A soft reline is a temporary, pliable polymer liner applied to the fitting surface of a denture base, typically composed of acrylic resin. This resilient material acts as a cushion between the rigid denture and the gums, improving comfort and fit while underlying tissues heal or change shape. Over time, these liners can harden, stain, or lose flexibility, requiring removal before a dental professional applies a new liner or permanent material. These instructions provide a step-by-step method for removing the soft reline at home, though professional intervention is always the safest option.
Preparation and Necessary Supplies
Preparation requires gathering simple items and establishing a secure workspace to minimize the risk of damaging the prosthetic. You will need a clean basin, a soft towel, mild dish soap, a soft-bristled denture brush, and a suitable tool for gentle scraping. Begin by thoroughly cleaning the denture with the brush and mild soap to remove any food debris or plaque. The work area should be well-lit, and placing a soft towel inside the basin or sink is an important precaution. This cushioning layer protects the acrylic denture from breaking if it slips.
Softening the Material Using Heat
The initial step involves using controlled heat to soften the polymer material, making it pliable for peeling. Immersing the denture in warm water causes the soft reline material (often silicone or plasticized acrylic) to become more elastic. The temperature must be warmer than tap water but not boiling, as excessive heat can permanently distort the rigid acrylic base of the denture.
A temperature range between 140°F and 160°F (60°C to 71°C) is effective for softening the polymer without causing damage. Soak the denture for several minutes, allowing the heat to penetrate the material and weaken its bond with the denture surface.
Immediately following the soak, test a small edge of the material to see if it begins to lift. While the polymer is still warm, it is most flexible, allowing it to be gently pulled away in larger pieces. This peeling process is most successful along the thinner edges of the liner, where the bond strength is weakest.
This thermal application is primarily a preparatory step designed to remove the bulk of the material, but it seldom removes all traces. Stubborn areas, especially where the material has integrated with the acrylic, will require subsequent manual attention. If the material cools and becomes rigid, a brief re-soak in the warm water will restore pliability.
Manual Removal Techniques and Scraping
Residual soft reline material adhering to the denture base after heat-softening must be addressed with careful, controlled scraping. This remaining layer requires patience because the polymer compound may be thinly spread and difficult to lift. The primary concern is avoiding scratching or gouging the underlying denture base, which could compromise the fit or harbor bacteria.
Appropriate tools for this delicate work include specialized plastic dental scraping instruments, the edge of a plastic knife, or a strong fingernail, all of which are softer than the acrylic resin. If using a metal tool, such as a dull kitchen knife, proceed with extreme caution, keeping the edge parallel to the denture surface to prevent deep abrasions. The scraping motion must be light, steady, and directed away from the denture border.
The material can sometimes be removed by repeatedly rubbing the area with gauze soaked in warm water to maintain pliability. This gentle friction helps lift the material without the scratching risk associated with harder instruments. For challenging spots, several short soaking and scraping cycles are preferable to a single, aggressive attempt.
The soft reline polymer may come off in small, stringy pieces or fine residue rather than large flakes. Meticulous attention is required to ensure no film or small particles are left behind, as even a thin layer of remaining material can affect the fit of a subsequent reline.
Post-Removal Cleaning and Inspection
Once the soft reline material is completely removed, the denture must undergo a thorough final cleaning. Use a soft-bristled brush and mild soap to scrub the denture base, focusing on the areas where the reline was attached. This eliminates any particulate matter, adhesive residue, or soap film clinging to the acrylic.
After rinsing the denture under cool running water, a detailed visual inspection is mandatory. Examine the entire fitting surface under bright light for signs of remaining soft material, which often appears as a dull or tacky patch compared to the smooth acrylic. Running a finger across the surface helps detect unevenness.
Concurrently, inspect the acrylic base for accidental damage, such as scratches or stress cracks, that may have occurred during scraping. Even minor imperfections can irritate the gum tissue or compromise the prosthetic’s structural integrity. If the denture feels rough or uncomfortable, stop using the device.
If the at-home removal was unsuccessful or if inspection reveals deep scratches or structural issues, schedule an appointment with a dental professional immediately. They can safely remove residual material using specialized tools and repair the denture base before a new reline procedure.