Denture relines: Why do you need them?

If you own removable dentures, then you may need to get a denture to reline over time. A denture relining is a straightforward procedure that includes adjusting an existing denture so that it rests more snugly and securely on the wearer’s gums. There are various types of relining available including soft reline denture and hard reline denture. Denture reline  helps to restore the comfort and stability of your denture. With a secure and tighter fit, there will also be less chance of food particles getting stuck under your denture which means you can also protect your gum health. Your dentist can perform a relining to secure your dentures without having to replace the whole set. Since each individual’s mouth is different the time period for every person to get reline may vary. Your first denture reline can also help to reduce the risk of creaking and cracking of the denture caused by heavy chewing or biting. There are various reasons why your dentures get loose or feel uncomfortable over time including: 

• One of the common reasons why your dentures get loose is due to age resorption that can occur as a part of the aging process or a jawbone loss. 
• Bone shrinkage can be another reason that you may need to get your dentures relined. Your mouth shape can change over time. 
• Accidental breakage of your dentures due to various reasons. 
• Water retention. 

Benefits of denture reline 

Here are some of the benefits of having your dentures relined: 

• Having your dentures relined can resolve several issues including sores, gum irritation, and general discomfort. 
• Denture relining makes it easier to chew foods and can also resolve lisps, slurs, or other speech difficulties which can be caused by improper denture fit. 
• Denture reline cost is much more affordable compared to a whole new set of dentures.
• Relining your denture is a great way to update your old set of dentures as the shape of your mouth can change over time. 

Procedure for getting a denture relined 

Denture reline process  is typically a simple and quick treatment procedure that can be finished in less than an hour. Firstly, your dentist will examine your mouth to assess the level of severity that is present. If there is the presence of soreness and swelling caused by the improperly fitted dentures, then your dentist may recommend you get temporary reline while your mouth heals and advise you to return later for permanent reline. Before beginning the process of permanently relining your dentures, your dentist will first clean them and then sand down a little portion of the material that is on the denture plate. Once the material is removed from the areas that are causing uncomfortable pain and contact with your mouth, your dentist will place a soft or hard relining resin on the dentures. The dentures are then placed back inside your mouth and bitten down gently to create an impression in the resin. The relining procedure is finished once the resin hardens.