You just ran out of denture adhesive, and your dentist said it might take two weeks before they can make you better-fitting dentures, but you can’t function without them! Surely, that is such a difficult situation, but fret not, as this article will help make your dentures stable.
As a Patient: How Do I Keep My Dentures in Place Without Adhesives?
Ill-fitting dentures are more common than many people realize. Dentures are foreign objects in the body, and naturally, our bodies—especially our mouths—tend to be sensitive to anything unfamiliar.
The mouth’s sensitivity to foreign objects makes it prone to reacting negatively to dentures that are poorly made or improperly fitted, often causing them to become loose or dislodged, especially when not crafted by a skilled dental professional.
Here is what you can do to keep your dentures in place without adhesives:
Keep Your Mouth Moist
A well-hydrated mouth is your main solution if your denture gets easily dislodged. Normal production of saliva helps create this thin film, which somewhat acts as a glue between the surface of your dentures and the tissues of your gingiva.
To better understand how denture retention works, think of a suction cup on a mirror. You need to moisten the suction cup first to create a tighter seal. Similarly, dentures rely on a moist surface to adhere properly to your gum tissues, creating suction and helping them stay in place.
The things that you can do to ensure normal salivary flow are to ensure that you drink the right amount of water daily and dip your dentures in water first before seating them in your mouth.
Stay Away From Sticky, Tough Food
If you don’t want it to happen, you avoid doing things that will lead to it. Hence, sticky and chewy food is a big no-no if you are wearing dentures that don’t fit well in your mouth. Aside from your dentures getting stuck to the food that you are eating, you are also causing friction on your gingival tissues, which would irritate them and will eventually further complicate your treatment.
At Home Soft Reline Denture Kits
No Prosthodontist or Dentist would recommend this, so we don’t suggest that you share this trick with others, as only two things can happen: this may work (temporarily) or it may make things worse.
In the online market, or in your Pharmacy, there exist At-Home Soft Reline Denture Kits that you can actually use to ‘reline’ or adjust the contours of your dentures for them to be more well-adapted to your mouth.
However, the perils to this trick is that you might be allergic to the components of the said product, you might not be able to follow the instructions properly, and you might actually aspirate or swallow the material as you do it.
Of course, it is best to consult your dentist right away when you notice that your dentures are loose. But in case of an emergency, you can try this out.
Warm Water Soak
Soaking dentures in warm (not hot) water before wearing them can help improve comfort and fit in several ways.
The warmth slightly softens the acrylic material, allowing the denture to better conform to the gums, which can enhance suction and grip, especially for upper dentures.
It also helps loosen and remove any leftover adhesive or debris, keeping the denture clean and ensuring a more even fit. For those with sore or sensitive gums, a warm water soak can make the denture feel less harsh when placed in the mouth.
Just be sure not to use hot or boiling water, as it can warp the denture.
What Can You Use Instead of Denture Adhesive?
If you’re looking for alternatives to traditional denture adhesive, consider these options:
- Denture Cushions or Pads: These soft liners (like Cushion Grip or Seabond) offer a better fit and comfort without sticky residue.
- Soft Liners or Reline Kits: These can be applied at home or in a dental clinic to reshape the inner surface of the denture for a better fit.
- Denture Adjustment or Reline by a Dentist: Sometimes, all you need is a minor adjustment (either on the clasps of the metal framework) or a reline to make your dentures stay in place naturally.
What Is Best for Holding Dentures in Place?
The best option depends on your situation:
- For new denture wearers: A properly made denture plus a small amount of adhesive during the adjustment period can help.
- For long-term solutions: Denture relines, implants, or stabilizing liners offer more reliable retention than adhesives alone.
- For lower dentures (which tend to be less stable): Dental implants or a custom reline are usually more effective than adhesive alone.
Proper Denture Care
Taking proper care of your dentures is essential to prevent issues such as irritation, infections, and a poor fit. A consistent cleaning routine and regular dental checkups help keep your dentures comfortable, functional, and long-lasting. Here are the steps to maintain your dentures properly:
- Clean daily using a soft-bristled denture brush and a non-abrasive cleanser made specifically for dentures. Avoid regular toothpaste as it can be too harsh.
- Rinse dentures after every meal to remove food debris and reduce plaque buildup.
- Handle with care to avoid cracks or damage. Clean them over a soft towel or a basin of water.
- Brush your gums, tongue, and any natural teeth daily to maintain good oral hygiene and stimulate blood circulation in the tissues.
- Avoid using hot water as it can warp your dentures and affect their fit.
- Stay away from sticky or hard foods that may damage or dislodge your dentures.
- Store dentures properly in a clean, safe container when not in use.
- Visit your dentist regularly to check for proper fit, perform adjustments, and monitor your oral health.
By following these steps, you can keep your dentures in good condition and ensure they continue to support your daily comfort and confidence.
In Conclusion: How Do I Keep the Dentures in Place Without Adhesives?
Keeping dentures in place without adhesives is possible with the right approach. The key lies in ensuring a proper fit, maintaining good oral hygiene, and practicing the correct techniques for wearing and using your dentures. However, you can skip all these measures by just making a quick visit to your dentist to know what will work best for you. They are the experts, and they can surely help you out!