How Does Denture Relining Work?

Do your dentures not fit the way they used to? If you aren’t looking to have your dentures completely replaced, then the next best thing our dentists will recommend would be denture relining to have them comfortably fitted once again to your smile. Here’s a guide that will give you more information on the process:

The Process

The procedure for denture relining is quite a simple one, and it usually takes less than an hour to complete. To start your appointment, our dentist will carry out an assessment of your oral health to determine the level of irritation present. Your poorly fitted dentures may have already caused sores and inflammation. In this instance, we might recommend a temporary reline that will help your mouth heal first.

For permanent relines, the first step will be to have your dentures professionally cleaned. Your dentures will then be slightly sanded down in order to remove any material that is uncomfortably poking into your mouth. Once this is done, soft or hard relining resin (read below for more information) will be applied to your dentures. It will be placed back in your mouth and you will then have to bite down gently in order to make an impression in the resin. Once this hardens, your relining process is complete.

Hard denture reline

This is generally the recommended option for most individuals (except those with highly sensitive gums) as the results last longer. Hard relining resin is made out of acrylic (much like what your original dentures are made out of), and when using this material, your next relining appointment shouldn’t be for another 2 years (or possibly longer). It may also be necessary send your impression to a dental lab to ensure a perfect fit, in which case you will need a second appointment.

Soft denture reline

Soft reline is made out of silicone, making it a more comfortable choice for the base of your dentures. This option is best recommended for individuals who have particularly sensitive gums to help avoid future irritation, or to senior patients that suffer from receding or thin gums. The softer material means that you might need to make more frequent visits for relining, however (roughly every year).

It’s inevitable that your jaw will change its shape over the years but denture relining will help make sure your ability to talk, chew and bite remain uncompromised. And it’s less expensive than getting new dentures as well.

Think you may need to get your dentures refitted? Schedule an appointment with Wyndham Dental and we’ll handle the rest.