Traditional dentures can provide years of reliable function and confident smiles. However, they will only live up to their potential if you take good care of them. Part of that involves getting regular denture relines. What exactly is a denture reline, how can you tell if you need one, and what can you expect during the relining process? This blog post provides some important information.
Do You Need a Denture Reline?
A denture reline is basically an adjustment for the gum-colored base of your denture. This service is done to ensure that the prosthetic continues to fit well for as long as possible. Relines are necessary because your gums and jawbone can shrink and change shape over time. Without periodic adjustments to your denture, those changes might reach the point where they prohibit you from wearing your prosthetic.
Here are some signs that it might be time for you to get your denture relined:
- It slips out of place more frequently than it used to.
- You are experiencing gum irritation or sores.
- You find that you need to use more and more adhesive to keep your denture on your gums.
For most people, a denture reline is necessary every 1 – 2 years.
The Denture Relining Process
There are two types of denture relines:
Soft Reline
During a soft reline, your dentist uses a soft silicone material to line the base of your denture. You can provide feedback on how the reline feels so your dental team can make any necessary adjustments. A soft reline is quick and comfortable, and it can usually be completed in a single appointment.
Hard Reline
As its name implies, a hard reline involves adding a harder material to the base of the denture. Your dentist will need to take impressions of your gums and may send your denture to a lab so they can complete the reline process. Hard relines tend to provide longer-lasting results than soft relines.
Which Type of Reline Is Best?
Your dentist can help you determine whether a soft or hard reline is best for you. Patients with sensitive gums, as well as those who are relatively new to wearing a denture, usually benefit most from soft relines. Others prefer hard relines because they want to minimize the number of trips they must make to visit their dentist.
Denture relining can keep your smile fitting well and functioning its best! Get in touch with your dentist if you suspect you need this service.
Meet the Practice
Dr. George Keanna is a holistic dentist with decades of experience in his field. He provides a range of denture services, including relines. If you are unhappy with the way your prosthetic fits or have other concerns about your oral health, he and our team would be pleased to assist you. Contact Natural Dental Services in Albuquerque at 505-292-8533.