A denture reline kit is a temporary, non-professional product designed to improve the fit of loose-fitting dentures by adding a new layer to the base. This process is necessary because the mouth changes naturally over time, leading to a poorer fit. The underlying jawbone undergoes a process called resorption, causing the gums and bony ridges to shrink. This shrinkage creates a gap between the denture base and the gum tissue, making the denture unstable and uncomfortable. A reline kit helps fill this void, restoring the snug fit and improving stability until a dental professional can perform a more permanent adjustment.
Understanding the Material Differences
The choice in a do-it-yourself (DIY) reline kit depends on the user’s specific need and the intended duration of the fix. DIY kits fall into two categories: soft/temporary and hard/permanent. Soft reline kits use flexible materials like silicone-based compounds or poly-ethyl methacrylate (PEMA) to provide a cushioned feel. These are suitable for people with sensitive or sore gum tissue, as the pliable material reduces irritation and allows inflamed tissue time to heal.
Soft relines are frequently recommended for individuals with newly placed immediate dentures following extractions, as the mouth contours change rapidly during the initial healing phase. While they offer superior comfort, their lifespan is shorter, typically lasting a few weeks to a few months before needing replacement or a professional reline. Silicone-based materials tend to retain their resiliency longer than PEMA counterparts.
Hard reline kits are often acrylic-based, using a rigid material similar to the original denture base for a firmer, longer-lasting solution. These materials are designed for simple looseness where the underlying tissue is healthy and not inflamed. The application requires more precision, and the rigid material may not be as forgiving on tender spots. Hard DIY relines are generally considered less effective than their professional, lab-processed counterparts.
Step-by-Step Application Guide
Successful application of a home reline kit relies on following the manufacturer’s directions precisely. The process begins with thoroughly cleaning the denture to ensure the reline material adheres properly to the acrylic base. This usually involves washing the denture with dish soap and completely drying it, sometimes using rubbing alcohol to remove any residue that could prevent bonding.
The next step involves preparing the reline mixture, which typically consists of a powder and a liquid combined in a mixing cup. The materials must be mixed quickly and precisely according to the kit’s instructions until a smooth, consistent texture is achieved. Some kits require applying a primer or bonding agent to the denture’s interior surface before adding the reline material to promote a strong seal.
Once mixed, the material is spread evenly onto the entire fitting surface of the clean, dry denture, covering all areas that contact the gum tissue. The denture is then immediately placed into the mouth and gently seated with a light biting pressure to allow the material to mold to the contours of the gums. This seating process is timed, as the material begins to set quickly, often within a minute or two.
The user must hold the denture in place, often for several minutes, allowing the material to fully cure. During this setting time, any excess material that oozes out around the edges is trimmed away using the tools provided in the kit. An improper or uneven application can result in sharp edges or an unbalanced bite.
Safety Warnings and When to See a Dentist
Reline kits offer a quick fix, but they are temporary solutions and carry risks if used improperly or for too long. The chemicals in the reline material, such as acrylic monomers, can cause chemical irritation or allergic reactions in the mouth’s sensitive soft tissues. Incorrect application can also create sharp edges on the denture, leading to painful sore spots, gum inflammation, or even bacterial infections.
Using a DIY kit can mask more serious underlying oral health problems, such as advanced bone loss or the need for a completely new denture. The materials in home kits are inferior to professional-grade materials and may cause the denture to fit unevenly, potentially damaging the appliance beyond repair. If the problem is a change in the bite alignment, a home reline will only exacerbate the issue, making chewing difficult and painful.
It is recommended to view these kits only as an emergency measure to restore comfort for a few days. If a denture becomes loose, causes pain, or the at-home reline does not solve the issue, a dental professional must be consulted immediately. A dentist or prosthodontist can provide a precise, customized reline that is more durable, or they can assess whether the underlying jaw structure requires a new appliance.