The use of dentures provides a reliable solution for replacing missing teeth, restoring both function and appearance. These prosthetic devices are customized to fit the unique contours of a patient’s mouth, but the oral landscape is not static. Changes in the underlying bone and gum tissues occur naturally over time, meaning a denture that once fit perfectly will gradually become loose and unstable. Maintaining a proper fit is paramount for comfort and preserving the long-term health of the mouth.
What Denture Relining Is
Denture relining adjusts the fitting surface of the denture base to match the current shape of the gum tissues. It involves adding a new layer of material to the part of the appliance that rests on the gums, filling the gap created as the mouth changes. This process restores the snug fit and stability of the denture without requiring a complete replacement.
The procedure typically uses one of two materials, categorized as either a hard or a soft reline. A hard reline uses durable, acrylic-based material, similar to the original denture base, and is processed in a dental laboratory for a long-lasting adjustment. A soft reline uses a pliable, rubbery polymer or silicone material that remains flexible. This softer material provides a cushioning effect, often recommended for patients with chronically tender gums or those who have recently had teeth extracted.
The Standard Relining Schedule
For routine maintenance, a full denture should be relined every one to two years. This is necessary because the underlying jawbone, known as the alveolar ridge, continuously shrinks after natural teeth are lost. This gradual process, called resorption, occurs even if the patient feels comfortable and notices no immediate change in fit.
Preventative relining proactively accommodates these subtle changes in jaw structure. Adjusting the fit before significant looseness develops helps maintain the denture’s efficiency and protects the remaining bone. Delaying maintenance allows the gap between the denture and the gum tissue to widen, compromising stability and introducing potential problems. Though the exact timeline can vary based on individual bone loss rates, a professional assessment every year or two ensures the denture continues to function as intended.
Signs That Indicate an Urgent Need for Relining
Certain symptoms indicate an immediate need for a reline, regardless of the last maintenance date. A common sign is a noticeable increase in the use of denture adhesive to keep the appliance stable. If the denture begins to slip, click, or shift frequently while speaking or chewing, the loss of suction and stability is significant.
Other indicators show the appliance no longer conforms accurately to the gum contours, creating pressure points and compromising the seal.
- Chronic sore spots, redness, or lesions on the gums indicate the denture is rubbing or pressing unevenly on the tissue.
- Food debris consistently getting trapped beneath the denture base signifies a compromised seal that a reline is needed to correct.
- A sunken appearance around the mouth or a change in the way the jaw closes can signal a lack of proper facial support.
The Consequences of Avoiding Relining
Ignoring the need for a reline has consequences that extend beyond simple discomfort. An ill-fitting denture concentrates pressure onto specific areas of the jawbone, which significantly accelerates the rate of alveolar ridge resorption. This rapid loss of bone volume makes it increasingly difficult to achieve a stable fit in the future and may limit options for eventual replacement.
A loose denture creates a space where moisture and food particles accumulate, leading to chronic inflammation of the gum tissue, often called denture stomatitis. The uneven pressure can also cause persistent mouth sores and ulcers, which may increase the risk of fungal infections. Difficulty chewing due to instability can lead to the avoidance of certain foods, potentially resulting in poor nutrition. Over time, a poor fit affects the alignment of the bite, placing undue stress on the surrounding facial muscles and the temporomandibular joint.