The structure of your mouth is constantly changing – especially if you are missing teeth. That’s why dentures fit perfectly when you first receive them, but after a few years, they become less snug and can even become uncomfortable. The good news is that this is anticipated and usually easy to correct with a denture reline. Continue reading to learn more about denture relines and what you can expect.
What Is a Denture Reline?
When your teeth are no longer present, the jawbone that was supporting them begins to change almost immediately. Bone starts to be absorbed by the body because it is no longer being stimulated through the tooth roots. This is a natural and predictable occurrence, but it causes your dentures not to fit as well as they used to. A denture reline works by adding material to the part of the denture that comes into contact with the gums making it fit and feel more comfortable again.
How to Know When It’s Time for a Reline
Ill-fitting dentures might not be an issue initially, but over time you will start to notice some effects. Here are some common ones that indicate that you need your dentures to be relined:
- Sores and irritation of the gum tissue
- Infections in the mouth
- Dentures that feel loose
- Dentures that frequently lose their grip
- Cracks or thin lines in the denture
How Do Dentures Relines Work?
There are two different types of denture relines. Here’s how each of them work.
Soft Denture Reline
A soft denture reline is often preferred. This procedure is ideal for people who recently started using dentures and are experiencing rapid bone loss. The dentist uses a liquid polymer to add depth to the denture. Soft relines can be completed quickly, as the patient doesn’t have to wait for the dentures to be returned from the dental lab. However, this method isn’t as long-lasting as its counterpart.
Hard Denture Reline
Hard denture relines use more durable materials than a soft reline, but the idea is the sane. Hard relines usually last longer than soft relines, but they need to be completed in the dental lab, so they take longer.
If your dentures aren’t fitting as good as they used to, you should. Bring this up with your dentist. It might be time for you to get a reline. This way, you can show off a smile that is beautiful and comfortable.
About the Author
At. Coombs, Ross & Sourlis Family Dentistry of Rock Hill, our three dentists work together to serve patients in the Rock Hill community. With their combined experience and expertise, patients can get pretty much anything they need under one roof. If your dentures don’t fit properly, they’d be happy to help. To learn more about denture relines or to schedule an appointment, visit our website or call (803) 592-6201.