Removable dentures are not perfect, even with the latest advances in dentistry. They are made from artificial materials, which, in contact with the mucous membrane, cause irritation, allergic reactions and cause discomfort.
A prosthesis is a foreign body that affects soft tissue. In many cases, prolonged wearing of structures leads to difficulty chewing food and speaking. Often they do not have a reliable fixation, which causes a lot of inconvenience.
general information
Despite modern technologies in the field of orthopedic dentistry, dentures cause many unpleasant moments in everyday life. To eliminate the problem of discomfort, special gaskets were created to ensure comfort during constant use of the denture apparatus.
Spacers for dentures are a special means that fixes this structure on soft tissues. Thanks to this layer, food particles do not get between the gum and the denture. They also perform many other vital functions. For example, they prevent the development of irritation and inflammation, and also guarantee 100% comfort and ease of use.
Dental protective dams are made of thin and soft materials impregnated with special substances. All of them are hypoallergenic and have a strong hold. Most often it includes:
- viscose or polypropylene fiber;
- sodium alginate;
- carboxymethylcellulose;
- petrolatum.
The retainers hold well and securely on the jaw without creating any problems. They do not destroy the oral mucosa and do not rub the gums. Such compositions have porosity and elasticity. The product is not affected by contact with liquid. Retainers will be a real godsend for patients with increased salivation. Instructions for their use are presented in the video below:
How to ensure the reliability of the prosthesis?
It is important to follow the manufacturer's instructions. There are special fixing creams and gels that allow the prosthesis to be more securely fixed. The approach is as follows: the gel is applied to the prosthesis (partially covering the contacting surface), then a gasket is applied to the surface, pressing and smoothing to remove air bubbles. Then the prosthesis is placed and the jaws are closed.
The use of means of fastening dentures is indicated for:
- unusual mouth structure;
- incorrect bite;
- problems with articulation;
- mechanical irritation of the oral cavity;
- problems eating;
- fixation problems
Advantages and disadvantages
Removable dentures perform all the necessary functions, just like natural teeth. During use, it turns out that artificial materials often rub and irritate the mucous membranes, leading to an inflammatory process in the soft tissues of the oral cavity. Most patients note that this design does not hold securely enough and can fall out of the mouth.
For this purpose, gaskets were invented for fixing dentures. They ensure reliable use of such structures for a long time, since they have many advantages:
- strong and reliable fixation on the upper and lower jaws for 8-12 hours, even on deformed gums, since the material is elastic;
- previous level of bite height;
- the oral mucosa and gums remain protected from various damage and inflammation;
- the ability to use pads daily with external medical products;
- with everyday use, side effects are excluded;
- have a positive effect on the process of atrophy of the alveolar processes and various anatomical dysfunctions of the jaw and gums.
The main advantages also include ease of use. However, a guarantee of reliable and comfortable use of products will be compliance with several main rules. The most important of these concerns the cleanliness of the prosthesis. It is necessary to regularly remove dirt and dry the gaskets. In this state, they will be comfortably fixed and fit to the surfaces of the prosthesis and jaw. Clean and free of contaminants, they will not cause unwanted effects.
Lower jaw spacers
In addition to the advantages, such dental products also have two disadvantages. Sometimes an allergic reaction to the composition may occur. In such a situation, you need to remove the product and go to your dentist. The second drawback is the high cost (from 290 to 320 rubles per pack of 30 pieces). But good health and reliable fixation of dentures are worth it.
Instructions for use and composition features
Denture spacers should be used when inconvenience occurs when using dental substitutes. Before making a purchase, study the purpose of the products and carefully read the indications for use.
Features of the composition:
- soft fabric base;
- a pleasant lubricant (usually cosmetic Vaseline);
- thickener and stabilizer;
- specific substances - sodium alginate. When absorbing liquid, it forms a gley cushion and prevents a decrease in adhesion.
Indications and contraindications
According to dentists, retaining pads should be worn until you get used to dentures. They are indicated for many patients with the following problems:
- uncomfortable wearing of dentures due to the non-standard structure of the jaw;
- inflammation, irritation in the gum area, mucous membrane, as well as atrophy of the alveolar processes due to allergies after taking medications, mechanical stress;
- age-related gum deformation;
- incorrect bite and poor pronunciation, changes in the chewing function of the jaw;
- manifestation of increased salivation.
gaskets for upper jaw
Taking into account the individual characteristics of the body, even the most effective pads can cause an allergic reaction. This is due to intolerance to the substances contained in dental products.
What are they used for?
All structures intended for restoration of dentition are a foreign object. This can cause a negative reaction in the body and manifest itself in the form of nausea, vomiting, discomfort and discomfort.
Usually they accompany the patient only during the adaptation period. But in some cases, discomfort may remain for a long time. Special dental pads for the prosthesis can alleviate the patient’s condition.
They help solve the following problems:
- Redness and irritation of the oral mucosa.
- The occurrence of microcracks, wounds, erosion or ulcers.
- Age-related deformation .
- Development of abnormal bite.
- Increased salivation.
- Chewing dysfunction .
- Difficulty during conversation.
- The presence of a hard palate or its altered shape.
Let's figure out which removable dentures are better
Dental dams are also used for partial atrophy of the alveoli. They are made of soft, elastic material and provide high-quality fixation of dentures. Depending on the shape of the structure, the shape of the canvas is also selected. When installing the upper jaw, gaskets are used in the form of a semicircle, and for the upper jaw - in the shape of a horseshoe.
Their use allows patients not only to eat, but also to communicate, smile and not worry about various inconveniences.
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
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.
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
