How soon can I use adhesive on immediate dentures?

Getting dentures is a big adjustment. While you may be eager to start using adhesive to help keep them in place, it’s important to wait until your gums and dentures have healed before applying any adhesives. Here’s a look at when it’s safe to start using adhesive and how to do it properly.

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When can I start using adhesive?

Most dentists recommend waiting at least 2-4 weeks after getting immediate dentures before using any adhesive. Here are some of the key reasons why:

Your gums need time to heal from the extraction process. Using adhesive too soon can irritate them and slow healing.
Immediate dentures will undergo some shrinking and settling during the first few weeks as your gums heal. If you use adhesive too soon, it may inhibit necessary adjustments to get a proper fit.
You need time to adapt to your new dentures. Adding adhesive too soon can create a false sense of security and prevent you from learning how to use your tongue and cheeks to keep them in place.

During the initial healing period, your dentist will likely recommend using denture paste or powder to help cushion and protect your gums as you get used to wearing dentures.

How to know when you’re ready

After 2-4 weeks, you can try using a small amount of adhesive if your dentures are still loose. Signs that you may be ready include:

Your gums feel healed and healthy without persistent sore spots.

You’ve gotten used to inserting and removing your dentures.
Your dentures have been adjusted by your dentist for optimal fit but still feel a bit loose.

Talk to your dentist before starting to use adhesive. They can assess your healing and ensure the dentures are fitting well enough for adhesive to work properly. Never try to use adhesive to compensate for poorly fitted dentures – get them adjusted instead.

How to use adhesive the first time

When you’re ready to try using adhesive, start slowly with just a small amount:

Clean and thoroughly dry your dentures first.
Apply a thin, even layer of adhesive cream or paste to the interior surface of the dentures.

Insert the dentures gently and press into place. Close your mouth slowly, not tightly.
Start with a small pea-sized amount of adhesive and increase gradually if needed. Too much can seep out and be uncomfortable.
Remove any excess adhesive after inserting using your finger or soft cloth.

Follow package directions on how long the adhesive will last until reapplication is needed.

It can take some trial and error to figure out how much adhesive you need. Start conservatively and add more as needed. Always thoroughly clean your dentures and gums before reapplying.

Choosing the best adhesive product

There are three main types of oral adhesive available for dentures:

Adhesive creams or pastes – Applied to dentures before insertion. Lasts about 8-12 hours.
Adhesive strips – Applied to gums before inserting dentures. Provides a bit stronger hold. Lasts around 12 hours.
Adhesive powders – Sprinkled on damp dentures and spread evenly. Typically used more for cushioning than hold. Must be reapplied frequently.

Adhesive creams or pastes tend to be the easiest option for daily wear. Key things to look for include:

Zinc-free formula. Zinc can be abrasive to gums.
Flavoring like mint to help mask adhesive taste.

Moisturizing ingredients like aloe vera to soothe gums.
Long lasting hold of at least 8 hours.
Washable formula for easy cleanup.

Talk to your dentist about adhesive recommendations based on your needs. Be wary of very strong instant adhesives not made specifically for dentures.

Proper use guidelines

To avoid problems, be sure to use denture adhesive properly:

Follow package directions for application and wear time.

Reapply daily as needed for hold – don’t let adhesive residue build up.
Remove and thoroughly clean dentures and gums at least twice per day.
Don’t use adhesive to try and extend time between denture adjustments. It’s not a long-term solution for improper fit.

See your dentist promptly if you experience redness, sores, or pain under dentures even with adhesive use.
Be aware that ill-fitting dentures that rely too much on adhesive can accelerate bone loss over time.

When to avoid using adhesive

There are some cases when denture adhesive should be avoided:

If you have an allergy or sensitivity to any ingredients in the adhesive product.
If your dentures still cause significant pain even when properly fitted.
If you have untreated dental issues like oral infections, cysts or tumors.

If you have loose teeth remaining along with your dentures.
If you notice any signs of irritation, inflammation or damage to your gums from the adhesive.

See your dentist immediately if you experience any pain, swelling, sore spots or other problems using denture adhesive. Don’t try to self-treat discomfort with more adhesive.

When to seek adjustments or alternatives

Ill-fitting dentures that chronically rely on large amounts of adhesive to stay put may require adjustment or alternatives:

If you regularly use more than 2-3 applications of adhesive per day, speak to your dentist about refitting your dentures.
If adhesive no longer seems effective at keeping your dentures stable, have your dentist evaluate the fit and bone health.

If you experience moderate to severe bone loss, dental implants may be an option for more secure tooth replacement than traditional dentures.

Adhesive FAQs

Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about using adhesive with dentures:

Is adhesive harmful to dentures or gums?

When used properly, quality adhesive products are safe for both dentures and gums. But improper, excessive long-term use can damage dentures and gums.

How often should dentures be reapplied?

A typical application lasts around 8-12 hours. Dentures and gums should be cleaned at least twice per day even with adhesive use.

Can I sleep with adhesive in?

It’s best to remove dentures and any adhesive before sleeping to give your gums a rest. Unless directed by your dentist, don’t sleep with adhesive still in place.

Do I still need adjustments if using adhesive?

Yes, proper fit adjustments are still crucial for long-term denture health even with adhesive. Adhesive is not a substitute for well-fitted dentures.

Can I use regular superglue?

No, superglue and other household adhesives should never be used. Only use denture adhesive products made specifically for adhering dentures.

Key takeaways

Wait 2-4 weeks after getting immediate dentures before using adhesive while your gums heal.
Start slowly with a thin layer of quality adhesive and increase as needed.

Thoroughly clean dentures and gums at least twice daily even with adhesive use.
See your dentist promptly for any discomfort like redness or sores.
Ill-fitting dentures that chronically rely on heavy adhesive use need adjustment.

Adhesive is not a substitute for properly fitted dentures.

Conclusion

Denture adhesive can help provide added stability and confidence for denture wearers. But it’s crucial to use it properly and not become over-reliant. Work closely with your dentist to ensure you heal well after getting immediate dentures before considering adhesive use. And be diligent about daily denture and gum hygiene routines even with adhesive in place. With some care and patience finding the right product and application, adhesive can be a useful supplemental tool for those with loose dentures. But the best long-term denture health comes from proper fit and cautious adhesive use under a dentist’s supervision.