When a Denture Reline Is Recommended

Categories: Dentures and Partial Dentures

When a Denture Reline Is Recommended

A denture reline is a procedure that is performed to reshape the framework of dentures. The shape of your jaw and gums is constantly changing, so denture sets eventually stop fitting correctly over time. This makes wearing the dentures more uncomfortable, and it increases the risk of the framework irritating soft tissues in the mouth.

Dentures can also lose their fit due to damage caused by daily wear, bone tissue loss in the jaw, and changes in a person’s facial structures.

How to find out whether you need a denture reline

Some of the reasons why a dentist might recommend denture reline include:

Difficulty chewing food: Dentures are known for their poor stability even when they fit correctly. A set of dentures that is due for realignment can make chewing food a challenge. People who have a difficult time eating with their dentures should head to a dentist to have them relined
Infections, sores, and discomfort: Dentures not fitting a person’s mouth as they should lead to the hard parts of the framework rubbing against soft tissues like the cheeks and gums. This can lead to sores and cuts developing in the mouth and infection
Loose dentures: Dentures are designed to fit snugly in a person’s mouth. Some movement is expected, but dentures that constantly shift when worn might be a sign a reline is due
Dentures that have not been relined in over two years: Dentures should be relined every two years to keep up with the changes to the patient’s bone structures

The denture reline process

There are two main types of denture relines performed by dentists: hard and soft.

Hard reline

A hard reline should be performed on dentures every two years. This is often enough to prevent some of the issues discussed above. Here is what goes on during a hard reline:

The dentist removes parts of the plastic framework of the denture
A putty-like material is applied to areas where the denture makes contact with soft tissues in the mouth
An impression of the denture is made using the putty
The hardened putty is replaced by adding acrylic to the framework of the denture
The denture should fit the patient properly at this point
Once completed, the denture should fit your mouth snugly. The process provides a permanent fix for poorly aligned dentures that can last over a year

Soft reline

A soft reline might be recommended when a patient’s dentures are causing soft spots in their mouth. It helps to make dentures more comfortable with people dealing with bone tissue loss and new denture wearers.

A liquid polymer is applied to the oral prosthetic during the procedure to create more of a cushion for the patient’s soft tissues. The polymer is applied in layers and is kinder on gum tissues than the frameworks that often come with dentures.