How do dentures work.

Dentures are naturally retained in the mouth due to a complex combination of the following factors:

Adhesion

The physical attraction of unlike molecules to each other within the mouth is called adhesion. In the case of dentures the attraction of saliva to the denture base and the tissues covering the denture bearing area provides adhesive forces.

Cohesion

The physical attraction of like molecules to each other i.e. Saliva.

Atmospheric Pressure

The creation of a partial vacuum between the denture and the soft tissues.

Interfacial Surface Tension

This is created by the attraction of a film of liquid between two compatible surfaces (imagine trying to pull apart two plates joined together by washing up liquid in the bowl).

Using a denture fixative will aid the retention of the denture by providing improved adhesion.