How to Use Denture Liners

Dentures

You may need a denture liner if your gum's have shrunk since you had dentures made. It seems as we age the gum's continue to shrink so the cycle continues to be a problem. Worse yet, if the only way you can pay for dentures is with Medicare then you will only be able to get new dentures as per their guide lines. Therefore, if you can't replace the dentures then a denture liner may be the only option for relief.

Instructions

1. 

   Gum shrinkage will always be a issue for denture wearers, there is no way to prevent it. Many elderly people depend on Medicare to pay for their dentures, so when Medicare says no or not now it's a problem. When dentures no longer fit it's difficult to chew and can be painful. Not only that the teeth may fall out when talking and there's a chance they may break if they hit the floor.

2. 

   One solution is denture adhesive like Poligrip, but you have to keep reapplying and if the elderly person isn't capable of doing this then it doesn't work. My mother for example, had a stroke and can't do it herself. Not to mention, the taste of denture adhesive is poor at best.

3. 

   That's why we decided to look for a better solution and came across the denture liner kit. We opted for a soft liner that you can do fairly easy. The liner is made of soft silicone, is pliable and conforms to the dentures. You need to wear gloves during application and be sure teeth are clean and dry. Next you place dentures in the mouth and gently bite down until sealed in place. All that's left is placing a little adhesive powder for hold and you're done.

   The liner will last 3-4 weeks depending on how well you care for it. Don't soak teeth and brush gently around the liner when cleaning.

4. 

   You will notice that the denture liner is harder to get off than it is to get on. You must be very careful so that you don't fracture teeth if you decide to use dental tools to remove it. I take my time and gently pry it off. It does collect bacteria and microorganisms, so be sure to wear gloves during this procedure as well.

   It may seem like a lot of work, but it's worth it to be able to eat and speak without pain or risk of embarrassment. Once you get used to the procedure it doesn't seem as difficult and may be the best option.