A denture reline, as the name suggests, is a readjustment of the base or lining of your dentures. This involves a dentist adding hard or soft material to your dentures to make them a more comfortable fit for your mouth. This guide aims to answer some of the most common answers about denture relining to help you understand the procedure and the reasons for it.
Do My Dentures Need Relining?
It's not unusual to need a denture reline as your gums and mouth change shape. You may notice signs that your dentures don't fit properly, such as slipping or shifting when you talk or eat. You might also just feel that your dentures don't fit well and that they are causing friction and discomfort. In that case, it's important to get them relined before they cause an ulcer or infection. Your dentist may also notice during a check-up that your dentures don't fit well anymore
What Is Hard and Soft Relining?
Your dentist may have mentioned hard and soft relining, but it can be difficult to understand the difference. The phrase actually refers to the material used in denture relining. Most people get a hard relining, which means that the lining is made of durable acrylic, which is the same material as your original denture base. This lasts longer and is suitable for most people. However, if your gums are very soft, thin, or sensitive, you might opt for a soft relining, which is done with malleable silicone. It won't last as long but is more comfortable. Your dentist will be able to advise you on the best option for you.
What Is the Denture Relining Process Like?
The first step is to speak to your dentist about your dentures, and they can decide whether to do a reline and what type. Sometimes small adjustments can be made during a check-up and don't take very long. If you're having a full reline, however, your dentist will take an impression of your mouth with putty and use that to make your new lining. Sometimes, they may need to send your dentures away to a lab to be worked on, which means you may be without them for a few days. However, denture relining can often simply be done in your dentist's office. When you get your dentures back, you'll need to try them out and see how they feel.
If your dentures feel uncomfortable or make it hard to eat, it might be time for a reline. Speak to your dentist about your options to make a decision.
Share6 September 2022
As a retired dentist, I work with charities which visit developing countries and educate children about dental care. It gives me great satisfaction to revisit these communities and see how proud the children are of their efforts. I am acutely aware that good dental hygiene can help prevent a range of serious conditions when these children become older. I started this blog because it greatly distresses me that many people in Australia do not seem to care for their teeth as much as children in these poor communities. This is happening despite ready access to items like toothbrushes and toothpaste which are luxuries in the places I visit. It is my hope that this blog encourages you not to take dental health for granted. My greatest wish is that you can be as inspired as the children I see in my charity work. Please read on and enjoy.
