Timeless Smiles Blog

Though your dentures are custom-made to ensure they fit you securely, over time they can begin to lose their shape. This in turn can make it difficult for them to stay in place while you eat or speak, causing frustration and embarrassment. Thankfully, this is where denture adhesives can come in handy. Though slipping dentures can be a sign that it’s time for a reline or replacement, these products can be extremely useful in helping them stay put temporarily.

Here’s a guide to the different types of denture adhesives available, how to use each one, and why it may be time for new dentures.

Which Denture Adhesive Should I Use?

There are many different types of denture adhesives available, but thankfully they all work equally well. Each has its own unique benefits, and ultimately which kind you choose is a matter of personal preference.  Here’s a closer look at how to use them.

Denture Adhesive Cream

• Completely clean and dry your dentures as you normally would.
• Gently squeeze the tube of adhesive and apply the cream directly onto the inside of your prosthetic in short strips. Be careful not to get any on the edges. Apply it sparingly so it doesn’t ooze out from the sides when you put your denture on.
• Rinse your mouth well to moisturize it and clear away any debris.
• Press your denture into place on your arch, holding it there for several seconds. Then, bite down on it to secure it.

Denture Adhesive Powder

• Clean the denture thoroughly but leave it wet.
• Spray the adhesive powder lightly and evenly on each surface of the prosthetic that will touch the gums and roof of your mouth.
• Moisturize your mouth with water.
• Shake off any loose powder from the denture and put it in your mouth, biting down on it to secure it in place.

Denture Adhesive Strips

• Completely clean and dry your denture.
• With clean, dry hands, remove the adhesive strips from their packaging.
• Moisten the strips one at a time with water.
• Attach them to your dentures as pictured in the product directions. Be careful to keep the strips away from the edges, and don’t let them overlap. Please note that they can be torn or cut into shape as needed.
• Rinse your mouth out with water to moisturize it.
• Pressing the denture into place, hold it firmly and bite down to obtain a secure hold.

Removing Adhesive from Your Dentures

When you’re ready to stop wearing your dentures for the day, remove them by swishing some warm water in your mouth and gently pulling them out. Place them somewhere safe, and then using a soft-bristled toothbrush, gently scrub the remaining adhesive from your gums with toothpaste.

Next, using a different soft-bristled toothbrush, scrub your entire prosthetic with either mild hand soap or a denture cleanser. Don’t forget to floss between each tooth and rinse it well before placing it in a glass of water or denture soak until you’re ready to use it again.

It is important to note that unless your dentures are brand new, you shouldn’t need adhesive to keep them in place. If you find that yours are no longer fitting properly, please schedule an appointment with your dentist to discuss either a reline or a new denture.

About Dr. Hong

A strong believer in lifelong learning, Dr. Jenny Hong earned both her master’s degree in molecular and cellular biology and her dental doctorate at the University of Toronto. She also completed a one-year Advanced Education in General Dentistry (AEGD) residency at Temple University.   To this day, Dr. Hong remains committed to expanding her knowledge and has completed more than 100 hours of continuing education through a variety of academic institutes including the prestigious KOIS Center. If your dentures have stopped fitting correctly, don’t struggle with an improper hold. Schedule an appointment with Timeless Smiles for dentures today by visiting our website or calling us directly at 408-763-3008.

After your natural teeth got extracted, a normal biological process known as resorption began. Essentially, that means your jawbone started to change shape and become smaller. As you might imagine, this can affect the way your dentures fit over time! How can you fix loose dentures and get back to enjoying full functionality from your prosthetic? You may need to reline them. DIY reline kits are available, but in this blog post, you will learn why it is best to leave this service to a professional.

Dentures are the tried-and-true solution for tooth loss because they simultaneously rebuild your grin’s appearance and functionality. These versatile restorations are designed to contain the correct number of teeth, customized to resemble the original ones that were lost, so that you can eat, speak, and smile more confidently.

However, you must care for them correctly to continue enjoying their many benefits. Many patients wonder if it’s okay to brush their dentures while they’re inserted, but it’s not usually recommended. Continue reading to learn why!

Dental implants have allowed millions of people to replace teeth lost to injury or decay with functional and lifelike restorations. The artificial teeth hosted by dental implants are indistinguishable from real teeth in appearance and able to handle all the same foods, so some patients may wonder if these prosthetic devices are vulnerable to the same infections. Here’s a brief guide to how oral bacteria can affect your implants and how to keep them healthy for decades to come.

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However, that doesn’t mean that patients with braces never have any problems with their treatment. As effective as traditional orthodontics are, they are equally as notorious for causing certain issues. Continue reading to learn more about 3 common concerns and what you can do about them!

If you’ve been waiting for the right time to replace your missing teeth with dental implants, this is it! There’s no better opportunity than this summer to start your journey to a complete smile. You can use your paid time off for your placement surgery and recovery. Here’s why you shouldn’t wait to invest in dental implants.

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Many people aren’t happy with their teeth because of issues like cracks, chips, or gaps. If you’re looking to improve your smile, porcelain veneers can help. They’re great for fixing different dental problems and making your smile look better. To keep your veneers looking great, it’s important to pick the right toothpaste. Keep reading to learn about how to choose the best type of toothpaste for your veneers.

If you’re feeling self-conscious about flaws in your smile, you’re not alone. Scientific studies have demonstrated that those with dental problems are more likely to report feelings of depression as well as heightened concern about how they’re perceived by others. Fortunately, your dentist can boost your confidence by masking imperfections with veneers. These thin shells are bonded to the front surface of your teeth to address issues like chips, cracks, stains, and minor overcrowding and gaps.

Veneers can be made from different materials like porcelain or composite resin, so how do you know which is best for you? Keep reading to learn more about each type so you can make an informed decision!

Since dental insurance requires you to pay a monthly premium, you’ll naturally want to make sure that you’re getting your money’s worth out of your plan. However, it’s not always obvious what the best method for maximizing your benefits is. To help you come up with a strategy that lets you get the care your smile needs while also helping you save as much money as possible, your dentist is here with 3 helpful tips for using your dental insurance to the fullest.

Life can throw unexpected challenges our way, especially for avid travelers who are no strangers to navigating tricky situations abroad. Among these unforeseen events, dental emergencies can be particularly frustrating. However, it’s important to remember that you are not entirely powerless when faced with such circumstances while traveling. Continue reading to learn how to handle urgent dental situations overseas, ensuring that your oral health remains protected throughout your travels.