An estimated 120 million people in the U.S. have one or more missing teeth. Of those missing all of their teeth, an estimated 15% have full dentures made for them each year. While full dentures are more comfortable, secure, and natural-looking nowadays, over time, changes in your gums and underlying bone may make a denture reline necessary. Here’s what that means and how you know if it’s time.

What is a denture reline?

When teeth are missing or extracted due to disease or poor oral health, the remaining jaw bone begins to change almost immediately. Bone begins to be absorbed into the body in a process called resorption. This resorption is a natural and predictable occurrence, but it can make previously well-fitted dentures begin to shift and feel unstable.

A denture reline is an easy way to add material to the part of the denture that comes into contact with the gums. This makes the denture fit and feel better when gums shift and change, either due to resorption or changes in the mouth over time.

Types of denture relining

The different types of denture relining were created to serve two distinct purposes. They include both soft and hard relines.

Soft reline denture

Generally speaking, a soft denture reline is best for patients who need dentures but cannot bear hard material in their mouth due to surgery or tenderness.

A soft denture reline is typically done when a person is receiving dentures immediately after oral surgery and is still in the recovery period. The soft reline material protects the surgical site and allows for a comfortable fit. This works as a partial denture reline, too, especially following a dental implant procedure that needs time to heal. Soft denture relining also works as a pressure bandage for patients who have bone surgery during their extraction but need a denture while they recover.

A soft denture reline can often be completed in your dentist’s office the same day you visit.

Hard denture reline

A hard denture reline takes place approximately every two years (or as determined by you and your dentist). These become necessary when the actual hard structure of your denture needs to be adjusted due to changes in your gums and jaw.

To do this, your dentist uses a temporary putty to mark the changes, and a new acrylic denture is created for better fit and comfort. This type of reline is usually only appropriate when the mouth is otherwise healthy and can withstand the hard acrylic material of the dentures.

While some dentists are able to do same-day hard denture reline, some may need a day or two to complete this process.

When do I need a denture reline?

Over time, dentures themselves can wear out. Just like teeth, dentures are susceptible to wear that includes cracks and fractures, worn chewing surfaces, and worn plates where the denture meets the gum.

Poor hygiene and care also reduces the lifespan of dentures. If dentures are left to dry out over night, they can warp. Harsh cleaning agents not recommended for dentures can reduce their lifespan as well.

Although poorly-fitting dentures may not be a problem immediately, over time the effects can begin to appear. If it’s time for a denture reline, you may experience one or more of the following:

  • Sores or irritation in your gums
  • Infection
  • A feeling of looseness
  • Dentures that frequently lose their grip

You may notice cracks or thin lines in the denture, and over time you might see visible warping. All of these are signs that it’s time for a denture reline.

Note that some denture wearers may try to reline their dentures at home. While this may work in an emergency situation, this should only be a temporary fix until you can visit your dentist.

An overview of a denture reline

The soft denture reline procedure typically takes less than an hour from start to finish. Your dentist will start by thoroughly cleaning your dentures. They’ll then remove some of the denture material where it contacts the gums.

Using a special resin applied to the denture, they will then press the denture back on the gum, making an impression. The resin hardens to the shape of the impression. This creates a tighter seal and more comfortable fit between the gum and the denture. This is sometimes referred to as a same-day reline, as it can be completed in the dentist’s office in one visit.

For a hard denture reline, the procedure is similar. However, acrylic is added to the impression to repair the hard acrylic base or to create a new base altogether. You will need a temporary restoration, too. This type of reline usually takes more than one day and is done outside of your dentist’s office.

How to care for dentures after a reline

You can extend the life of your dentures, new or relined, by caring for them properly. Here’s how:

  • Brush dentures twice a day with an approved denture cleanser
  • Store dentures in water overnight
  • Examine dentures weekly for bending, warping, or corrosion in any of the metal parts
  • Do a deep cleaning soak once a week

Regular dental checkups are also a crucial part of keeping your whole mouth healthy. Your dentist can help make sure your dentures fit comfortably. With proper care, most dentures can last between five and seven years.

If the base of your denture is unable to be relined, a procedure called rebasing is also possible. This means fabricating a completely new denture base (the acrylic part that contacts the gums). This can take a longer period of time, during which you’re usually given a set of temporary dentures.

If your dentures don’t fit as well as they should, it might be time for a denture reline. Get in touch with AZ Dentist to discuss all of your options!

Schedule Your Appointment