The Best Denture Adhesives

Around 50 million Americans wear dentures to maintain their smiles and enjoy their favorite foods. If you're one of them, you know how important fit is to your appearance and level of comfort. Denture adhesives can reduce the worry that your dentures will come loose while you eat and enjoy your daily activities.

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Who Might Benefit From Denture Adhesive?

Dentures that are in good repair and properly fitted may not require denture adhesive. However, over time, normal wear and tear can change the fit of dentures. Using adhesive can provide a temporary solution to this problem by filling in gaps between your gums and your dentures. If your dentures are broken or very loose, you should see your dentist about a replacement as adhesive can't correct the fit of a damaged or severely worn set. Even older adults whose dentures fit well may prefer to use adhesive simply for extra security.

Does Medicare or Insurance Cover Denture Adhesive?

Medicaid and Medicare usually don't cover the cost of dentures or adhesives. Private dental insurance may help pay for some of the cost of dentures but typically won't pay for adhesive. You may be able to use funds from a Flexible Spending Account (FSA) or Health Savings Account (HSA) to purchase denture adhesives.

Important Considerations When Choosing Denture Adhesive

 Considering the following features can help you choose the best denture adhesive for your needs.

• Zinc or zinc-free. Some denture adhesives use zinc to strengthen their grip. Taking too much zinc can lead to health problems, including nerve damage. As a result, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration advises people who take zinc supplements and those whose diets are high in zinc to use zinc-free products.
• Form options. Adhesives come in many forms. Gels and pastes go directly onto your dentures while powders are mixed with water prior to application. Pads must be cut to size and moistened before use.
• Strength of grip. Adhesives may contain extra-strong ingredients for looser dentures.
• Allergies and sensitivities. Natural products are available for people who are allergic or sensitive to chemical ingredients.
• Oral discomfort. Some adhesives feature soothing ingredients that can help ease discomfort caused by ill-fitting dentures.
• The flavor of a denture adhesive makes it more pleasant to use. Choose one that appeals to you. Flavorless options are also available.
• Special features. Some manufacturers add ingredients that address oral health concerns such as bad breath as an added benefit.

15 Best Denture Adhesives

The following denture adhesives stand out for their key features and benefits. Options include creams, powders, seals, cushions and liners, giving you the flexibility to choose the type you prefer.

Fixodent Ultra Max Hold Denture Adhesive

Fixodent Ultra Max Hold Denture Adhesive offers the strongest hold of any product in the Fixodent lineup. The manufacturer reports that using the adhesive makes partial and full dentures fit 10 times more securely compared to wearing a set without the product. Because the formula is highly concentrated, the hold lasts for an extended period, making it more likely that you can get through the day without needing to reapply. Flavor neutral, the adhesive doesn't affect the taste of food.

Key Features

• Ultra-strong, long-lasting hold
• Flavor neutral

Potential Drawbacks

• Contains zinc

Sea-Bond Secure Denture Adhesive Seals

Sea-Bond Secure Denture Adhesive Seals give you a strong grip without any need for creams or powders. The zinc-free seal is a thin pad that fits over your dentures to form a seal. Once in place, the seal acts as a cushion to cut down on rubbing while minimizing slippage. Clinical studies have found that the design of the seal offers 75% more hold compared to some popular adhesive pastes.

Key Features

• Zinc-free
• No oozing or mess
• Provides all-day hold

Potential Drawbacks

• Costs more than most creams
• Uppers and lowers sold separately
• Needs to be cut to size prior to application

Fixodent Food Seal Plus Scope Denture Adhesive Cream

Fixodent Food Seal Plus Scope Denture Adhesive Cream combines the benefits of a mouthwash and a denture adhesive into one ready-to-apply cream. While it helps improve the fit of dentures, the formula also fights germs that contribute to bad breath. The adhesive creates a barrier against food to promote a more secure grip and reduce oozing. Applying the cream is simple, thanks to the precision tip nozzle that controls flow.

Key Features

• Contains mouthwash ingredients to freshen breath
• Precision tip nozzle makes it easier to apply the cream
• Creates a seal to keep out food particles

Potential Drawbacks

• Contains zinc 

Y-Kelin Denture Adhesive Cushions

Y-Kelin Denture Adhesive Cushions work similarly to Sea-Bond seals, but they are slightly thicker to offer a more cushioned fit. The cushions are made from natural seaweed and are free of chemicals to protect those with allergies and sensitivities to synthetic ingredients. Like most other seals, the product comes in upper and lower designs. Many online retailers offer bulk packs with one or more boxes of both upper and lower cushions to simplify shopping.

Key Features

• Zinc-free
• No oozing or mess
• Made from naturally derived materials
• Generally costs less than other seals, cushions and strips

Potential Drawbacks

• Hold may not be as strong as other seals, cushions and strips
• Needs to be cut to size prior to application

Super Poligrip Extra Care Denture Adhesive Cream

Super Poligrip Extra Care Denture Adhesive Cream gives you peace of mind with a strong hold that lasts for hours. Free of zinc, artificial colors and artificial flavors, the cream best suits those who have hypersensitivity issues and need to avoid zinc. Its creamy formula is clinically shown to cut down on gum irritation over time.

Key Features

• Free of zinc and artificial colors and flavors
• Reduces gum irritation

Potential Drawbacks

• Costs more than some creams
• Hold may not be as strong as some other options

Natural Strong Denture Adhesive

Natural Strong Denture Adhesive is an option for those who want to dramatically reduce their exposure to synthetics. The cream is free of zinc, petrochemicals, parabens and artificial colors and flavors. Instead, it's made only with food-grade, vegan ingredients. Its hold comes from pine tree resin. To ensure satisfaction, the manufacturer offers a money-back guarantee.

