Abstract

A method of cushioning and retaining a dental plate that eliminates the need for adhesives and provides the wearer a choice of thicknesses that is for all practical purposes continuous. A denture cushion according to the present invention comprises one or more sheets of cellulose filter material. The sheet periphery is shaped to cover the gum and palate confronting portions of the plate, and fits in the region between the plate and the wearer's mouth. A cushion for the lower plate has a U-shaped configuration while a cushion for the upper plate has a generally rounded or oval configuration, preferably with a plurality of peripheral notches to make the cushion more easily conform to the contour of the wearer's palate. In use, the wearer places a number of such sheets in a stack to make a cushion of the appropriate thickness and moistens them. The moistened stack is then placed on the dental plate for placement in the mount, after which the wearer's saliva cooperates with the sheet material to keep the denture in place. Despite the absence of adhesive, a surprising degree of adhesion results, thus providing the user with a high degree of comfort and mental security. The cushion does not disintegrate in use, and may be easily removed when the denture is removed. Due to the inert nature of the material employed, food flavors are left substantially unchanged.