Denture Relines

Denture Relines

If you have been wearing your dentures for a long time, they are slipping, have become loose, or are just not fitting well anymore, you will probably need to get a denture adjustment called a denture reline. Over time your mouth can change, which will cause your dentures to shift or wear away in certain places. An ill-fitting set of dentures can be very painful and can cause health problems like infections and mouth sores. This is why it is important to schedule routine maintenance appointments with your denture specialist. A denture relining procedure is a cost effective solution to many denture problems and will help your dentures last as long as possible.

There are two kinds of denture relines available, which are called soft and hard relines. A soft reline is a more temporary solution that, if sent to a lab, can last up to a few years before needing replacement. If it is made in the office your dentures will probably need to be relined again within a year or so. Most dentists will recommend a soft reline when a patient has sore tender gums, and pain caused from denture wear. This option is made of a softer rubbery material that will be less likely to cause further damage to gums that are already damaged or unhealthy. The soft reline is a solution until your gums are healed and healthy again. At that point, your dentist may recommend a hard reline as a more permanent solution.

A hard reline is a service recommended by most dentists every couple of years. This service will keep your dentures fitting properly and they will last much longer. The dentist or laboratory will take some of the plastic out and refill it with a material similar to putty that wraps itself around the gum contours before becoming hard. This creates a tight and exact fit to the denture around your gums. Once your dentures are sent to the lab they will be filled with acrylic. When they are returned to you, your dentures will match your current gum contours and will keep your dentures fitting properly for up to three years.

Either type of reline can be made at your local dental office or they can be sent to a dental laboratory. A laboratory can cure and make the reline in a similar manner to how your dentures were originally made, so the results are more accurate and longer lasting. Either way, your trusted dental professional is the first place to go to get your dentures relined. Temporary relining kits are available on the market, but they could damage your dentures further or worse ruin them completely. Once this happens a dentist won’t be able to fix your dentures anymore and will advise you to get a whole new set. Save your money and time by seeking the help of a professional dentist.

A denture reline will bring back any lost suction, will create stability, prevents food particles from getting into tooth cracks, and prevents further gum damage. It is very important to maintain and have your dentures serviced on a regular basis. This insures you stay in good health and your dentures will fit properly. An ill-fitting set of dentures can cause mouth sores that can become swollen and infected, not to mention quite painful. To avoid these negative consequences make sure to call your local dental professional today and schedule a denture reline procedure.