Consultation with a doctor The main problem of people who have started using prostheses is their unreliable fixation. Even with the selection of the highest quality dentures, there is a possibility that the structure will move when talking or eating. This happens because removable dentures do not adhere well to the gums.
Solving this problem is not difficult. Today there are many products on the shelves for fixing dentures. They differ in the method of application, price and convenience. The most common among the products: powders, gels, creams, pads for fixing dentures.
Why do you need spacers for dentures: application features and review of popular brands
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- Why are fixing gaskets needed?
- Main characteristics of products
- Pros and cons of use
- In what cases can and should gaskets be used?
- Contraindications for use
- What brands of products are available for sale?
- How to use fixing pads
Question for a specialist
Removable dentures do not always bring positive emotions - they can cause discomfort, especially during adaptation. Special gaskets for dentures, which fix the structure in the oral cavity and prevent the appearance of unpleasant sensations, help correct the situation.
Advantages of denture pads
The use of spacers reduces discomfort when wearing a denture.
If we compare dental spacers with other means for improving the fastening of removable dentures and reducing discomfort, they have the following advantages:
- Improves the fit of the orthopedic structure to the jaw
- Eases the discomfort that the patient experiences during the first stages of wearing artificial teeth.
- Prevents the development of inflammation in the mouth
- Does not violate the height of the bite
- Compatible with the use of medicinal ointments and gels
- Have no side effects
- Fixes well even on deformed gums
Why are fixing gaskets needed?
Fixing spacers are used only for removable dentures. And they help eliminate the following problems:
- rubbing of the mucous membrane,
- foreign body sensation
- the appearance of irritation on the inner surface of the oral cavity,
- difficulty chewing,
- difficulty speaking,
- weak fixation of the product, loss.
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Due to the minimum possible thickness, the spacers do not affect the height of the bite. In addition, they do not change the taste of food and do not interfere with conversation. The use of products helps prevent all unpleasant sensations at the same time, so experts recommend using them immediately after prosthetics (if the situation was complicated and it is not possible to adjust the prosthesis so that it fits tightly to the gums).
Features of prosthesis care
The presence of a prosthesis-fixing material does not relieve the patient from the procedure of daily cleaning of the dental structure. The effect of adhesive materials is calculated from several hours to one day.
In the morning and evening, the denture should be thoroughly rinsed and cleaned with a special soft brush. Experts recommend not using toothpastes with abrasives when brushing. Even if your denture is made of high-quality ceramic, harsh cleaning particles can damage it with daily use. Remains of fixing cream or powder can be easily removed using regular children's toothpaste. For those who prefer the best protection of their prosthesis from germs and dirt, there are specially designed tablets. They are dissolved in a glass of water where the prosthetic device is placed and left overnight for a cleansing effect.
You don’t have to endure the discomfort of a prosthetic device alone—contact your dentist at the slightest sign of chafing or pain. The prosthetic device itself can be subject to correction, its functional qualities can be adapted individually to the patient. And then the period of adjustment will become easy and pleasant for you, and fixing drugs will help you adapt even faster to your new life with new teeth.
Main characteristics of products
Various compounds can be included in the composition of dental dams, the main ones being: sodium alginate and carboxymethylcellulose. The first component ensures the retention of water molecules - by swelling, it improves shock absorption between the structure and the gum. It is of natural origin from algae and does not cause allergies.
Carboxymethylcellulose may cause an allergic reaction. The compound is intended to thicken the composition and stabilize the viscosity index. Also retains water.
The basis of the gaskets is polypropylene or viscose. Viscose fibers are characterized by excellent absorption capacity, porosity, and provide reliable adhesion to surfaces. Polypropylene fibers have a similar effect, but unlike viscose they are lint-free and more elastic. To enhance the fixing properties and provide additional lubrication, the material is additionally impregnated with petrolatum.
The retaining spacers for dentures differ in shape for the upper and lower jaws. For the lower rows they are made in a horseshoe shape, and for the upper rows - in the form of a semicircle.
