When natural teeth are lost, dentures replace them, restoring function and appearance. However, the shape of the mouth changes over time, causing a once-perfectly-fitted denture to eventually become loose. Denture relining is a routine maintenance procedure designed to restore the snug, comfortable fit of the prosthesis, ensuring it continues to function effectively.
What Exactly Is Denture Relining
Denture relining is the process of resurfacing the tissue-bearing surface of the denture base with new material. This procedure improves contact between the denture and the underlying gums and jawbone, correcting minor discrepancies in fit. The process focuses solely on the base that rests on the soft tissues of the mouth, leaving the artificial teeth and the main structure completely intact.
The goal is to enhance stability, suction, and comfort by adapting the denture to the current contours of the mouth. Relining differs from a rebase, which involves replacing the entire acrylic base material while keeping the existing teeth. It is a simpler, less invasive way to extend the lifespan and functionality of an existing prosthetic.
Standard Frequency and Factors Affecting the Schedule
Dental professionals typically recommend a reline every one to two years for patients wearing full dentures. This standard schedule is preventative, based on the continuous process of alveolar bone resorption that occurs after tooth loss. Without the stimulation from natural tooth roots, the underlying jawbone slowly shrinks and changes shape, causing the gum ridge to recede.
This gradual alteration in oral anatomy is the primary reason the denture-to-tissue relationship deteriorates. The rate of bone loss varies significantly among individuals, directly influencing the relining frequency. Factors such as the age of the denture, overall oral health, or recent significant weight changes can alter facial and gum contours, necessitating an earlier adjustment to maintain a stable fit.
Recognizable Signs That Relining Is Needed
While regular checkups follow the standard maintenance schedule, a denture wearer may experience specific symptoms that indicate an immediate need for relining. One of the most common signs is denture looseness or instability, causing the prosthetic to slip or shift while speaking or eating. This often leads to an increased reliance on denture adhesives.
Ill-fitting dentures create friction and uneven pressure spots, frequently leading to chronic sore spots, irritation, or the development of small ulcers. Another sign is the consistent trapping of food debris underneath the denture base, which occurs when the seal breaks down. A noticeable change in how the upper and lower teeth meet (bite alignment) can also signal that the underlying bone structure has changed.
Understanding the Different Types of Relining
The choice of relining procedure depends on the condition of the oral tissues and the required longevity of the fit correction. A hard reline uses a durable, acrylic-based material to resurface the fit surface. This type is typically processed in a dental laboratory for a smooth, non-porous finish, offering the most stable and long-lasting correction, usually lasting for several years.
A soft reline involves applying a pliable, cushion-like material, such as a silicone-based polymer, to the denture base. This is often recommended for patients with sensitive gum tissue or those who experience frequent friction sores, as the material provides a gentler interface. While soft relines offer greater comfort, the material is less durable and generally needs to be replaced more frequently, often within one to two years.
A temporary reline, sometimes called a tissue conditioner, uses a medicated, soft material designed to help inflamed or tender gums heal. This procedure is generally performed following extractions or when a patient has severely irritated tissue from a long-term ill-fitting denture. The material is only meant to be a short-term solution, lasting a few weeks, before a final hard reline can be performed once the tissues have returned to a healthy state.