How To Reline Dentures

Do your dentures feel a little loose these days? Maybe they're clicking when you talk, or perhaps food is getting trapped underneath, causing discomfort. If so, you're not alone. Over time, the bone and tissue in your mouth naturally change, leading to a poor fit for your dentures. This isn't just a matter of comfort; ill-fitting dentures can cause irritation, sores, difficulty eating, and even affect your speech. Thankfully, a reline can often restore that snug, comfortable fit without the expense and hassle of a completely new set of dentures.

Relines fill the gaps between your denture base and your gums, providing a stable and comfortable fit. While a professional reline by a dentist is always recommended for the best results, understanding the process and exploring temporary DIY options can be helpful, especially in a pinch. Learning about denture relining can empower you to better care for your dentures and maintain your oral health.

What are the common questions about relining dentures?

How often should I reline my dentures?

Generally, dentures should be relined every 1 to 3 years. However, the specific frequency depends on how quickly your oral tissues change and the fit of your dentures.

The tissues in your mouth are constantly changing shape due to bone resorption (shrinkage), weight fluctuations, and other health factors. As these changes occur, the fit of your dentures loosens. If your dentures become loose, cause sore spots, or require excessive denture adhesive, it's likely time for a reline. Ignoring these signs can lead to discomfort, difficulty chewing, and even damage to your gums and underlying bone. Regular dental checkups are crucial to assess the fit of your dentures and determine when a reline is necessary. Your dentist can evaluate the stability of your dentures and the health of your oral tissues to advise you on the optimal relining schedule. Several factors can influence how often you need a reline. Individuals experiencing significant weight loss or gain may require more frequent relines. Similarly, people with certain medical conditions that affect bone density or gum tissue health might also need relines more often. Proper denture care, including daily cleaning and regular soaking, can help maintain their fit and potentially extend the time between relines. Remember, relining your dentures is an essential part of maintaining oral health and ensuring the comfortable and functional use of your dentures.

What materials are best for relining dentures at home?

For home denture relining, self-curing acrylic resins specifically formulated for denture relines are the best option. These kits typically come with a powder and liquid that, when mixed, create a paste that hardens to fill the gaps between the denture and gums. They offer a temporary solution to improve denture fit and comfort.

While numerous over-the-counter denture reline kits are available, it's important to understand their limitations. These kits provide only a temporary fix and should not be considered a substitute for a professional reline performed by a dentist or denturist. The materials used in these kits are often not as biocompatible or durable as those used by dental professionals and may not achieve the same level of precision in fit. Prolonged use of ill-fitting dentures, even with home relining, can lead to tissue irritation, bone loss, and other oral health problems. When selecting a home reline kit, look for products that are easy to use, have clear instructions, and are made from materials that are designed for intraoral use. Read reviews from other users to get an idea of the product's effectiveness and potential drawbacks. Be sure to follow the instructions carefully to minimize the risk of irritation or damage to your dentures. It is vital to remember that these are temporary solutions, and consulting a dentist for a professional reline or a more permanent solution is strongly recommended for optimal oral health and denture function.

What are the signs my dentures need relining?

The primary signs that your dentures need relining include a loose or shifting fit, discomfort or pain when wearing them (especially while chewing), increased difficulty speaking clearly, and visible gaps between the denture and your gums. These issues arise as the tissues in your mouth naturally change shape over time due to bone resorption and tissue remodeling, rendering your dentures less secure and effective.

As bone and gum tissues resorb, the base of your dentures that once fit snugly against the oral tissues begins to lose contact. This lack of intimate contact can cause the dentures to move around, creating sore spots and making it difficult to chew. You might find yourself using excessive denture adhesive to compensate for the looseness, but this is only a temporary fix and not a substitute for a proper reline. Left unaddressed, ill-fitting dentures can also lead to altered speech patterns and potential irritation or even infection of the gums. Furthermore, pay attention to any changes in your facial appearance. While subtle, sunken cheeks or a collapsed facial profile can indicate a loss of support from your dentures. This is a more gradual sign, but coupled with the other symptoms, it reinforces the need for a denture reline. Regular check-ups with your dentist are crucial to monitor the fit and stability of your dentures and determine the appropriate time for a reline or other necessary adjustments.

Can a dentist reline dentures if I have implants?

Yes, a dentist can reline dentures even if you have implants. In fact, it's often a necessary procedure to maintain a comfortable and functional fit, especially as the tissues in your mouth change over time.

