Perhaps you’ve noticed your dentures are a little loose lately or that they’re causing discomfort to your gums. You may not even know that dentures require readjustment over time; this is your mouth’s way of showing you that, indeed, they do! Continue reading to learn more about denture reline and the clues that it may be time for you to visit your dentist.
What is a Denture Reline?
A denture reline is simply an adjustment to your dentures to keep them fitting correctly. Your dentist will add a soft or hard polymer to the inside surface of the device where it hugs your gums, creating a more secure fit and ensuring no disruption in your everyday functions like chewing and speaking.
Why Do I Need a Denture Reline?
There are a couple of reasons why it’s a necessary procedure:
- Like most devices, dentures endure wear and tear over time, potentially leading to things like cracks, chips, or loosening. Chewing surfaces can wear down, as can the plate where the denture fits on the gums.
- When you lose your teeth, the jawbone naturally shrinks and changes shape over time, necessitating a refitting of your dentures to keep them snug and working correctly.
Signs That It’s Time for a Reline
You may experience one or more of the following if it’s time to reline your dentures:
- Irritated or sore gums.
- Changes in your bite.
- Dentures feel loose or lose their grip.
- Cracks, thin lines, or warps in the denture.
In general, dentures should be relined every 1 to 2 years.
Types of Reline
- Soft reline: For patients with sensitive gums or who recently began wearing dentures, your dentist will likely recommend a soft reline. They will reshape the inside of the denture and apply a soft resin material before placing the denture in your mouth and having you bite down to mold to the shape of your gums. The material will then harden, creating a new, comfortable fit. The procedure can usually be done in less than an hour.
- Hard reline: The difference between a hard and soft reline is the material the dentist will use to adjust the denture. Typically, in a hard reline, acrylic is added to the impression to fix the hard acrylic base or to create a new base altogether. This process routinely takes more than one day and is done outside the dentist’s office, thus requiring a temporary set of dentures until your new ones are ready. In general, hard relines last longer than soft relines, requiring fewer adjustments.
Caring for Your Dentures After Relining
Maintaining your dentures properly after having them relined can lengthen their lifespan. Here are the best practices to ensure longevity:
- Brush your dentures twice a day with an approved denture cleanser.
- Store dentures in water overnight.
- Perform a deep cleaning soak once a week.
- Examine dentures weekly for warping, bending, or corrosion in any of the metal parts.
- Keep up with semi-annual checkups with your dentist – this can ensure small issues are spotted and addressed early.
Getting your dentures relined is an important part of their maintenance. Schedule your appointment once every year or two to have them refitted to safeguard their durability. Reach out if you’re having problems with your dentures’ fit or discomfort they may be causing you.
About the Practice
If you need a denture reline or are interested in getting dentures, the team at Crovatto & Edwards Family Dentistry is prepared to see to your needs. The practice has been serving Orange Park residents since 1983, not just by restoring smiles and confidence but through community involvement, including donations to the Wounded Warrior Project and free dental care to those in need as part of Donated Dental Services. To make your appointment for denture care or one of our other services, visit Crovatto & Edwards online or call their office at (904) 272-0800.