Finding the Perfect Fit: A Comprehensive Guide to Choosing the Best Denture Adhesive for 2025

As someone who has grown up with a father who relied on denture adhesives, I understand the importance of finding the right one. Today, the market for denture adhesives has grown significantly, with over 12 million Americans missing at least one tooth and 36 million having no natural teeth. With this in mind, finding the best denture adhesive involves a bit of trial and error. In this article, we'll explore the different types of denture adhesives, what to look for in a product, and our picks for the best denture adhesives in 2025.

Quick Overview

• Best overall denture adhesive: Super Poligrip Denture Adhesive Cream
• Best denture adhesive powder: Super Poligrip Extra Strength Adhesive
• Best denture adhesive pad: Sea-Bond Denture Adhesive Seals
• Best denture adhesive strips: Secure Denture Adhesive Strips
• Best thermoplastic denture adhesive: Denttach Denture Adhesive
• Best natural denture adhesive: Denttach Gold

Types of Denture Adhesives

Creams: Creams are popular because they offer the strongest hold and are effective for preventing food from getting trapped underneath your dentures. However, they are messier to apply and some contain zinc, which could lead to serious side effects if consumed in excess.

Powders: Powder adhesives are easy to apply as they can be sprinkled directly on your dentures. They create a tight seal, offer a long-lasting hold and can be easier to remove than creams. Many are also zinc-free. However, they can be more expensive and more challenging to apply correctly.

Strips: Adhesive strips offer a mess-free alternative and are easy to apply. However, they generally have less holding strength than creams or powders, so you may need to adjust or reapply them more frequently. Depending on how thick the strip is, it may affect your bite.

Pads: Slightly larger and more cushioned than strips, pads offer a similar convenience factor. Some people find pads help dentures feel more comfortable and reduce irritation. However, the thickness of the pad can affect your bite and tongue movement. They are often more expensive and tend not to hold as long as creams or powders.

Thermoplastics: A newer type of adhesive, thermoplastic adhesives mold to your dentures and gums, filling gaps between them to provide suction, stability and greater comfort. They provide a longer, more secure fit but can be more challenging to remove.

Factors to Consider When Purchasing Denture Adhesives

Adhesive Type: There are pros and cons of each type of adhesive. Differences in ease of application and removal, holding strength and price can help you decide which option is right for you. For partial dentures, creams, powders and thermoplastics typically work better than pads or strips.

Holding Strength and Duration: For daily use, creams and powders tend to offer better holding strength than strips or pads. However, a thermoplastic adhesive may be better if you prefer to leave your dentures in for multiple days in a row.

Inclusion of Zinc in the Ingredients: There's growing concern that zinc used in dental adhesives may contribute to excessive levels of zinc in the body, which may result in serious side effects like copper deficiency and nerve damage. The FDA states that zinc-containing adhesives are safe when used as directed. However, the American Dental Association (ADA) recommends avoiding zinc-containing denture adhesives as a precautionary measure. If you take zinc supplements or simply feel more comfortable avoiding adhesives that don't contain this mineral