Low-Viscosity Denture Adhesive Composition for Lasting Hold

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing denture adhesives do not adequately balance ease of application and removal with effective adhesion and organoleptic properties, particularly for older adults or those with limited hand movement or strength.

Innovation Solution

A denture adhesive composition comprising medium viscosity mineral oil, an aloe component, alkyl vinyl ether-maleic acid copolymer or salt thereof, petrolatum, and carboxymethylcellulose, with a viscosity of 300,000-2,000,000 centipoise, providing improved adhesion and sensorial effects.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the viscosity of denture adhesive is reduced to facilitate ease of application and removal, then the ease of operation is improved, but the adhesion strength and hold time may deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of application and removalVSAvoidadhesion strength and hold time
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent modifies the chemical composition parameters of the denture adhesive by incorporating specific ratios of mineral oil (18-25% w/w), aloe component (0.02-2.5% w/w), alkyl vinyl ether-maleic acid copolymer (28-32% w/w), petrolatum (18-26% w/w), and carboxymethylcellulose (23-25% w/w). This composition achieves a viscosity of 300,000-2,000,000 centipoise, which balances ease of application with adequate adhesion strength and hold time.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses a composite material system combining multiple ingredients with complementary properties: mineral oil provides lubricity and ease of removal, aloe component enhances tissue compatibility and sensorial effects, alkyl vinyl ether-maleic acid copolymer contributes to adhesion, petrolatum provides occlusivity and moisture retention, and carboxymethylcellulose adds thickening and stabilizing properties. The synergistic interaction of these components resolves the contradiction between low viscosity and strong adhesion.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Strength

If the viscosity of denture adhesive is increased to improve adhesion strength, then the strength is improved, but the ease of application and removal deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadhesion strengthVSAvoidease of application
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent optimizes the viscosity parameter to a specific range (300,000-2,000,000 centipoise) through controlled composition ratios. This parameter optimization ensures the adhesive remains spreadable and easy to apply while maintaining sufficient adhesion strength, avoiding the extremes of too thin (weak adhesion) or too thick (difficult application).

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Ease of operation

If the composition is made less sticky to improve ease of application, then the ease of operation is improved, but the adhesion performance and seal against food residue deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of applicationVSAvoidseal against food residue
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a composite formulation where petrolatum (18-26% w/w) provides occlusive properties to seal against food residue, while mineral oil (18-25% w/w) maintains lubricity for easy application. The carboxnymethylcellulose (23-25% w/w) contributes to forming a cohesive gel structure that adheres reliably without being excessively sticky, achieving a balance between application ease and sealing reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The composition offers easy application and removal, strong and long-lasting hold, improved spreading, reduced adhesive oozing, and controlled hydration, while maintaining acceptable mouthfeel and consistency.

Implementation Method 1

it is common to use an adhesive to help adhere the dental appliance to a surface of the oral cavity

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAdhesion: Adhesive

Implementation Method 2

possess sufficient cohesive strength to withstand the stresses of mastication which act to dislodge the denture

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCohesion: Cohesion

Data Source

PatentEP4666994A1Denture adhesive
Publication Date: 2025.12.24 HALEON UK IP LTD
  • EP4666994A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4666994A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4666994A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present invention relates to denture adhesive compositions having a reduced viscosity facilitating ease of application and use, particularly for older adults or consumers having limited hand movement or strength. Despite a reduced viscosity, the compositions exhibit hold (adhesion over time) and other characteristics comparable with commercially available formulations.