Using denture adhesive for a dental crown can cause poor fit, leakage, irritation, and crown failure.
Tooth gems have made their comeback in fashion. From catwalks to daily selfies, this small sparkle has become very popular. So if you decide to do this trend on yourself, it is quite reasonable. You search the web, order some crystals, and hope for a quick do-it-yourself. What you usually find on the web is a recommendation that you should use a tube of denture glue.
However, your tooth enamel is a priceless asset that you must take special care to protect. Think of it as a beautiful glass figurine, very strong, yet it still needs proper care, if it is to stay wonderful. Dental adhesives are formulated to bind acrylic dentures to the soft, damp gum tissue. They are certainly not meant for attaching large, shiny crystals to the hard, glossy enamel of the teeth.
The Secret Dangers of Homemade Adhesives
If you apply denture paste to attach a tooth gem, you won’t form a tight seal. On the contrary, you will provide a hideout for cariogenic bacteria.
At our dental office in Turkey, Lema Dental Clinic, we’re constantly fixing the consequences of these viral crazes. Professor Doctor Coşkun Yıldız states that patients usually don’t realize how rapidly a tooth decays. A gem glued with denture paste has loose edges under which saliva, remnants of food, and plaque enter. It is impossible for you to remove these bacteria by simply brushing. The bacteria throw out acids that damage the tooth. The enamel might be left with a permanent chalky white spot, or even a cavity might start, at the place the gem was glued to, within weeks.
Advantages of Proper Dental Treatment
The common thing we find is that patients come with chipped enamel after trying to remove a gem themselves that was glued with an incorrect adhesive. Dentist Polen Akkılıç and team are used to working on such surface repairs and spend many hours doing it right.
By using professional dental bonding, a tooth is treated with a dental-grade resin that is the same material used for braces bonding. It establishes a very close seal. Therefore, the tooth is not only sealed but also protected from decay-causing bacteria.
Denture Adhesive vs. Professional Dental Bonding
| Feature | Denture Adhesive (DIY) | Professional Dental Bonding |
| Adhesion | Very weak. Can be easily broken while eating. | Very strong. Stays for a long time without failure. |
| Safety | Low. A gap is formed, which hosts harmful plaque bacteria. | High. The tooth is sealed tightly to prevent decay. |
| Materials | Sticky paste for soft gum tissue. | Medical-grade composite resin for dental use. |
| Removal | Normally dangerous to scrape at home. | It is quite a safe procedure, carefully done by a good dentist. |
| Durability | One up to a few days. | Several months or even years. |
FAQ
If I just try denture glue for a weekend, will it permanently hurt my tooth?
It certainly might. Enamel breakdown has already started after a few days of plaque accumulation near the tooth. So the short-lived shine just isn’t really worth the lifelong damage.
Is it OK if I use nail glue or superglue?
What you should definitely never, under any circumstances, do is to put superglue or nail glue in your mouth. They are such very strong chemical agents of the industry. They can give you a very serious chemical burn on your gums, and this would be only the start,t because when the jewel is forcibly removed, the tooth enamel will be destroyed as well.
What do you do when I get tooth gems at Lema Dental Clinic?
We follow the standard of any other cosmetic fine work with the tooth. After cleaning the tooth, a gel is put on and the gem is positioned with resin, then the light sets the resin. No tooth drilling, no pain, no harm to your natural tooth.
Will I be able to brush my teeth normally?
Absolutely! Since we perform a perfect job sealing the edges, you won’t have to alter your brushing or flossing habits. The idea of your toothbrush dislodging the gem can be completely dismissed.
I will be in Turkey only for a short time. Will it be possible for me to have the gem made quickly?
Sure, that will be a pleasure for us to meet you. Several international patients visit us in Istanbul for a complete smile makeover, but we also do quick cosmetic touch-ups. It takes only a couple of minutes, and you will be leaving with an absolutely safe smile.
References
- Al-Salehi, S. K. (2009). Effects of bleaching on the microhardness of dental composite resins. Journal of Dental Research, 88(4), 343-347.
- Banu, F., & Al-Qarni, F. D. (2021). The impact of denture adhesives on the oral mucosa: A systematic review. The Journal of Prosthetic Dentistry, 125(5), 735-740.
- Ozer, L., & Thylstrup, A. (1995). What is known about caries in relation to restorations as a reason for replacement? A review. Advances in Dental Research, 9(4), 394-402.
- Retief, D. H. (1992). The use of resin cements in dentistry. American Journal of Dentistry, 5(2), 99-105.
- Sönmez, H., & Saat, S. (2014). Enamel demineralization prevention around orthodontic brackets: A review of current literature. Turkish Journal of Orthodontics, 27(1), 38-45.
