If you already have dentures, you know they’re made to last many years, and although they’re made to be durable, you may just feel like they aren’t fitting as they used to.
What is a Reline?
A denture reline is something you do to combat changes to the shape of your mouth and wear and tear in the dentures. It’s a simple procedure that’s done to make sure your dentures last comfortably as things change.
Some of the reasons to get a reline include daily wear and tear to the dentures, bone and gum loss as you age, changes to the shape of your mouth, and accidental breakages that can happen over time.
There are two common types of adjustments:
Hard Reline
If you have full dentures, you may need a hard reline every two years, this is what helps your dentures fit well without whole new fittings included.
During this process the denturist removes plastic from your dentures, replacing it with a putty, you then use the putty and the denture to fit them to your mouth. Once the putty is hardened, it’s replaced by acrylic and this is what helps it fit more comfortably.
Soft Reline
Sometimes denture wearers can no longer comfortably wear their dentures as their gums are too tender, and this leads to a sore mouth. A soft reline is the best option in this case and in the case of new denture wearers and people who have bone reabsorption occurring.
When a soft reline is needed, a liquid polymer is put into the denture to add some more depth and cushioning, improving the wearer’s overall comfort levels.
How To Tell if You Need a Reline?
- Dentures should feel snug, comfortable, and not like they might fall out at any time.
- If you notice any pain, infections, or sores, it might be time for a change. In addition, any difficulty eating is a tell-tale sign.
- You should check how long it’s been since your last reline, if it’s been more than two years, it might be time.
- If your dentures feel loose, it’s best to hurry to the dentist.
Head to Complete Dentures
If you’re experiencing anything listed above, and you haven’t been to see your denturist in a while, it’s a good idea to make an appointment with Complete Dentures, your key to pain-free dentures!