On a note! Alginates are salts of alginic acid characterized by high hygroscopic properties. They attract and hold water molecules like collagen, a protein of animal origin, which is why such fixing pads are called collagen.
Pros and cons of use
Among the advantages of using fixing gaskets are:
- reduction of the period of adaptation to removable dentures,
- additional fastening of the structure to the gums,
- the possibility of parallel use of other means for fixation or treatment,
- preventing inflammation of the mucous membranes,
- no effect on bite height,
- possibility of use even in the presence of dental deformations,
- versatility and safety.
The products are practically free of flaws. Of the minuses, users note only the high cost, and the possibility of developing allergic reactions to some components. But this is extremely rare.
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What are dental dams made of?
All dental dams contain sodium alginate. This is a substance that can absorb moisture. After swelling, a special gel layer is formed, which has shock-absorbing properties. In addition, the composition may include:
- Viscose or polypropylene fiber. It is the basis for all types of orthodontic pads. Viscose has a porous surface, which significantly increases the absorbent function, as well as reliable fixation of the prosthesis to the surface of the mucosa. But after using such a pad, lint may remain. Polypropylene has great elasticity.
- Petrolatum. The substance is used to treat the fabric to improve fixation.
- Sodium carboxymethylcellulose or hydroxypropylcellulose. Used as a thickener. It is these substances that retain moisture and stabilize viscosity. Thanks to their presence in the composition, the gasket does not lose its properties for a long time. But in some cases they can cause an allergic reaction.
These are the main substances that can be included in dental dams. The choice of components depends on the manufacturer. The presence of these substances gives the fixing agent precisely those advantages that set them apart from various ointments and gels.
In what cases can and should gaskets be used?
Fixing spacers for dental prostheses are indicated during the patient's adaptation to the design. In addition, the doctor may prescribe the use of products in other cases:
- for abnormalities in the structure of the jaw that prevent the full use of dentures,
- when identifying chafing, ulcers, inflammation of the mucous membrane,
- with age-related changes in soft tissues,
- if there are disturbances in the functioning of the salivary glands (excessive or insufficient secretion),
- in case of malocclusion, when it is necessary to change the position of the removable structure.
Traumatic damage to the mucous membrane, such as a burn, can also be an indication. In this case, the gasket will protect the soft tissues from additional injury to the wound by the prosthesis and ensure speedy healing.
“Once I seriously damaged my gum with a fish bone, the doctor even had to cut it. Of course, it was not possible to wear a prosthesis because of the pain. The pads have helped a lot, now I keep them on hand and use them from time to time.”
Elena D., from correspondence on the e1.ru forum
Contraindications for use
The main contraindication to the use of retaining spacers for dentures is increased sensitivity to the components included in the composition. Since every body is individual, even products labeled “hypoallergenic” can cause allergies.
It is not recommended to use gaskets if the service life of the removable structure has long expired or it is damaged. Lack of hygienic care for the oral cavity and dentures also serves as an obstacle to use.
What brands of products are available for sale?
There are three manufacturers of retaining spacers for dentures on the market. As a rule, there are no problems with where to buy products - they are available for sale in pharmacies, online stores in the relevant field, and you can also purchase them on the website of the manufacturer or representatives.
- Protefix (“Protefix”): characterized by strong adhesion, good shock-absorbing properties, and elasticity. The fixing effect lasts up to 8 hours. Soft pads "Protefix" are excellent for use in cases of abnormalities of the jaw bone tissue. They require preliminary wetting and are placed on a damp prosthesis. The cost of products ranges from 270 to 500 rubles for 30 pieces,
- Fittydent (“Fittydent”): pads from this manufacturer keep the denture in the mouth for 12 hours, regardless of the amount of saliva, the need for rinsing and other factors. They have increased softness, therefore they are indicated primarily for people prone to inflammatory processes of the mucous membrane. They do their job perfectly even with narrow lower dentures. The pads are placed on the dry prosthesis. The price of products on average ranges from 320 to 550 rubles for 15 pieces,
- Denture Fixing Tape: available as individual strips or as a continuous sheet rolled into a roll. This makes it possible to provide the most suitable shape and size. The thickness of the gaskets does not exceed 1/2 mm. Fixation does not depend on the dryness of the surface of the prosthesis, but requires preliminary targeted application of a fixing agent (for example, Corega cream) in the front part of the structure and along the edges. The price of products ranges from 320 to 530 rubles.
