Nha Khoa Tổng Quát·11 min read·Bs. Trần Thị Xuân Hương

Do denture adhesives need to be used? When should they be used and what precautions should be taken?

Most removable dentures adhere naturally and don't require adhesive; only when there is significant bone loss causing the dentures to lose their grip will supplemental adhesive be needed. Dental Fam doesn't recommend a specific type of adhesive; you can research and purchase your own.

It's important to note that adhesive only provides support, not addresses the underlying cause. If the dentures are loose due to changes in bone and gums over time, the correct solution is to re-bond the dentures or make new ones. This article explains when adhesive is needed, how to clean them, and the solutions and costs involved. First, determine if your dentures truly need adhesive.

Do denture adhesives need to be used? When should they be used and what precautions should be taken?

Do dentures need adhesive?

Usually not, because removable dentures are custom-made for each individual, so once they fit, they will naturally adhere.

If you've just had dentures made and find them loose or uncomfortable, don't rush to buy adhesive. Removable dentures usually require several adjustments to fit the soft tissues in your mouth, and at Dental Fam, these adjustments are free. You should return to the dentist for adjustments instead of using adhesive to cover up the misalignment. Also, upper dentures adhere better than lower dentures, so those who wear upper dentures need less adhesive.

So when is adhesive really necessary?

When is supplemental adhesive needed?

You only need supplemental adhesive when there is significant bone loss causing the dentures to lose their grip, which is common in the lower dentures.

Imagine someone who has worn lower dentures for many years. Bone and gums gradually resorb over time, so the dentures no longer fit as snugly as when they were new, and they begin to shift when eating and chewing. At this point, the adhesive can help the dentures adhere more securely.

However, the adhesive does not promote bone regrowth or restore the dentures to a perfect fit. Therefore, you shouldn't consider adhesive as a long-term solution. If you need to use it, which type of adhesive should you choose?

Does Dental Fam recommend any specific type of adhesive?

No, Dental Fam does not recommend any specific type of adhesive; you can research and purchase it yourself.

If you want advice based on your oral condition, you should discuss it with your dentist during your appointment. After using adhesive, you need to pay more attention to cleaning your dentures.

How ​​should you clean your dentures after using adhesive?

You must still remove your dentures for cleaning after each meal and before going to bed; this is mandatory whether you use adhesive or not.

When cleaning, do not use toothpaste on plastic dentures, as the nature of plastic dentures is completely different from real teeth and gums. You can use some biological cleaning agents, or a vibrating device with cleaning tablets specifically for removable dentures, similar to how you clean clear aligners.

If you find yourself having to use glue frequently, that's a sign that the underlying cause needs to be addressed.

What to do about loose dentures besides using glue?

The original solution is to re-cushion the dentures instead of making new ones, because dentures readjust the dentures after prolonged use when bone and gum tissue have resorbed.** The table below shows the options at Dental Fam:

Solution Price Used When
Dental Cushions1,000,000 VND/arch Loose dentures, no longer fitting snugly due to bone and gum changes
Soft Denture Cushions2,000,000 VND/arch Loose dentures, needing a softer cushion for sensitive gums
Removable dentures on implants 60,000,000 VND/denture Excessive bone loss, especially in the lower jaw

Dental fillings and soft fillings are not different in terms of indications; the only difference is your choice based on budget. Self-hardening fillings use resin. If placed directly in the mouth, they generate heat, and if impressions are taken and fillings are placed over a model, they are less accurate. This resin also has a resinous smell, which is not good for health.

Soft fillings use a special Japanese material, are placed directly in the mouth, and do not generate heat. The filling is soft at first and then gradually hardens to fit the shape of the mouth after about a week. We always prioritize soft fillings because of their accuracy and biocompatibility.

There's no fixed timeframe for denture replacement: loose dentures due to bone loss are replaced, while severely damaged dentures require a new one. If there's significant bone loss, dentures often won't adhere properly. You can consider removable dentures on implants, using two implant posts as support.

If you still have questions, the section below may help.

Frequently Asked Questions about Denture Adhesives

I haven't had dentures made yet but am researching denture adhesives. Are there other options?

Yes, you should consider fixed dentures first, because removable dentures, especially the lower ones, can gradually loosen as bone and gum loss occurs over time.

When teeth are lost, dentists always prioritize fixed options like dental bridges or implants. Dentium implants cost up to 18,000,000 VND per post, with a 10- to 15-year warranty. You can view the price list on the full-service implant page.

If you still choose removable dentures but are worried about the lower denture losing its attachment later, implant-supported removable dentures using two abutments are suitable for cases with significant bone loss, especially in the lower jaw. The best option depends on your budget, bone structure, and oral condition, so a doctor's examination is necessary. You can see a full comparison in the article ""Should you choose removable or fixed dentures?"".

Can adhesive replace denture fillings?

No, adhesive only provides support; denture fillings address the cause of loose dentures.

As bone and gums resorb over time, dentures need to be re-filled to fit properly again. If only adhesive is used, the denture will still not fit your current jaw structure.

How ​​often should denture fillings be replaced?

There is no fixed timeframe; you should re-fill them when the dentures become loose.

Dental fillings are used to readjust dentures after prolonged use when bone and gum resorption have occurred. You can monitor your dentures at home, without needing regular check-ups, and only visit the clinic if you have any problems requiring a doctor's intervention.

Regular dentures adhere naturally and don't require glue. Glue is only used when there is significant bone loss, especially in the lower jaw, and Dental Fam doesn't recommend a specific type. If dentures are frequently loose, a 1,000,000 VND denture insert or a 2,000,000 VND soft denture insert is necessary to address the underlying cause. If you notice looseness shortly after getting dentures, you should return for a free adjustment before using glue.

All doctors at Dental Fam can perform removable denture procedures. This article is based on the current price list and consultations with the clinic's doctors. You can view an overview of the services on the removable denture page.

If your dentures are loose, the surest way is to have a doctor examine them before deciding whether to insert inserts or get new dentures. You can schedule an appointment and consultation at Dental Fam. The 100,000 VND consultation fee is waived if you book immediately.

Dental Fam - Family Clinic

  1. Address: NOTT 28, 29, 30, Phuoc Long A Urban Area, Nha Trang, Khanh Hoa
  2. Hotline: +84 582 582 345 / +84 983 001 768
  3. Email: info@dentalfam.vn
Z