Denture adhesives — the creams, powders and strips used to help keep dentures in place — are used by millions of people. But there’s quite a lot of confusion about when they’re appropriate, how to use them correctly, and when they might be masking a problem that needs proper attention.
Do You Actually Need Adhesive?
Well-fitted new dentures generally don’t require adhesive. If your dentures were recently made and you feel you need adhesive to keep them in, it’s worth discussing fit at your next appointment.
Adhesive is most commonly helpful for:
- Older dentures that have lost some fit due to bone resorption
- Upper dentures where the suction seal is imperfect
- Lower dentures (which are inherently less stable than upper ones)
- Specific occasions where extra confidence is needed
Types of Denture Adhesive
Cream Adhesives
The most popular type. Applied in small dots or strips to the fitting surface of the clean, damp denture. Effective and easy to control. Can be messier to remove than other types.
Powder Adhesives
Sprinkled onto the damp fitting surface. Less messy than cream and easier to remove. Some people find them less effective than cream formulations.
Adhesive Strips or Pads
Pre-shaped strips that are placed on the fitting surface. Clean and easy to use, but may not conform as well to irregular denture shapes.
Important: Adhesive Is Not a Long-Term Fix
If you’re finding you need more and more adhesive just to keep your dentures in, that’s a sign the fit has deteriorated significantly. Excessive adhesive use can mask bone loss and delay getting proper treatment. Please contact us — a reline or new denture will serve you far better than escalating amounts of cream.
Call Cotswold Denture Clinic on 01793 540128 or contact us online for a free fit assessment.
Used as directed, most denture adhesives are safe. However, some older zinc-containing formulations have been linked to health concerns with excessive use. Modern zinc-free versions are widely available and are the safer choice for daily use.
A little goes a long way — typically a few small pea-sized dots on the fitting surface is sufficient. If you’re using large amounts and still finding the denture loose, the fit needs professional attention.
Most over-the-counter denture adhesives are suitable for standard acrylic dentures. Check with your dentist or CDT if you have dentures made from specialist materials such as flexible or valplast-type dentures.
