A denture reline is a common procedure to restore the fit and comfort of a removable dental prosthetic. The process involves resurfacing the inner portion of the denture, the part that rests directly on the gums, to better conform to the current contours of the mouth. While dentures are durable, the underlying oral structures change over time, making this maintenance important for long-term function and health. A successful reline extends the life of the existing denture and prevents the discomfort associated with a loose fit.
Why Dentures Lose Their Fit
The primary reason dentures begin to feel loose is the ongoing biological process known as alveolar bone resorption. This is the gradual shrinkage of the jawbone ridge that naturally occurs after teeth are extracted because the bone is no longer receiving stimulation during chewing. The jawbone loses volume and height, causing the shape of the mouth to change while the rigid denture remains the same size. This loss of support creates a widening gap between the denture base and the gum tissue, reducing stability and suction.
The rate of bone loss is fastest in the first year following tooth loss, but it continues slowly throughout life. Factors that can accelerate this process include systemic conditions like osteoporosis, poor nutrition, or excessive pressure from a poorly fitting denture. Weight fluctuations, aging, and certain medications can also alter facial and oral tissues, further affecting the prosthetic’s precise fit. When the fit is compromised, the denture may slip, cause painful sore spots, or lead to difficulty with speaking and eating.
Understanding the Types of Reline Procedures
Professional relining is categorized by the material used, offering either a long-term or a temporary solution. The hard reline is the most durable option, utilizing an acrylic resin similar to the original denture base material. This material provides a secure and stable fit that typically lasts for two or more years, making it the standard choice for patients with healthy gum tissue. Due to its rigidity, hard relines often require a dental laboratory process for the most accurate result.
Alternatively, a soft reline uses a pliable, cushion-like material, often a silicone-based polymer, applied to the tissue-contacting surface of the denture. This option is recommended for patients who have sensitive gums, chronic sore spots, or thin gum tissue that needs a gentler interface. Soft relines provide immediate comfort and are often used as a therapeutic measure during the healing phase after an extraction, before a permanent fit is achieved. However, the soft material is less durable, generally lasting only 12 to 18 months before needing replacement.
Relining procedures are also distinguished by where they are performed: chairside or in a laboratory. A chairside reline is done in the dental office, often using a self-curing material that allows the patient to receive their refitted denture in a single appointment. A laboratory reline, or indirect reline, involves taking an impression and sending the denture to a dental lab, where technicians use heat-cured acrylic for a stronger, more accurate, and longer-lasting result. While the laboratory method requires the patient to be without their denture for a day or more, the final product is superior in quality and longevity.
The Professional Reline Process Step-by-Step
A professional reline begins with an examination of the patient’s mouth and the denture to assess the cause of the poor fit and check for underlying oral health issues. If the gums are inflamed or have significant sores, a dentist may first recommend a temporary soft reline to allow the tissue to heal before proceeding with a permanent solution. Once the mouth is ready, the denture is cleaned, and the professional may slightly adjust or buff away some of the existing acrylic from the inner surface.
A wash material, a specialized impression putty, is then applied evenly across the inner surface of the denture. The patient gently bites down and holds the position for several minutes to create a precise mold of the current gum and jaw ridge contours. This technique, called border molding, ensures the newly added material captures the exact anatomy for optimal stability and suction.
For a hard laboratory reline, the impression-filled denture is sent to a specialized dental laboratory. Technicians replace the impression material with a heat-cured, hard acrylic resin, providing maximum strength and a smooth finish. The denture is returned to the office for final fitting, typically within a few days. For a chairside reline, the material is cured directly in the office, and once hardened, any excess is trimmed and polished. The final step involves the dentist checking the patient’s bite and making minor adjustments to ensure the denture sits securely.
Addressing At-Home Reline Kits
Over-the-counter denture reline kits may seem like a convenient alternative to professional care, but they carry significant risks to oral health and the prosthetic. These kits use inferior materials that are not customized to the unique contours of the mouth, often resulting in an uneven and inaccurate fit. Improper application can create sharp edges or pressure points that irritate the gum tissue, leading to painful sores, inflammation, and potential infection.
The materials in these DIY kits typically break down quickly and are only a short-term fix, requiring frequent reapplication that can damage the acrylic base and shorten the denture’s lifespan. Attempting a home reline bypasses a professional assessment, which is designed to spot underlying issues like advanced bone loss, gum disease, or oral lesions. Professional dental evaluation is necessary to diagnose the actual cause of the poor fit and ensure the most appropriate long-term solution is provided.