When dentures are placed in the mouth, there is a tiny gap between the denture in the gums. When dentures are new, and fit well, the space is virtually microscopic and as soon as the dentures are in place the gap fills with saliva and a seal is created that holds the denture firmly on the gums.
Over time however, bone in the jaw tends to erode, causing changes to gum tissue. This increases the gap between the denture and the gums which changes the way the denture fits. In addition to these natural and inevitable changes, a lack of care can also change the way dentures fit. Some things that can warp your dentures include allowing them to dry out, or placing them in water that is too hot. Regardless of the cause of the changes in fit, improper fit causes the dentures to become less secure, making them harder to hold in place. This is especially true of the lower denture, which tends to move with the tongue.
Denture adhesives are designed to both help fill in the space, and hold the denture securely. Denture adhesives stick to the gums improving the section that holds the denture in place. Adhesives come and pastes or powders, but most users prefer the paste as it is less messy.
While denture adhesives can improve retention hold the denture firmly, it can also lead to a false sense of security in the wearer. Denture adhesives are not much more than a temporary solution to ill fitting dentures that should be relined or replaced.
Though they may be helpful, denture adhesives do have some downsides. The first and biggest of these is that they are messy to use. Dentures and mouth should both be thoroughly cleaned every day, and the adhesive removed. This can be difficult and messy. In addition, adhesive can also get expensive, and and one wonders if a good alternative exists.
There is good news. New smaller implants can be placed that can provide excellent stability without messy adhesives. New implants are easily placed without incisions or stitches, using only local anesthesia. Existing dentures are easily refitted to snap into place on the implants.
Implants have also been shown to help protect the bone in the jaw. Increasing the stability of the dentures combined with protecting bone can help to prevent sores that are a common problem with dentures rubbing on the gums.
Related article: http://drvinograd.com/holistic-dentist/examinations-oral-cancer-denture-wearers/
