After wearing dentures for 28 years, denture adhesive barely keeps them in. My dentist has relined my denture three times and keeps telling me to switch up the adhesives brands that I use. Relining my dentures and trying different adhesive brands are not helping much. Which brand of adhesive is best? Thank you. Elise from TN
Elise,
After many years of wearing dentures, what you are experiencing is common. We will answer your question about denture adhesives, although changing the brand probably will not help in your case. More importantly, we will explain why dentures loosen over the years and what you can do about it.
Which Brand of Denture Adhesive Is Best?
Some of the best brands of denture adhesive are approved by the American Dental Association (ADA). A denture adhesive brand earns the ADA seal by providing scientific evidence that it is safe and effective. The evidence must support these facts about the adhesive:
- Increases biting force
- Increases denture retention
- Will not damage your denture
You can visit the ADA’s website to find denture adhesive brands that earned the ADA seal of acceptance. One of the brands might be right for you, but you may prefer another brand. But when all your teeth are missing, and you’ve been wearing dentures for years, even the best adhesives will not help.
Why Do Dentures Loosen Over Time?
Without dental implants, even well-made dentures will loosen over the years
Dentures loosen over time because when all your teeth are missing, your jawbone shrinks. Without tooth roots to stimulate the bone, your body will resorb the bone and use the minerals from it elsewhere.
Jawbone shrinkage creates several problems
When missing teeth cause your jawbone to shrink, several problems result:
- Your denture will not stay in – When a denture rests on your gums, as the bone shrinks, the denture can easily lift, shift, or fall out. Eventually, you will not be able to wear a denture.
- Denture irritates the bony ridge – A loose denture will rub on your gums and remaining bone, irritate them, and make them sore.
- Facial collapse – Shrunken jawbone causes your facial muscles to sag.
How to Prevent Dentures from Falling Out
You can prevent dentures from falling out by building up the jawbone with grafting and stabilizing the dentures with dental implants. Although some implant techniques—like All-on-4 dental implants—eliminate the need for bone grafting, not everyone is a candidate for them.
Look for a dentist with post-graduate dental implant training and years of experience with implants. Schedule a consultation with one or two implant dentists. The dentist will explain your options for implant-supported dentures. If your budget is limited, a dentist can secure your dentures with as few as two implants. Your dentures will be stable and relieve much of the anxiety associated with loose dentures.
Best wishes.
David Finley, DDS, a Monroe, LA fellow of the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, sponsors this post.
