Denture relining restores the fit and comfort of a removable appliance by adjusting the surface that rests against the gum tissue. Over time, the shape of the jaw ridge changes due to bone resorption after tooth loss, causing dentures to become loose and unstable. Relining involves adding new material to the underside of the denture base to match the current contours of the mouth, ensuring a snug fit. While commercial kits allow for an at-home attempt, professional guidance is highly recommended for a safe and effective long-term solution.
Understanding DIY Denture Reline Kits
Do-it-yourself denture reline kits are widely available, typically containing a powder and liquid mixture, putty, or paste. The user applies this material, often a soft liner, to the denture base. It is designed to mold to the gums when the denture is placed back into the mouth under pressure. These materials generally provide a temporary cushion or an emergency fix until a proper dental appointment can be arranged.
These kits only offer soft reline material, which is not intended for long-term or structural support. The material fills the space created by gum shrinkage, temporarily improving stability and comfort. However, these products lack the medical-grade quality and precision necessary for a lasting fit. They often degrade quickly, requiring frequent reapplication, and cannot replace the durable materials used in a professional setting.
The Risks of Improper At-Home Reline
Attempting a reline at home carries significant risks due to the non-medical grade materials and lack of professional precision. A major concern is the potential for chemical burns or allergic reactions to the substances in the kit, which are not held to professional dental standards. These materials can also trap bacteria or yeast against the gum tissue, potentially leading to severe mouth infections like denture stomatitis.
Improper application can fundamentally compromise the function of the denture and the health of the jaw. If the reline material is applied unevenly, it can throw off the bite (occlusion), leading to uneven pressure distribution during chewing. This poor alignment can result in chronic jaw pain, headaches, and accelerate bone loss by concentrating stress in specific areas. A poorly executed reline may also damage the appliance beyond repair, necessitating a costly replacement.
When Professional Reline is Required
Professional relining procedures address underlying oral changes with precision, unlike the temporary fix offered by home kits. A dental professional accurately assesses the rate of bone resorption and the condition of the gum tissue before deciding on the appropriate procedure. They can perform a soft reline using specialized, pliable, silicone-based materials that provide a cushioning layer for patients with sensitive or irritated gums.
Alternatively, a professional may recommend a hard reline, a more permanent adjustment used when the jaw ridge has changed significantly. This process involves the dentist taking an accurate impression and sending the denture to a dental laboratory. The lab permanently bonds a new, rigid acrylic base to the appliance. This ensures the fit is stable, durable, and maintains the correct occlusal alignment, which is impossible to achieve accurately outside of a clinical setting.
Key Indicators That Your Dentures Need Adjustment
Several symptoms indicate that your dentures no longer fit properly and require professional adjustment or relining. The most common sign is a noticeable looseness or slipping of the appliance while talking or chewing, often accompanied by an increased need for denture adhesive. Loose dentures can also cause difficulty with clear speech, sometimes resulting in clicking or whistling sounds.
The development of painful sore spots, chronic irritation, or mouth sores on the gums signals that the appliance is rubbing or applying uneven pressure. Another indicator is the consistent trapping of food particles underneath the denture plate after eating. If you experience any of these issues, seeking an evaluation from a dental professional is the safest way to restore the comfort and function of your appliance.