Adhesive Strips: Application & Health Benefits

Adhesive strips are designed to give the denture a better hold. Other proven denture adhesives also include denture adhesives, adhesive creams, adhesive gels or adhesive powders. These agents are usually found to be comfortable by denture wearers, as the artificial teeth fit more firmly and do not rub against the gums.

What are adhesive strips?

Adhesive strips are designed to give the denture a better hold. An adhesive strip is a special adhesive that holds the denture in place. This is because if the denture is not secured, or is inadequately secured, it can become loose. This happens mainly when eating, drinking or speaking. It usually happens with full dentures because, unlike partial dentures, they no longer have any anchoring in the mouth at all. In the upper jaw, the denture usually does not cause any difficulties. It sucks itself tightly to the jaw there. The situation is different in the lower jaw. Here there are leverage effects, because the tongue and the masticatory muscles have to do their work. In most cases, unfavorable jaw conditions are also involved. If the alveolar process has shrunk, an adhesive strip becomes indispensable. An adhesive strip can provide significant relief for older denture wearers in particular, because saliva production declines with age and patients are no longer supplied with viscous saliva. For new dentures, the use of adhesive strips can also be useful, as it eases the acclimation phase for the wearer.

Shapes, types and styles

There are many types of adhesive products, all of which provide a firm hold for the denture. Adhesive creams are most commonly used, and they are offered with and without zinc. Zinc has an anti-inflammatory effect, can accelerate wound healing and relieve pain in the gums. The denture adheres firmly to the palate due to the strips; even when natural saliva production is no longer sufficient. A film forms between the artificial denture and the gums/palate, which increases the attachment force. Even if the denture no longer fits exactly on the gums and cavities develop, these are compensated for by the adhesive strips. This applies to all denture adhesives, i.e. adhesive strips, adhesive creams, adhesive gel or adhesive pads. Many agents are offered in pharmacies or drugstores, usually as liquids or ointments. Adhesive pads are also a very popular variant, they are films that are made of plastic material and are stretchable. The body heat then makes the material soft and cuddly. The adhesive pads adhere to the jaw and may well last up to three weeks. For daily cleaning, only the denture is removed from the mouth, the adhesive pads remain stuck. Adhesive strips made of fine fleece fabric and sodium alginate offer a completely different adhesive. They can be used in the upper jaw and also in the lower jaw, have the shape of a dental prosthesis easy to handle. They are put on the moistened denture and hold the denture firmly.

Structure and function

The exact composition of denture adhesives is not fully known, as manufacturers withhold the information. A wide variety of adhesives are used, which may be sodium alginate, methyl cellulose or carboxymethyl cellulose. The adhesive may also be made with a mixture of calcium sodium salts, maleic anhydride and methyl vinyl ether. Also included may be zinc, aloe vera, menthol, petrolatum, azorubin, cellobiose, kerosene or silicon dioxide. Very often methyl cellulose is used. This substance acts quickly and has a long-term effect. However, the basic requirement for a well-fitting dental prosthesis is a good dentist, because no adhesive can compensate for defects in the prosthesis. Adhesive creams or adhesive strips ensure that the oral mucus thickens and gains more toughness. Before insertion, the denture must be carefully cleaned, and the adhesive strip will then hold the denture in place. Adhesive powder is suitable for the upper jaw, while adhesive creams or adhesive strips are more suitable for the lower jaw. Inserting the denture adhesive is very simple. It is placed in the mouth with the denture and pressed firmly in place. However, it is recommended to let some time pass until the next meal. Of course, the denture must be cleaned daily and the remains of the adhesive cream must be removed. The products should not be used in excess, as the adhesive effect will then diminish.

Medical and health benefits

Denture adhesives provide a better wearing feeling and increase the acceptance of a full denture. The movements of the denture are, which also reduces pressure points and sores on the gums. In addition, the gums are cushioned, which in turn is perceived as pleasant. The strong hold makes it possible to bite down firmly again. Food debris cannot easily get under the denture either, as the edge of the denture is almost sealed. The denture sits firmly, which also gives the wearer more self-confidence. He does not have to be afraid that the denture will fall out of his mouth. He can laugh, speak and eat without any problems. Various studies show that the bonding agents improve the wearing of dentures. Of course, the denture must be very well adapted to the individual mouth. Irritation and pressure points are thus permanently avoided and the dentures can be worn without interference. It is harmless to use adhesive strips and the like. It is only important that the teeth are really cared for and germs cannot attack the health. However, by regularly changing the adhesive and cleaning the dentures, the care is done.