Protefix and Fittident: differences between analogues
Dental dams help most people avoid many problems during the period of adaptation to dentures. Manufacturers began to produce modern models of excellent quality. The most popular companies that manufacture the highest quality products will help you cope with problems when wearing artificial structures in the oral cavity. These are two brands - “Protefix” and “Fittident”.
Only these two manufacturers are represented in our country. Their products are sold in a network of pharmacies, so you can buy them without any problems.
The most common brand for many users is Protefix. The fixing gaskets from this manufacturer have been of high quality for many years. The company uses absorbent material to produce its products. When moisture gets on the canvas, a gel-like cushion forms on its surface. It prevents friction of the prosthesis.
Among the advantages of the Protefix brand product, the following main functions can be identified:
- strong fixation;
- excellent compatibility with artificial structures;
- reliable protection against inflammation and mechanical stress.
When worn, this model absorbs the artificial structure during various movements of the jaw and serves as protection against chafing. Strong fixation lasts for 8 hours. The elasticity of the material allows the use of models even with abnormal structure of the dental arch. To secure the product, you must first try on the appropriate size and then remove the excess edges by cutting off the strips. Then the lining is immersed in water for 10 seconds and excess moisture is allowed to drain. After this, they are evenly distributed over the entire surface of the wet denture and tightly fixed to the gums.
The models are distinguished by increased fixation. This is not affected by the amount of saliva produced or the fluid in the mouth. A denture with such pads stays in place well all day. The soft composition of the material is suitable even for patients with inflamed gums and ulcers on the oral mucosa. With such a substrate you can use rinses, gels and ointments, since they will not affect the composition of the material. The minimum thickness of the fibers does not create discomfort, so using pads does not cause much trouble.
To secure them, you need to remove the special film from both sides and apply it to a dry prosthesis. To fix the Fittident gaskets on the structure, just squeeze the jaws tightly.
Dentists suggest, in addition to gaskets, also using a combination of special creams and gels designed to fix dentures. Many therapeutic agents help speed up the healing of soft tissues after injury from an artificial structure.
Principle of applying cream
How to use fixing pads
To ensure optimal fixation of the gaskets, it is recommended to adhere to some rules for their use:
- the prosthesis must be clean,
- correction of products is carried out with scissors,
- Before use, you must remove the protective film,
- After placing the gasket on the surface of the structure, all gaps and air bubbles should be eliminated.
It is not advisable to eat or drink within 15-30 minutes after installing a prosthesis supported by such pads.
To fix removable dentures, you can use not only gaskets, but also other means and devices: powders, strips, adhesives, and so on. At the beginning of wearing the structure, the dentist will recommend the most suitable options, but the final choice can only be made through direct application.
Author: Mikhailova (. M. (Thank you for your help in writing the article and the information provided)
Patient reviews
All these dental devices make the life of many people much easier who are forced to use dentures for various reasons. They provide tight fixation of artificial teeth. Some patients have long begun to use fixing pads to feel more confident and comfortable.
My dentist recommended wearing spacers after getting dentures. I took the advice right away and did the right thing. While wearing them, I have not yet had any problems with artificial teeth.
Konstantin, Tula
Protefix can be trusted because the company has long established itself in this segment. I have been using their products for several years. For care I use special tablets that perfectly clean artificial teeth. Comfortable at work and at home, no inconvenience until late in the evening.
Anna, Vologda
My friend first discovered these products.
Then she advised me to buy them. I tried various fixing creams, but they didn’t work for me. The pads are very simple and easy to use. However, the most important thing is that they are very reliable and will not let you down in any situation. Valentina, Samara
