What is relining in denture repair?

The shape of your mouth and jawbone will naturally change overtime, preventing the dentures from fitting correctly as well as they used to. Denture relines are designed to help fit the dentures in your mouth better by adapting the fitting surface to accommodate changes to your mouth and gums. Relining dentures will allow them to fit well and feel more comfortable. The dentist may recommend you to reline the denture every two to three years. This process of relining of denture involves shaving the bottom of the denture and replacing it with plastic so that it will fit the gums properly. There are three types of relining procedures: hard, soft and temporary: 

Hard denture reline: Hard denture reline will enhance the support of your dentures. During this procedure the old plastic lining fitting surface of your denture will be replaced with a putty. After the putty is placed, it’ll become harder, helping it to mold to the gum line better. Once it is dried, it will be used to fabricate a new denture conforming to the shape of the patient’s mouth. 

Soft denture reline: For patients having sensitive and painful gums, hard dentures may cause discomfort and sore spots. A soft relining denture uses a soft and flexible material that makes the denture more comfortable to wear. This material can be better than plastic which will not create sore parts on the gums. 

Temporary denture reline: The gums can often become swollen due to the use of too many dentures. This is when a temporary denture relining procedure is done. This type of  denture relines repair is done before hard relining. The patient will need to wear the temporary reline for a few weeks until the gums are back to normal. These relining can also help reduce the amount of swelling. 

Why do you need to have your denture relined?

The shape of the mouth and jaw may change, requiring relining & rebasing of denture making. The main reason why patients need to have a relining is because the dentures feel uncomfortable and begin to cause pain or feeling as if they no longer fit properly. The denture may no longer fit properly over time due to water retention, weight loss, or weight gain. The denture may rub the gums causing an infection or regular wear and tear making it necessary to get relining of complete denture. It is crucial to have your dentures relined in order to ensure they stay hygienic and do not obscure any bacteria which could lead to an infection. Denture relining may also be needed due to the following reasons: 

• Swelling or pain in your gums because of ill fitted dentures 
• Unstable, uncomfortable or loose dentures 
• Difficulty while eating and speaking 
• You don’t want to get a total denture replacement, just an adjustment.
• Age and condition of the denture over time
• Infection in the area 
• Absorbing bone in the jaw 
• Water retention 
• Weight gain or loss
• Wear and tear of the denture