Relining Dentures is a commonly performed procedure that involves refitting the inside surface of a denture that rests against your gums. This helps to create intimate contact between the denture base and the tissues inside your mouth, which is important for both comfort and function.
You may notice that your implant supported dentures is starting to show signs of wear and tear, like cracks, chips, or grooves. If you feel like the dentures can be fixed without spending a lot of money, there are several methods you may choose to reline your dentures. This article will tell you everything you need to know about relining dentures in general.
Why is a relining denture necessary?
- Bone resorption: After tooth loss, the bone in the jaw begins to shrink and deteriorate, changing the shape of the mouth and leading to loose, ill-fitting dentures.
- Discomfort and instability: Loose dentures can cause sore spots, rocking, difficulty chewing, and speech problems.
- Improved fit: A reline creates a tight, comfortable fit by adding material to fill the space created by tissue changes.
What are the common ill-fitting dentures problems?
Your dentures are a crucial part of your smile and should be adjusted regularly to ensure that they fit well. If you have been wearing dentures for a long time, the ligaments supporting them may weaken over time and cause your dentures to become loose or move about too much. Ill-fitting dentures are uncomfortable and can cause pain in the jawbone, which is why it’s important to keep up with regular adjustments.
Some common problems with Ill-fitting dentures include:
• Difficulty opening the mouth wide enough for food to pass through without obstruction or pain – this can lead to choking or gagging when eating or drinking.
• Difficulty getting a full range of motion while chewing or speaking – this can lead to injury from wearing down teeth or grinding, as well as pain from jaw fatigue (from constantly opening and closing).
• Difficulty breathing through the nose – this can lead to congestion, sinusitis, and headaches.
What are the types of Relining Dentures?
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Temporary Relining Dentures
Temporary relines are made of a durable material that is designed to be worn for only a short time. The use of temporary relines is generally limited to situations where the patient needs dentures right away, and there is no need for them to be permanent. Temporary relines may be made from a variety of materials, such as porcelain, acrylic, and resin.
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Permanent Relining Dentures
Permanent Reline is the most expensive and most sought-after type of relining denture. It is made of high-quality porcelain and acrylic resin to mimic natural teeth. The base is used to attach the denture to the tooth and provide support. The teeth are attached to the base with screws and nuts, which are hidden in the gum line cavities.
This type of relining denture is often used for patients who have lost all their teeth in one or more areas of their mouth because they have had periodontal diseases, such as gingivitis and periodontitis.
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Soft Relining Dentures
Soft reline dentures are the most common type of relining. They are made of a soft material that is flexible, easy to insert, and comfortable to wear. Soft reline dentures may be fabricated from silicone, and they are the best choice for people who have sensitive gums.
The advantage of having silicone reline dentures is that they are light in weight and can be easily removed if necessary. The disadvantage of this type of denture is that their abrasion resistance is not as good as that of hard reline dentures.
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Hard Relining Dentures
A hard reline is a dental crown that has been made of a material with the same density as your tooth. This type of denture is often used by those who have lost teeth or had root canals, because it’s made from a hard material that won’t wear down like other types of dentures.
The main advantage of hard relines is that they are very durable and can be used for many years without requiring any maintenance. The disadvantage is that their construction may not be as precise or delicate as soft relines.
What is the process of denture relining
- Examination – The dentist examines your mouth and dentures to determine if a reline is needed and whether a soft or hard reline is appropriate.
- Impression Taking – A new impression of your gums is made while you’re wearing your dentures. This helps capture the current shape of your oral tissues.
- Reline Material Application – The dentist adds a layer of reline material (either soft or hard acrylic) inside the denture to fill the gap between the denture base and your gums.
- Refitting & Adjustment – Once the material sets, your dentures are trimmed, polished, and adjusted for comfort and proper bite alignment.
Final Fitting – You try on the relined dentures to ensure a snug, comfortable fit and improved stability when speaking or chewing.
Do all dentures need to be relined?
Relining dentures is not an option. It’s an absolute necessity. Dentures are not made to last forever, and they will eventually wear down and begin to fall out. The reason for this is that the acrylic used in dentures is not strong enough to resist the forces required to keep them in place.
The answer to this problem is relining denture teeth. Relining helps dentures last longer by strengthening their structure and providing a more secure foundation for replacement teeth.
When Should Dentures Be Relined?
You should always get relined if your dentures have worn down or if you have lost one of your existing front teeth through tooth decaying or injury. If your denture fits tightly on your gums, it will be uncomfortable and can cause irritation or bleeding gums, but if it fits loosely, it may slip out easily or even fall out completely on its own. In either case, relining is a good option because it will strengthen the structure of your denture so that it lasts longer than before.
How Long Does It Take to do Relining Dentures?
Relining dentures are the most effective treatment for restoring the appearance of your smile. After you receive your reline, you can expect to have a better-looking and feeling smile in just a few days. The procedure is performed on an outpatient basis, and it typically takes just one hour. The entire process takes around 4 to 12 weeks, and you will return home after each appointment so you can rest comfortably during the healing process.
What are the benefits of Relining Dentures?
1. They are durable and long-lasting.
2. They are comfortable to wear, and they can be customized to suit your needs and tastes.
3. They last longer than traditional dentures because they do not need to be cleaned as frequently or as often as other types of dentures do, especially when they are custom-made by a professional dental lab.
4. Relining dentures improves the appearance of your smile, making you look younger and more attractive than you did before you got them installed on your teeth!
Visiting the Dentist in Salem, MA
All denture wearers should see a dentist at least twice a year for a check-up. This allows any necessary adjustments to be made to the dentures as well as an evaluation of the hard and soft tissues in the oral cavity. If there are consistent problems with the fit of the dentures, dental implants may be recommended in order to secure them. Ultimately, the goal is to improve the quality of your oral and overall health.
At Coral Dental Care, our expert team can precisely reline your dentures to restore comfort and function, eliminating the need for a full replacement. We use high-quality materials and personalized adjustments so your smile feels natural again. Trust us to ensure a snug, irritation-free fit tailored just for you.
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Frequently Asked Questions
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How often should I have my dentures relined?
Most dentures should be relined every 2–3 years, but if you notice looseness, discomfort, or sore spots, see your dentist sooner for a check and adjustment.
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How long does a denture relining last?
A soft denture reline lasts between one to two years, and a hard reline can last up to four years. Hard relines last longer than soft relines due to the different materials used.
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How do I know if my dentures need to be relined?
Signs include soreness, slipping, difficulty chewing, frequent denture adhesive use, or clicking sounds while speaking indicated that you need your dentures to be relined
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Is denture relining painful?
Denture relining itself is painless. You might feel mild pressure during the fitting process, but it should not cause pain.
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Can I eat normally after denture relining?
Yes, but it’s recommended to start with soft foods for a few days while your gums adjust to the new fit.
Dr. Anu Isaac, DMD, runs a successful dental practice in Salem, MA. Dr. Isaac strives for quality on a daily basis and this commitment to quality is reflected in her constant pursuit of advanced training. Her firm belief that even experts need to stay updated about what’s new in the dental field, enables her to provide every patient with optimal oral care. As the founder of Coral Dental Care, she is dedicated to creating healthy, beautiful smiles for her patients and also to educating dental and non-dental community with her engaging articles on all things related to oral health, recent dental innovations, and latest treatment modalities.