Introduction Denture adhesive
An ill-fitting prosthesis is a constant fear for the prosthesis wearer when speaking or eating that his or her prosthesis might loosen. This is especially the case with full dentures. Partial dentures are anchored by clasps, attachments or telescopes so firmly that this problem does not occur.
History
In the past, ill-fitting prostheses in the upper jaw were fixed by so-called suction cups. These were rubber plates that were attached to the prosthesis with a metal button. Due to the negative pressure the prosthesis then held on to the mucosa of the palate.
This constant negative pressure, however, caused the bone on the palate roof to break down and in the worst case the palate roof was destroyed. This method is therefore no longer used today, as better and above all more harmless methods are available. Under normal jaw conditions the adhesion of a full denture in the upper jaw is not problematic.
With lower jaw dentures, however, it is more difficult to get the denture to hold. Here the lever movements of the chewing and tongue muscles play a role. A prosthesis adheres to the mucous membrane through the salivary film between the mucous membrane and the prosthesis and the absolute closure of the valve edge in the turnover fold.
A good example for illustration is two glass plates, which are placed on top of each other, easy to separate, but with a layer of water in between, adhere firmly to each other. The adhesion of a denture/prosthesis adhesive works according to the same principle. It is important that the saliva film does not break off, therefore raised lines are placed on the palatal side of the denture to prevent the saliva film from breaking off.
Indication of a denture adhesive
The indications for the use of denture adhesives are unfavorable jaw conditions caused by severe shrinkage of the alveolar process. Especially in the edentulous mandible, the alveolar bone is often so severely reduced that the adhesion of dentures is almost impossible. For a prosthesis to fit firmly, sufficient viscous saliva is also necessary.
This is sometimes not available, especially in older people, due to insufficient saliva production. Prosthesis adhesives are also used for new prostheses to facilitate the acclimatization phase. The best therapy to achieve a better adhesion of the prosthesis is the relining with prosthesis material.
Either by direct relining with cold-curing resin or by indirect relining in the laboratory after the dentist has taken an impression. Such relining can be necessary several times, because the jaw can change. The use of implants can also eliminate the problem.
Finally, there are adhesive creams or powders on the market that are suitable for home use. If the hold of a prosthesis is not given, an adhesive cream can improve this condition considerably. The adhesive cream does not stick the prosthesis, but provides optimal adhesion when the amount and quality of saliva is not sufficient to ensure the natural hold.
The adhesive agents swell in the saliva and thus increase its viscosity. They form a film on the denture base and thus increase the adhesion. They also fill any remaining cavities.
The adhesives also ensure even pressure during eating. The tighter fit of the prosthesis increases the comfort and safety of the prosthesis wearer. Adhesives should of course be harmless to the oral mucosa and the prosthesis material.
Most adhesives contain methyl cellulose as the active ingredient and have an immediately effective component and one with a long-term effect. Besides creams, adhesive powders are also available. Powder is spread evenly on the total moist surface, while the cream is only applied partially and sparingly.
An excess of material can impair the adhesive effect. Some creams must be applied to the moist denture base, others to the dry denture base. Mainly into the depressions corresponding to the alveolar ridge.
Liquid dosages are the third type of adhesive, these are applied to the dry base. After applying the denture adhesive, press firmly and wait a while before speaking or eating. The adhesive should be removed from the denture daily. Any adhesive residues left on the mucous membrane or the prosthesis can also be easily removed with cooking oil.
