Changes in denture retention with denture adhesives and oral moisturizers for the oral cavity: an in vitro study

Abstract

Background: It is difficult to maintain complete dentures during meals in place. This in vitro study aimed to assess changes in denture retention between rest and function using denture adhesives and oral moisturizers in an oral cavity model. Methods: The following test samples were applied between the palatal plate and the edentulous jaw ridge model: denture adhesive, denture adhesive for dry mouth, oral moisturizer, and denture moisturizer. The retentive force was measured under two conditions: at rest while immersed in water and during function with a 2.5-kg load applied. The plate was pulled perpendicular to the occlusal plane and the retentive force was measured using a digital force gauge. Results: Under dry conditions, denture adhesive for dry mouth and oral moisturizer had a significantly higher retentive force than denture adhesive and denture moisturizer. After 30 min of immersion in water, the retentive force of the denture adhesive increased while that of the oral moisturizer decreased. After 30 min of function, the retentive force of the denture adhesive and denture adhesive for dry mouth remained high, while that of the oral moisturizer and denture moisturizer significantly decreased. Between rest and function, the retentive force of the denture adhesive and denture adhesive for dry mouth was high, and that of the oral moisturizer was low. Conclusions: Immediately after use, denture adhesive for dry mouth exhibited high retentive force, but retention gradually decreased due to its water content.