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What Type of Adhesives Are Used for Dentures?

A denture is a removable replacement of missing teeth. The denture can be partial, which means it replaces some teeth, or complete, which means it replaces all teeth in the mouth. A denture adhesive is a bio-compatible glue used to keep a denture in the right position during various functions such as eating, talking and laughing.

  1. Paste Adhesive

    • This type of adhesive is normally in paste form. Apply it onto a dry or wet denture, but don't apply it near the denture edges because excess will spill into your mouth. Do not apply too much of it as this will make it hard to clean the denture and remove it. If it does not easily come off, use a piece of gauze to peel the adhesive from the denture and the mouth.

    Powder Adhesive

    • This adhesive is in powder form. Sprinkle it on the tissue-bearing surface of the denture uniformly. This is the surface that sits against the soft tissue in the mouth. The denture should be slightly wet. Remove the excess powder and press the denture into place. Do not eat for 30 minutes after using this adhesive. Many denture wearers prefer powder adhesive over paste adhesive because it is easier to clean from the denture and the tissue. It also does not affect the way the jaw opens and closes. Because the bite is not affected, the risk of developing an inflammation is less likely.

    Tape Adhesive

    • Tape adhesive also has the name wafer adhesive, pad or strip adhesive. Measure it against the denture, cut off the excess piece, and then affix the adhesive the denture and the jaw. This type is expensive, but is the easiest to use. It is less messy than the other two types of adhesives as it does not run. The adhesive strips have a wax coating so the contents do not spill. The tape adhesive also provides a more secure fit for the denture compared to the other two types.

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