Denture Adhesive Q&A

Having operated a denture practice for over 50 years, we’ve found that people have many questions about denture adhesives. These are our responses to commonly asked questions about denture adhesives.  Don’t see the answer to your question here?  Email us at questions@stabildent.com.

There is not a denture adhesive designed specifically for lower dentures even though people have the most problems with lower dentures.  This is due to anatomy and sometimes poor craftsmanship of the lower denture.  The individuals saliva make up actually determines if the adhesive will work or not.  Our lower denture stabilizers are a new option for helping stabilize a lower denture.

Zinc allergies can be very serious.  Most adhesives have non zinc options nowadays.  Please see our page on Zinc in denture adhesives for more information.  The real issue is why are people using so much adhesive: the cost of relines and new dentures is a real issue.  Sadly, a significant number of denture providers do not provide quality relines.

This is the million dollar question!  The short answer is it boils down to the makeup of your saliva.  A more in depth answer is here.  

There is not a denture adhesive sold that is marketed as having the longest lasting hold.  Again, your saliva and oral condition will determine which adhesive holds longest for you.  Remember, the need for denture adhesives is a sign it is time for a reline or there is an issue with the construction of the denture.  A well made denture should not need adhesives.

Cushion grip was purchased by Bayer and then discontinued.  I do not know what the reasoning was.  It has recently been reintroduced but I do not know if it is the same formula.  We feel Stabil-Dent can help any adhesive provide the stability that Cushion Grip® provided.

Long term usage of denture adhesives will not harm you so long as you are not using a ‘zinc’ product adhesive.  We don’t believe there are any zinc product denture adhesives available anymore.

As we’ve stated, a trial and error approach should be utilized to find which adhesive works best for you.  Remembering that you should receive tissue conditioners from your denture provider while the tissues are healing and adhesives should not be necessary if tissues conditioners are done correctly.

No.

By using hot water and a mild detergent with a toothbrush to get down into the tissue bearing areas of the dentures.  While you are cleaning the dentures with your toothbrush, you should actually be brushing the tissues in your mouth with a clean toothbrush so as to stimulate the nerve endings that once were attached to your natural teeth.  This brushing of the tissues should be done at least twice a day.  This will help keep your tissue healthy and slow done the shrinkage process.

We use sterile 2X2’s (cotton swabs will work) because the cotton material will actually grab the adhesives.  Other than that, a toothbrush will help loosen the edges and then it’s simply a matter of grabbing the edges and pulling it out piece by piece.

It depends on the amount  of teeth extracted and which teeth are extracted.  The dentures should receive tissue conditioners from your denture provider approximately 2-3 days after extraction.  You can start using store bought denture adhesives roughly 4 months after extractions.  The tissues and bone need time to heal and recover after the extractions.

 I know of no magic adhesive that the Japanese, Russians, Chinese or anyone else are hiding from us.

Unfortunately, we don’t know of any that hot drinks won’t loosen.  Lower denture stabilizers are an option here as they are not an adhesive.  They are made from the same material as your denture so they are not affected by hot liquids.

It could be that you haven’t found the one that works best for you or it could be that your saliva will not allow a denture adhesive to bond with the tissues.  As soon as practical and possible, you should get your dentures relined so they fit your oral tissues properly. 

Scroll to Top