Denture Repair: What Is Denture Relining?

Removable dentures will require denture repair and maintenance at some point during their lifespan. Gradual changes to the wearer’s gums and jawbone is one reason that such adjustments are inevitable. A common adjustment that denture wearers typically need is denture relining. Here is why.

Denture repair and the need for denture relining

There are two main reasons that a set of dentures would need repairs. The first is damage that dentures sustain from a fall or some other mishap. The second is a bad fit.

A skilled dentist, denturist, or prosthodontist will make sure that their patient has dentures are both comfortable and functional. They do this by creating custom dentures that fit perfectly over their patient’s gums.

However, the lack of tooth roots in the jaw results in the gradual loss of bone mass. This has the effect of changing the shape of the jaw and the gums. So, even if a set of dentures remains in perfect condition, they will start to slip over time. This is where denture relining comes into play.

About denture relining

Relining a set of dentures is the process of adding a layer of acrylic to the inner surfaces of the dentures. These surfaces sit against the gums and must hug every contour of the dental ridge. There are different ways to resurface a set of dentures.

1. Soft/chairside relining

A dentist can do these adjustments while the patient waits in the office. They will use pliable material to change the inner surfaces of the base so they match the new shape of the gums and underlying bone.

Patients prefer soft denture relining because of the convenience of having their dentures refitted in a single dentist appointment. Most patients also find that the flexible material lining the denture is more comfortable because it has a little give.

2. Hard reline

Unless a dentist has an in-office dental lab, hard relining will take two dental appointments. First, the dentist will evaluate the fit of the dentures to rule out damage. Next, the dentist will put putty on the dentures and make the patient bite down on the putty.

The result is an impression or mold of the patient’s dental ridge. The dentist sends this impression to a dental lab or denturist, where the impression guides the resurfacing of the dentures.

3. Temporary reline

This helps a person who is new to dentures stay comfortable as they get used to their prosthodontics. A dentist will add a gelatinous substance (usually medicated) to the inner surfaces of the denture base. The gel typically contains antibiotics and pain medication. This helps the patient deal with the soreness that is typical of first-time dentures.

Signs that a person needs denture relining

Here is what a bad fit feels like:

• A bite that makes it hard to eat
• Emergent speech difficulties
• Slippage
• Pain
• Sore spots in the soft tissues of the mouth

These signs are hard to ignore because they drastically reduce quality of life. Patients with ill-fitting dentures should seek immediate denture relining and/or denture repair.

Dental relining ensures that dentures are comfortable

No one should have to wear uncomfortable dentures. The whole point of artificial teeth is to restore the look, feel, and function of the mouth. So, the moment that you feel like your dentures just do not sit right, get in touch with us. We would be happy to use our vast experience in denture repair and relining to fix your dentures.

Request an appointment here: https://www.smilesbydesignhuntsville.com or call Smiles by Design, PC at (256) 660-3233 for an appointment in our Huntsville office.

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