Relines for implant-supported dentures differ slightly from relines for traditional dentures. For implant dentures, the reline process focuses on ensuring proper adaptation to the soft tissues surrounding the implants and the areas of the gums that support the denture. The dentist will assess the existing denture for areas of pressure or looseness, then use a special material to create an impression of your gums while the denture is in place. This impression captures the precise contours of your gums and allows the lab to add new acrylic to the denture base, ensuring a snug and even fit. This is crucial for optimal stability and function, minimizing the risk of discomfort or tissue irritation. There are two main types of denture relines: hard relines and soft relines. A hard reline uses a durable acrylic material, while a soft reline uses a more pliable material that can provide cushioning for sensitive gums. The dentist will determine which type of reline is best for your specific needs and oral condition. With implant dentures, it’s imperative to maintain proper connection between the denture and the implant abutments to prevent excessive loading. A reline can ensure this balance is maintained.

How does relining dentures improve fit and comfort?

Relines improve denture fit and comfort by filling the gaps that develop between the denture base and the changing tissues of your gums and bone. This creates a more stable and secure fit, reducing movement and friction that can cause sore spots, irritation, and difficulty chewing.

Over time, the bone and gum tissues in your mouth naturally shrink and reshape. This process, called resorption, means that your dentures, which were initially custom-fitted, no longer conform precisely to your oral anatomy. This can lead to several problems. Loose dentures can move around while you talk or eat, causing embarrassing clicks and slips. The movement also creates friction against the gums, resulting in painful pressure points and inflammation. Food can also become trapped underneath ill-fitting dentures, further contributing to irritation and hygiene issues. A reline addresses these issues by adding a new layer of material to the inner surface of the denture. This material conforms to the current contours of your gums, effectively re-establishing a close and accurate fit. This improved fit distributes biting forces more evenly across the supporting tissues, reducing pressure on specific areas. The result is a more comfortable and stable denture, making it easier to eat, speak, and smile with confidence.

What are the risks of relining dentures myself?

Relining dentures yourself carries significant risks, primarily due to the potential for inaccurate fit, material toxicity, and damage to the underlying oral tissues. Improperly fitted dentures can lead to discomfort, pain, difficulty chewing, accelerated bone loss, and even the development of sores or infections. Furthermore, over-the-counter relining kits often contain materials that are not biocompatible, potentially causing allergic reactions or other adverse health effects.

Attempting to reline dentures at home without professional expertise can result in several problematic outcomes. The relining material might not adhere correctly, creating gaps and uneven surfaces that harbor bacteria and contribute to bad breath or oral infections like thrush. More seriously, an ill-fitting denture can put undue pressure on specific areas of the gums and underlying bone, accelerating bone resorption and ultimately compromising the stability of the dentures in the long run. Bone loss is irreversible and can make future denture adjustments or even replacement more difficult and costly. Moreover, the materials used in DIY denture relining kits are often of lower quality than those used by dental professionals. They may contain harmful chemicals or not be adequately tested for biocompatibility, leading to irritation, allergic reactions, or even systemic health problems if absorbed into the body. Furthermore, without proper training, it's easy to misjudge the amount of relining material needed, resulting in either an overfilled or underfilled denture. Both scenarios can cause discomfort and functional problems. For example, an overfilled denture can impinge on the surrounding tissues, leading to painful sores and difficulty speaking.

What's the difference between a reline and a rebase?

The key difference between a reline and a rebase for dentures lies in what part of the denture is being addressed. A reline involves adding new acrylic material to the tissue-fitting surface of the existing denture base to improve its adaptation to the gums. A rebase, on the other hand, replaces the entire pink acrylic denture base with a new base, while keeping the existing teeth intact.

Relines are typically performed when the denture fits poorly due to gradual changes in the shape of the underlying gums and bone. These changes, known as resorption, are a natural consequence of tooth loss and can cause the denture to become loose or uncomfortable. A reline fills the space created by this resorption, restoring the denture's stability, retention, and support. There are two main types of relines: chairside (or temporary) relines, which use a soft material applied directly in the dentist's office, and laboratory relines, which use a more durable acrylic processed in a dental lab. Rebases are usually necessary when the denture base itself is damaged, weakened, or significantly compromised, but the teeth are still in good condition and properly positioned. This could be due to fractures, cracks, porosity of the acrylic, or simply age-related degradation of the material. A rebase essentially provides a brand new foundation for the existing denture teeth, ensuring a stronger and more stable prosthesis. While the appearance of the denture remains largely unchanged (since the teeth are the same), the fit and function are significantly improved. In essence, a rebase is a more extensive procedure than a reline.

And there you have it! Hopefully, this guide has given you the confidence to tackle that denture reline. Remember, patience and a steady hand are your best friends. Thanks for reading, and we hope to see you back here soon for more helpful tips and tricks!