Key Features

• Zinc-free
• Contains no synthetic ingredients
• Vegan formula
• Money-back guarantee

Potential Drawbacks

• Costs more than most other cream adhesives

Super Poligrip Original Zinc-Free Formula Adhesive Cream

Super Poligrip Original Zinc-Free Formula Adhesive Cream allows you to avoid zinc, artificial colors and synthetic flavoring agents while getting the benefits of a strong hold. The cream is one of the more economically priced zinc-free options available for people who prefer cream adhesives. To give you more control over application, the tube has a specially designed ooze-fighting tip.

Key Features

• Economical zinc-free cream
• Free of artificial colors and flavors
• Ooze-control tip makes application more precise

Potential Drawbacks

• Grip may not be as strong as some other options

Permasoft Soft Denture Lining

Permasoft Soft Denture Lining offers a longer-lasting solution for improving the fit of your dentures. The product contains two key ingredients that you mix with water to form a paste. After you spread the paste over your dentures, it dries to form a soft cushioned lining that lasts for up to three months. By filling in worn spots and creating a smooth surface, the lining may cut down on slippage and minimize rubbing that contributes to irritation.

Key Features

• One application may last for up to three months
• Offers soft cushioned feel

Potential Drawbacks

• Ingredient listings not clearly disclosed online
• Requires mixing prior to application

Dr. B Dental Solutions Adhesadent Moisturizing Denture Adhesive

A licensed dentist developed Dr. B Dental Solutions Adhesadent Moisturizing Denture Adhesive originally to offer a better adhesive to his patients. Today, his formula is available for purchase online and carries the American Dental Association (ADA)'s Seal of Acceptance. The cream delivers a secure hold with an exclusive polymer instead of zinc. In addition to being free of artificial colors and flavors, the adhesive is enriched with aloe vera to help calm irritation. With each application, the formula replenishes moisture levels to ease symptoms of dry mouth. Vitamins A, D and E are added to the adhesive to promote overall oral health.

Key Features

• Zinc-free
• Moisturizes and nourishes gums
• Helps to soothe irritation with aloe vera

Potential Drawbacks

• Costs more than other creams

Fixodent Denture Adhesive Extra Hold Powder

Fixodent Denture Adhesive Extra Hold Powder is an effective choice for people who prefer powdered denture adhesives. Like other powders, the product lets you customize hold by using more in areas where your dentures tend to slip or rub. The formula offers an extra-strong hold that lasts for hours to reduce the need for frequent reapplications.

Key Features

• Economically priced
• Extra-strong hold
• Gives you greater control over application

Potential Drawbacks

• Contains zinc
• Powder formula may take longer to apply

Secure Sensitive Gums Waterproof Denture Adhesive Zinc Free With Aloe Vera & Myrrh Extra Strong Adhesive

Secure Sensitive Gums Waterproof Denture Adhesive Zinc Free with Aloe Vera & Myrrh Extra Strong Adhesive is formulated to eliminate zinc without sacrificing grip. The cream forms a waterproof seal that can last for up to 12 hours without any need for reapplication. To help ease irritation associated with sensitivity and friction, the formula is enriched with soothing aloe vera and myrrh extract.

Key Features

• Zinc-free
• Contains soothing aloe and myrrh
• Waterproof formula shown to last up to 12 hours

Potential Drawbacks

• Requires a special cleaner made by the manufacturer for removal

Super Poligrip Comfort Seal Strips

Super Poligrip Comfort Seal Strips offer a simple-to-use alternative to creams and powders. The strips form a cushioned seal with a strong hold and come ready to use with no need to cut or trim to size. To protect those with allergies and sensitivities, the strips are free of zinc and artificial colors and flavors. Because the strips are precut, you can apply them to both upper and lower dentures.

Key Features

• Free of zinc and artificial colors and flavors
• Works on both upper and lower dentures
• No need to cut

Potential Drawbacks

• Costs more than some creams

Fixodent Pure Strength Denture Adhesive Cream

Fixodent Pure Strength Denture Adhesive Cream provides an alternative to conventional denture creams for people who suffer from allergies and sensitivity reactions. The formula carries the acceptance seal of the ADA and is made without genetically modified cellulose gum and artificial sweeteners, colors and flavors. Its strong hold helps reduce slippage with full and partial dentures.

Key Features

• Free of many common irritants
• Strong hold

Potential Drawbacks

• Contains zinc
• Costs more than many other creams

Fixodent Plus Gum Care Superior Hold Denture Adhesive Cream

If gum irritation is a concern, Fixodent Plus Gum Care Superior Hold Denture Adhesive Cream may help you address your symptoms while improving the grip of your dentures. The manufacturer reports that the cream is 5 times more effective at sealing out food particles that can become lodged between dentures and the gums and give rise to irritation. In addition, its seal minimizes friction that can worsen inflammation. For easy application, the cream features a precision nozzle tip.

Key Features

• May help reduce gum irritation
• Precision tip nozzle increases control
• Strong hold

Potential Drawbacks

• Contains zinc

Comfort Lining Thermoplastic Denture Adhesive

Comfort Lining Thermoplastic Denture Adhesive lets you enhance the fit of your dentures without having to reapply adhesive daily. The cream forms a thermoplastic layer that acts as a temporary waterproof lining. A single application can reduce slippage and provide flexible, soft cushioning for up to seven days.

Key Features

• Zinc-free
• Hold lasts for up to 7 days
• No need for mixing
• Soft, flexible

Potential Drawbacks

• Can't be used on dentures that have been relined
• Generally costs more than other liners