Overview: A Cu-Sil® (Copper-Silicon) gasket is a soft, elastomeric liner in a denture that grips natural teeth to provide stability and seal out food.
Understanding Cu-Sil Gasket Functionality
The Cu-Sil Gasket uses a proprietary soft liner, typically silicone-based, to create a snug seal around existing natural teeth. This seal prevents food and fluids from becoming trapped under the denture base. The Cu-Sil Gasket also provides cushioning and splinting for loose or periodontally involved teeth to improve their long-term prognosis.
Indications for Use
The Cu-Sil Gasket is suitable for the following patient scenarios:
Patients with few remaining natural teeth who wish to avoid extractions.
Palateless upper dentures or free-end partial dentures, where traditional cast clasps are not ideal.
Situations where loose or mobile teeth require improved stability and splinting.
Clean Cu-Sil Gaskets Daily
Regular daily cleaning is required to protect the soft, flexible material of the Cu-Sil Gasket.
Rinse and Brush Instructions
Remove and Rinse: Remove the denture after every meal and rinse the denture thoroughly under running water.
Brush Gently: Use a soft-bristled toothbrush or a dedicated denture brush.
Apply Soap: Clean the denture with mild dish soap.
Avoid Abrasives: Do not use abrasive toothpaste, as it can damage the soft gasket material.
Soak and Rinse Instructions
Prepare Solution: Place the denture in a container filled with Cu-Sil Denture Cleanser solution.
Soak: Soak the denture for 1 to 2 hours daily or overnight.
Rest Gums: Remove the dentures overnight to allow the gum tissue to rest.
Final Rinse: Rinse the denture well under running water before reinserting it into the mouth.
Clean Cu-Sil Gaskets Weekly
Use specialized cleaners for heavier buildup or stains:
For Stains and Plaque: Use Kleenite to remove coffee, tea, or nicotine stains.
For Heavy Tartar: Use Stain Away Plus occasionally to remove hardened deposits (calculus).
Follow Directions: Always follow the specific package instructions for these supplemental cleaners.
Observe Important Precautions
Follow these precautions to prevent damage to the Cu-Sil Gasket:
No Chlorine: Do not use standard denture tablets like Efferdent that contain chlorine, as chlorine causes bleaching, hardening, and porosity.
No Hot Water: Do not use hot water, as high temperatures can distort the shape of the denture.
Maintain Moisture: Keep the denture moist at all times when not in the mouth to prevent the material from drying out.
Professional Maintenance: Visit a dentist every 8–12 months for liner replacement or adjustments.
Follow Safe Disposal Procedures
Dentures are considered potentially biohazardous waste due to contact with bodily fluids.
Contact Dentist: Do not throw old dentures in the standard trash. Contact a dentist for proper disposal procedures.
Clinical Disposal: Dental clinics use licensed medical waste companies for safe disposal, typically through incineration.