General information
The fabrication of a complete denture is a lengthy process and requires experience and skill from both the dentist and the dental technician. In general, the aim is that the new prosthesis will hold by the thin saliva film between the mucous membrane and the base of the prosthesis, and by muscle power. However, this is often not entirely possible.
Here, denture adhesive creams offer additional hold and security, especially when speaking, laughing and eating. Especially in the first phase of settling in, adhesive creams can help, as this is often accompanied by a certain insecurity, especially during conversations. But also the wearing comfort of actually correctly fitting dentures can be increased by denture adhesive creams, irritations and pressure points are reduced.
The prosthesis no longer fits properly
Sometimes even a previously perfectly fitting prosthesis no longer holds properly, this can have various causes. These include: Another problem can be the lack of acceptance of the foreign body in the mouth, which can lead to a permanent feeling of “not adhering”. In these cases, many patients resort to prosthesis adhesives – creams, powders, pastes, strips or liquids may be used.
This increases the so-called adhesive forces. Patients like to use special denture adhesive creams.
- Alveolar ridge atrophy (age-related reduction of the jaw bone)
- Prosthesis fracture
- Incorrectly designed denture margins
- Insufficient adaptation of the prosthesis to the chewing or mimic muscles
- Reduced memory flow
How does a denture adhesive cream work?
Normally, a prosthesis adheres to the mucosa through the natural saliva film between the mucosa and the prosthesis. This is comparable to the image of two glass plates adhering to each other through a layer of water. Especially in the lower jaw, however, it may be more difficult to make the prosthesis adhere, as chewing and tongue muscles are involved.
Adhesive agents usually contain methyl cellulose as the active ingredient and have an immediately effective and a long-lasting component. In the case of the denture adhesive cream, the moisture in the mouth transforms the cream into an elastic membrane, which gives the denture a firmer hold. The adhesive cream also reduces the amount of residual spit under the denture.
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