The structure of your mouth is always changing – especially if you are missing teeth. That’s why dentures fit perfectly when you first got them, but over time they have become less snug and maybe even slightly uncomfortable. Fortunately, this is anticipated and there is an easy fix: a denture reline. Continue reading to learn more about how denture relines work and what you can expect during the process.
What Is a Denture Reline?
When your teeth have fallen out or been extracted, the jawbone that was supporting them starts to change almost immediately. Bone begins to be absorbed by the body because it is no longer being stimulated via the tooth roots. This is a natural and predictable occurrence, but it can cause your dentures not to fit as well as they used to. A denture reline works by adding material to the part of the denture that comes into contact with the gums, making it fit and feel more comfortable again.
How to Know When It’s Time for a Reline
Ill-fitting dentures may not be an issue right away, but over time you will begin to notice some effects. Here are some common ones that indicate that you need your dentures to be relined:
- Sores and irritation of the gum tissue
- Infections in the mouth
- Dentures that feel loose
- Denture frequently losing their grip
- Cracks or thin lines in the denture
How Do Denture Relines Work?
There are two different types of denture relines. Here is how each of them works.
Soft Denture Reline
A soft denture reline is often preferred. This procedure is great for those who recently started using dentures and are experiencing rapid bone loss. The dentist uses a liquid polymer to add depth to the denture. Soft relines can be completed very quickly, as the patient doesn’t need to wait for the dentures to be returned from a laboratory. However, this method isn’t as long-lasting as its counterpart.
Hard Denture Reline
A hard denture reline uses more durable materials than a soft reline, but the basic process is the same. Hard relines often last longer than soft relines, but they often need to be completed in a dental laboratory, so they can take a little longer.
If your dentures just aren’t feeling as great as they used to, you should bring this up with your dentist. It may be time for you to get them relined. This way, you can get that snug, comfortable fit back!
About the Practice
At Bell Road Dental Care of Phoenix, we have a team of three skilled dentists serving patients in the Phoenix community. With their combined experience and expertise, patients can get pretty much anything they need under one roof. For more information or to schedule an appointment, visit our website or call (602) 404-3483.