentist, but will it really help? Here’s how to tell…
You Might Want to Consider Denture Adhesive If…
- You speak a lot during the day, whether because it’s part of your job, or you’re just especially social and like to chat.
- You experience dry mouth, perhaps as a side effect of medication. Dentures require a little natural moisture to form a seal and remain stable.
- You simply want your dentures to feel firmer and better seated in your mouth.
But, You Should Call Your Dentist If…
- Your dentures are noticeably damaged or broken.
- It has been over a year since your dentures were professionally examined and cleaned.
- Your dentures are causing pain and making sore spots on your gums.
Which Type of Denture Adhesive Should You Use?
There are several brands and types of denture adhesives to choose from, including strips, powders, and creams. Generally, they are all proven effective (just make sure they have the ADA seal of approval), but of course, each has their unique advantages and drawbacks.
Strips are easy to apply but can be tricky to remove, especially if someone has issues with dexterity due to conditions like arthritis.
Powders are easy to clean off but can cause quite a mess when applying them.
Creams can feel great for patients who have sore gums due to ill-fitting dentures, but sometimes the adhesive can have a noticeable taste.
The Big Takeaway
If your teeth slip and slide a little more than you’d like, then a denture adhesive can probably provide the solution you need. But if your prosthetic is broken or painful, then professional intervention will save you a lot of time and frustration. You should never try to repair dentures on your own, and something as simple as a reline can be completed in a single appointment to improve both the fit and comfort.
(If you don’t like the idea of denture adhesives, there is always the option to combine your denture with dental implants if you want to make sure your teeth will be rock-solid for years to come.)
As far as finding an adhesive you like, it’s worth trying various kinds to see which one suits you best. Luckily you can’t really go wrong; it all comes down to personal preference. All in all, you don’t have to live with unreliable teeth, and that’s certainly worth smiling about.
About the Author
Dr. Ariel Steinberger (“Dr. Ariel”) is a highly accomplished restorative and cosmetic dentist in Massapequa Park. A standout graduate from the Touro College of Dental Medicine and handpicked protégé of our practice’s founder, Dr. Allan Mohr (one of the most respected dentists in the country), he combines his innate compassion with exceptional clinical skill and an eye for detail.
If you’re ready to live life with a full smile again, or you want to upgrade your current denture so it fits and looks exactly how you want, Dr. Ariel can make it happen—just click here to book an appointment online or call our office at (516) 788-6986.