Understanding the procedure of denture relines
With age, the shape of your mouth undergoes changes, which could be anything from receding or shrinking gums and bones to jaw alignment. As a result, your dentures would no longer have a snug fit. Denture Repairs and Denture Relines are needed to ensure your dentures fit properly in your mouth. Typically, dentures tend to last for about five years. Continuing to use them could make them fall out or move around in your mouth, which could cause cracks or breakage.
Additionally, using dentures that don’t fit properly could give rise to sores, gum ulcerations, and sometimes, even bone loss. All these make it important to seek denture relines before it’s too late. Irrespective of whether you use acrylic dentures, porcelain dentures, or those made of composite resin or acrylic resin, if you notice that your dentures no longer fit properly, opt for a denture reline quickly.
What does a denture reline include? A denture reline refers to the process of resurfacing of the sides of your denture that contacts your gums and the soft tissues within your mouth by using a more comfortable and softer material. Though the process may appear to be minor, it’s an important form of denture repair that ensures your dentures match the shape of your mouth for a secure and comfortable fit.
Among people who wear dentures, most prefer a soft reline as it offers optimum comfort. This is particularly true for those who have recently started using dentures and are still undergoing bone resorption at a fast rate. If you’re sensitive to the weight and feel of the denture on your gum tissue, you’re likely to prefer a soft reline.
To create a soft reline, your dentist will line the denture with soft, rubbery putty (or even liquid polymer) and position the denture correctly in your mouth. This would help the putty get imprinted with your mouth’s actual shape. Your dentist will then remove the putty and send it out to have a soft reline made.
Soft denture relines are pretty quick to make. Their only disadvantage is that they may need additional modification during subsequent visits due to their porous nature. Similar to a soft reline, the hard reline too reshapes the denture but the process uses a harder material to match the hardened denture base itself.
In many cases, the hard reline is sent to a lab to get some additional work done that will help prevent future complications. This way, you’ll have a denture reline that lasts longer. Typically, a hard reline will almost always go on to serve you for several years more than its softer counterpart.
You already know why you shouldn’t continue using ill-fitting dentures and why you should opt for a reline. As soon as your dentures start to prove troublesome, see your dentist to find out if denture relining is necessary. If your denture has developed a crack in it, a denture reline could be the recommended solution to repair it.
Having a denture reline on time may also help you save on the costly expenses of buying a brand new denture. However, always check with your dentist regarding what’s the best oral health solution for your mouth.