Dentures provide a functional replacement for natural teeth, helping individuals regain oral function and a confident smile. However, natural changes in the mouth often require adjustments to maintain their fit. Regular maintenance ensures continued comfort and effectiveness of the dentures.
Why Dentures Need Adjustment
Dentures can lose their precise fit due to ongoing changes in the oral anatomy. A primary reason is bone resorption, where the jawbone beneath the gums gradually shrinks after tooth loss, as it no longer receives stimulation from tooth roots.
Gum tissues also change over time due to age, medical conditions, or lifestyle. These changes impact the denture’s fit, leading to discomfort, instability, or sore spots. An ill-fitting denture can create pressure points, which may result in irritation or ulcers.
Understanding a Soft Reline
A soft reline involves adding a new layer of soft, pliable material to the inside surface of an existing denture. This material, often a silicone-based product or poly-ethyl methacrylate (PEMA), acts as a cushion between the denture base and the oral tissues. The primary purpose of a soft reline is to improve the denture’s contact with the gums, enhancing stability, suction, and chewing ability.
Soft relines are particularly suitable for patients with tender gums, recurrent sore spots, or a significantly resorbed or sharp jawbone ridge. They also serve as a temporary measure for immediate dentures after tooth extractions or oral surgery, allowing tissues to heal while providing cushioning. The forgiving nature of the soft material reduces pressure on sensitive areas, making denture wear more comfortable.
The Soft Reline Process
The procedure for a soft reline begins with a dental professional assessing the denture’s fit and identifying areas causing irritation. If mouth sores are present, a temporary reline may be used first to allow the tissues to heal before the permanent soft reline is applied. The dentist prepares the denture by cleaning it and often roughening the tissue-contacting surface to promote better adhesion of the new material.
A bonding agent or primer is then applied to the prepared denture surface. Next, the soft reline material is dispensed onto the inside of the denture. The denture is then carefully placed into the patient’s mouth, and the patient may be asked to bite down gently to help the material conform to the gum contours. After the material sets, typically in a few minutes, any excess material is trimmed and the denture is polished. This process can often be completed in a single dental visit.
Maintaining Soft Relined Dentures
Proper care of soft relined dentures is important to ensure their longevity and maintain oral hygiene. Soft reline materials are more porous than the hard acrylic of the denture base, requiring specific cleaning methods. It is recommended to rinse the reline under cool running water and gently brush it with a soft-bristled brush.
Avoid using abrasive products like regular toothpaste, which can damage the soft material. Most manufacturers advise against soaking soft relined dentures overnight in effervescent denture cleansers, as these can cause the material to harden or become brittle over time. If the denture is removed from the mouth, it should be stored in plain water to prevent the soft lining from drying out and potentially warping. Soft relines are not a permanent solution and typically last between one to two years, though some may last longer depending on the material and patient habits. Regular dental check-ups are important to monitor the fit and condition of the reline and determine when replacement or reapplication is necessary.