Denture Adhesive Is Not Keeping My Dentures in Place. What Can I Do?

Why adhesive may no longer help enough

Denture adhesive can provide extra retention. If changing the product or using more does not keep a denture stable, its fit needs checking.

After teeth are lost, the shape of the jawbone and gum ridge gradually changes. A gap may develop under a previously well-fitting denture. Its border length and thickness, and the way the upper and lower teeth meet, can also affect movement.

Lower dentures can be harder to stabilise because of the tongue and surrounding muscle movements. A ridge that has lost substantial bone may offer less support.

First, check what can be improved with your current denture

An area pressing on the gums or a denture that lifts on one side when chewing may need adjustment. When a gap has developed underneath, a reline may improve contact with the gums.

A worn denture, unsuitable shape or major bite problem may require replacement. Sore or inflamed tissues also need care.

When little ridge remains to support a denture, even a new denture may not sufficiently reduce movement during meals. It is important to distinguish a denture problem from a limitation in the structures supporting it.

When should you compare full-arch implants?

If your denture keeps lifting or coming out during meals despite adjustment or replacement, or pressure on the gums makes you avoid food, you can discuss implant-supported options.

Full-arch implant treatment uses several implants to support one connected prosthesis restoring the teeth of an upper or lower jaw. You do not take it out yourself every day.

Support changes from a denture resting on the gums to a prosthesis supported by implants placed in the jawbone. This difference is relevant when looseness and movement make eating difficult.

A removable implant overdenture is another option. It is different from a full-arch prosthesis that stays secured to the implants. Ask about the structure and cleaning routine for the option being proposed.

Planning includes your bone, health and future cleaning

After long-term denture use, CT imaging can assess the amount and shape of remaining bone. Implant positions and the prosthesis are planned together, including whether grafting or other surgery is necessary.

Age alone does not determine suitability. Current health, medicines, recovery arrangements and your ability to clean beneath the prosthesis are considered.

Full-arch implants involve surgery and recovery. Problems can include inflammation around implants and fracture of the prosthesis. Before starting, discuss temporary teeth, food during treatment, fees, check-ups and maintenance.

Daily cleaning under the prosthesis and around implants remains essential, alongside regular professional review.

Have the fit checked before increasing the amount of adhesive

Follow the product instructions and remove remaining adhesive from the denture and mouth every day. If adhesive repeatedly overflows or you need increasing amounts, have the fit assessed rather than simply applying more.

Bring your denture and adhesive to the appointment. Explain which foods make it come loose and whether the upper or lower denture is affected.

At Hyungje Dental Clinic, we explain what can be improved with the existing denture and compare full-arch implants when limited ridge support causes continuing difficulty. Our full-arch treatment guide explains the treatment and process.