How Often Should Your Denture Be Relined?

Denture wearers like yourself understand how important taking care of dentures is. Dentures that are properly looked after usually tend to last longer. However, dentures will eventually begin to slip out of place, change shape or the overall fit will feel off. When this happens, there is no need to panic. There are options available to get your dentures back to feeling like new. One of the most common solutions is denture reline.

About denture relines

A denture reline is a procedure often performed by a general dentist to help improve the fit of a denture. Oftentimes, the procedure is simple and can be done in the comfort of a dentist’s office. However, when denture damage is extensive and requires a larger repair, a general dentist may have to ship the denture off to a dental lab. When this happens, a dentist will also take impressions of a patient’s mouth. A prosthodontist will use those impressions to help with the relining work. Unfortunately, this also means a patient may be without their dentures for a day or two.

There are a few different reline procedures a dentist may recommend, including soft and rigid temporary relines. A temporary rigid reline uses a resin that hardens to a semi-soft material. It is resilient to wear and tear, though considered a temporary fix. Soft relines are also considered temporary. In fact, they are more like a Band-Aid fix than anything. The material used in a soft reline dries soft, is flimsy and acts more like a cushion between the damaged part of a denture and a wearer’s mouth.

Permanent relines are another option a general dentist may recommend. A permanent rigid reline is used by dentists to update dentures that no longer fit. As individuals age, the bone density in jaws decreases which causes gums to shrink and the overall facial structure to change shape. In a permanent soft reline, soft material is used to offer a sort of cushion for aged gums.

Reasons for a denture reline

There are several reasons a denture wearer may opt for a denture reline. In addition to dentures loosening over time, a reline may be necessary if a wearer drops their dentures and cracks the acrylic base. Extreme weight loss may also alter the shape of a person’s face. Wear and tear from regular use may also necessitate the need for a reline as well.

Because damage and wear and tear are inevitable, denture relines should be performed every few years. This frequency helps to ensure dentures are fitting properly and remain aligned with a wearer’s gums. When a denture is not relined this often, it may become loose and ill-fitting. One way for wearers to know when their dentures need to be relined is to keep up on regular dental visits.

Relines make dentures feel like new

If you have had your dentures for a while and never had a reline, you may be due for one. Denture relines are important because the procedure helps to restore a denture’s fit and makes dentures more comfortable to wear. There are temporary and permanent relines available, depending on your needs. If you are uncertain which type of relining is right for you, contact a general dentist.

Request an appointment here: https://www.dentistryforwoodstock.com or call Dentistry for Woodstock at (770) 238-1437 for an appointment in our Woodstock office.

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