Denture Adhesive Efficacy in Prosthodontics
Summary
Denture adhesives play a central role in modern prosthodontics by enhancing the fit, retention and stability of complete and partial removable dentures. Their efficacy hinges on chemical composition, formulation consistency and interaction with the oral environment. Effective adhesives resist displacement forces during mastication and speech, while accommodating variations in saliva viscosity and mucosal topology. Clinically, improved retention reduces micromovements that can cause tissue irritation, enhance masticatory performance and bolster patient confidence. In vitro investigations employ mechanical testing devices to characterise adhesive strength under controlled humidity and load, whereas in vivo studies measure bite force thresholds and evaluate wearer satisfaction over extended periods. Recent advances have explored novel polymer matrices, bio-based oils and precision application techniques. A global ageing population and rising edentulism underscore the need for evidence-based selection of adhesives tailored to individual patient anatomy and lifestyle. Integration of biocompatibility assessments further ensures that formulations do not provoke adverse tissue reactions or microbial overgrowth. Together, these developments inform best practices in denture care, guide formulation improvements and support patient-centred outcomes in prosthodontic rehabilitation.
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Denture Adhesive Efficacy in Prosthodontics publication trend
The graph below shows the total number of articles in denture adhesive efficacy in prosthodontics across all publications each year (not limited to Nature Index journals).
Technical terms
Denture retention: The resistance of a denture to vertical dislodgement under functional forces.
Denture stability: The ability of a denture to maintain its position without rocking or lateral displacement.
Micromovements: Small, millimetre-scale shifts of a prosthesis on the mucosal surface during chewing or speech.
Electromagnetic articulography (EMA-3D): A technique that tracks three-dimensional motion of sensors in the oral cavity to quantify prosthesis movement.
Polyvinyl methyl ether/maleic acid (PVM/MA): A copolymer commonly used as the adhesive matrix in denture creams and powders.
References
- Determination of Micromovements in Removable Prosthesis during Mastication: A Pilot Study with 3D Electromagnetic Articulography. Bioengineering (2024).
- A randomized controlled trial assessing denture adhesive efficacy on denture retention across 13 hours. Journal of Prosthodontics (2023).
- Retention Capacity of Original Denture Adhesives and White Brands for Conventional Complete Dentures: An In Vitro Study. Polymers (2022).
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