The Role of Denture Adhesives on the Oral Health of Partial Denture Wearers: A Numerical Study

Abstract

Removable partial dentures (RPDs) significantly influence the mechanical stress characteristics of the entire dental arch. Unlike normal teeth, they are not anchored firmly in the jaws and hence are prone to denture slippage. The aim of this study is to examine numerically using finite element (FE) method, the role of denture adhesive creams in the stress response of the dental structures, and to understand its impact on the oral health of denture wearers. For this purpose, computer tomography data of the jawbone and RPDs are utilized to develop corresponding 3D models, which are further used for FE simulations. The partial denture system is bonded onto the surface of the oral mucosa with the help of a viscoelastic adhesive layer and is also supported by three abutment teeth. The application of bite forces on the denture generates varying contact mechanical response to the stimulus, across the partial denture, which are compared with the clinical pressure pain threshold (PPT) value for soft tissue, which potentially lowers the risk of pain. The model with the denture adhesive shows better retention and are within the PPT and hence can potentially lower the risks associated with denture slippage.

Knowledge, awareness, and attitude of dentists toward use of denture adhesives in Tamil Nadu

“…Loss of retention in denture is a common occurrence encountered by denture wearers. [ 1 2 3 4 ] Denture adhesive or fixative or adherent is defined as a material used to adhere a denture to the oral mucosa, thereby aiding in retention. [ 5 ] Previously, in many research studies, considerable documentation is seen which advocates patients to use adhesives, but many clinicians, especially prosthodontists, view its prescription as a reflection of their poor clinical skills.…”