An adhesive cream provides improved retention of dentures. It is used for partial and full dentures.
What is an adhesive pad?
Adhesive cream helps the denture to fit firmly and gently in the jaw. The adhesive cream belongs to the denture adhesives. These are suitable for people who have a pronounced degeneration of the jawbone. Thus, denture adhesive cream ensures a better wearing feeling of removable dentures. The bonding agent increases chewing ability and biting strength, provided that the denture fits well. Adhesive cream can also be useful when using temporary dentures. According to studies, around 75 percent of denture wearers benefit from the use of a denture adhesive cream. In earlier times, dentures that had a poor hold were attached in the oral cavity using a special suction device. The dentist attached the rubber plates used for this purpose to the palatal mucosa with a metal button. In this way, a negative pressure was created that held the denture to the mucosa. However, since this method results in the breakdown of bone at the roof of the mouth, it is no longer used today. Instead, modern bonding agents such as adhesive creams are used. In Germany, approximately every second German citizen over the age of 60 wears a partial or full denture. Especially for older people, the use of an adhesive cream is considered useful, as they no longer produce enough viscous saliva.
Forms, types and styles
Adhesive creams are different varieties of denture adhesives. One type that is commonly used is the tasteless cream. In addition, denture adhesive creams with flavorings such as mint flavor are commercially available. Variants with chamomile and aloe vera are considered beneficial for sensitive oral mucosa. There are also special films called adhesive pads. They are made of elastic plastic, become soft due to the heat of the body and cling to it. To use, the denture wearer presses the adhesive pad onto his denture, which must be clean and dry. The cushions can be cut to fit. During cleaning, the adhesive pad can remain on the denture. Adhesive strips are another variant of the adhesive cream. These strips are adhesive pads made of palate-friendly fleece fabric that can be cut to the right size if necessary. The denture wearer attaches them to his moistened denture. They must be replaced daily, otherwise there is a risk of germ infestation, which in turn can cause painful inflammation. Liquid denture adhesives are also available. These primarily include adhesive gels, pads, ointments and powders.
Structure and mode of operation
An adhesive cream is composed of various ingredients. They are mainly kerosene oil (paraffinum liquidum), cellulose gum, petroleum jelly (petrolatum) and calcium/zinc PVM/MA copolymer, which is the main adhesive ingredient. Most of the main ingredients of denture adhesive creams belong to the swelling agents. With the help of saliva, these form an elastic, narrow cushion between the mucous membrane and the denture. As a rule, the ingredients of the adhesive cream are compatible with health. Sometimes there is a temporary burning sensation shortly after applying the bonding agent, but this disappears again after a few minutes. The adhesive cream fulfills important functions for the wearer of a dental prosthesis. It prevents the denture from falling out while speaking or eating. In addition, its application allows the consumption of foods that have a harder consistency. At the same time, the cream prevents the formation of unpleasant pressure points on the jaw. Even small pieces of food cannot penetrate between the jaw and the denture. If crumbs do remain on the denture, however, easy cleaning is possible afterwards.
Medical and health benefits
Many people who wear dentures for the first time initially find them unfamiliar, even when they fit correctly. This is also true during normal activities such as eating or speaking. Sometimes there are even unpleasant pressure points on the gums. However, a better feeling can be achieved with an adhesive cream. For example, denture bonding cream reduces denture movement, which helps to counteract pressure points. At the same time, the hold of the denture is stronger, which makes it possible to bite down more forcefully.By cushioning the gums, the user gets a more comfortable wearing experience. With the help of the adhesive cream, the edge of the denture is also sealed, which means that food residue is less likely to get stuck under the denture. Basically, denture adhesive cream gives the wearer more self-confidence, as he does not have to constantly fear losing his denture. As a result, he can talk, eat or laugh without fear. It is absolutely necessary to use an adhesive cream if the denture wearer suffers from unfavorable jaw conditions. These are caused by extensive shrinkage of the alveolar process. Especially in an edentulous lower jaw, the alveolar bone degrades to such an extent that a denture can hardly adhere without an aid. In addition, the denture requires viscous saliva. However, this is often no longer produced in sufficient quantity by older people, which can be compensated for by using a denture bonding cream. However, the use of an adhesive can also be useful to facilitate the acclimatization phase. From a medical point of view, the use of adhesive creams is considered to be harmless. However, regular replacement of the cream is recommended to prevent the formation of harmful germs.
