Dentures restore function and appearance following the loss of natural teeth, but they are not a permanent solution for the oral tissues they rest upon. Over time, many denture wearers notice their prosthetic becoming loose, causing instability and discomfort. Denture relining is the standard corrective procedure performed by a dental professional to address this issue, restoring the snug fit the denture had when it was first fabricated. This process involves adding new material to the surface of the denture that contacts the gums, ensuring a secure and comfortable fit.
Defining the Need: What a Denture Reline Accomplishes
A denture reline adds a layer of material to the tissue-fitting surface of the existing denture base, reshaping it to conform precisely to the mouth’s current contours. This combats the natural changes that occur in the jaw after tooth extraction, primarily alveolar bone resorption, which is the gradual shrinkage of the jaw ridge.
When the tooth root is no longer present to stimulate the jawbone, the bone tissue diminishes in volume. This bone loss alters the shape of the mouth, causing a physical mismatch between the rigid denture and the underlying soft tissue and bone. An ill-fitting denture that moves or slips due to this change can cause discomfort, irritation, and sore spots on the gums.
The relining procedure compensates for this reduction in the jaw structure, ensuring the denture base has full and even contact with the gums once more. Reshaping the base improves the stability of the prosthetic, enhancing the ability to speak and chew properly. Maintaining a secure fit is important because loose dentures can accelerate the rate of bone resorption due to increased friction and uneven pressure.
Comparing the Different Types of Relines
Denture relines are classified into three main types, distinguished by the material used and the intended purpose. The choice of reline depends on the condition of the patient’s oral tissues and the desired longevity of the correction.
Hard Reline
A hard reline uses a durable acrylic resin material, similar to the original pink base of the denture, to resurface the prosthetic. This is the longest-lasting solution for loose dentures, often providing a secure fit for two to five years. The rigid material offers superior stability, making it the standard choice for patients whose gums are healthy.
The process typically involves sending the denture to a dental laboratory where the new acrylic material is processed for a strong, long-term bond. While this provides a precise and durable correction, the patient may be without their denture for a day or two while the lab work is completed.
Soft Reline
A soft reline utilizes a flexible, rubbery polymer, such as medical-grade silicone, to create a cushioning layer between the denture and the gum tissue. This material is more pliable than hard acrylic and is recommended for individuals with chronic soreness, sensitive gums, or those new to wearing dentures. The pliable lining helps distribute chewing forces more evenly across the gum ridge.
Soft relines are generally quicker and can often be completed in a single office visit. However, the soft material is less durable and more porous than hard acrylic, meaning it needs replacement more frequently, typically every one to two years.
Temporary or Tissue Conditioning Reline
The third type is a temporary reline, also known as a tissue conditioning reline, which uses a medicated, ultra-soft material meant to last for only a few weeks. This short-term material is designed to soothe and allow irritated or inflamed gum tissue to heal before a permanent reline can be performed.
This procedure is used when a patient’s gums have become inflamed from wearing an ill-fitting denture for an extended period. The conditioning material provides a shock-absorbing effect, promoting recovery. Once the inflammation has resolved, the patient returns to receive a more permanent hard or soft reline.
The Patient Experience: Procedure, Duration, and Maintenance
The relining procedure begins with the dental professional examining the patient’s existing denture and oral tissues to determine the appropriate type of reline. For a permanent reline, the dentist cleans and lightly roughens the inner surface of the denture base to ensure the new material adheres properly. A soft, putty-like impression material is then applied to the fitting surface, and the patient is asked to seat the denture and bite down gently.
This action captures a precise impression of the current shape of the gum tissues. For soft relines performed in the office, the material is quickly cured, and the denture is returned to the patient in a single appointment. When a hard reline is chosen, the impression is sent to a dental laboratory, requiring the patient to be without their prosthetic for up to two days while the durable acrylic is processed and cured.
Denture relining is not a one-time fix, as jawbone changes are continuous. Most patients need a reline every one to two years to maintain optimal fit and comfort. Signs that indicate a new reline is required include the denture feeling noticeably loose, clicking noises while talking or eating, and the increased trapping of food particles underneath the base. Addressing these signs promptly prevents discomfort, painful sores, and accelerated bone loss.