Denture relining is the process of refitting the base of a denture to the ever-changing contours of the gum tissue and underlying jawbone. This constant change occurs because the bone naturally resorbs, or shrinks, after teeth are lost, causing dentures to loosen over time. Home reline kits offer a temporary, self-applied solution by adding a new layer of material to the denture’s fitting surface. While they can quickly improve comfort and stability, these kits are intended as a short-term measure until a professional dental adjustment can be performed. They address immediate looseness but do not resolve underlying structural changes.
Understanding Reline Kit Materials
Home reline materials generally fall into two categories: soft and hard. Soft reline materials are typically made from silicone or a rubber-based polymer, providing a cushioned, pliable layer between the hard acrylic denture and the sensitive gum tissue. This type is preferred by those with chronic sore spots or recently extracted teeth, as the material acts as a shock absorber. However, soft materials are less durable and may require replacement every few months due to their porous nature.
Hard reline materials are acrylic-based, similar to the original denture material, and offer a more rigid and stable fit. They aim to provide better longevity and stability, creating a more permanent bond with the denture base. The drawback is that hard relines demand greater precision during application; if incorrectly seated, they can create pressure points that lead to severe gum irritation. Some temporary kits also exist, which use a pliable material designed to last only a few weeks while waiting for a professional appointment.
Step-by-Step Application Guide
Successfully applying a home reline kit begins with meticulous preparation of the denture. The appliance must be thoroughly cleaned and dried to ensure the new material adheres correctly; residues from adhesives or food debris will compromise the bond. Many kits require the user to mix a liquid activator with a powder material until a specific consistency, such as a thick paste or honey-like liquid, is achieved. Chilling the components before mixing can slow the setting time, giving the user more time to work.
Once mixed, the material is quickly and evenly spread over the entire fitting surface of the denture, avoiding the outer edges. The user then moistens their mouth and seats the denture firmly onto the gums, using a biting action to ensure the material molds precisely to the oral contours. The user must hold the denture in place for a specified setting time, generally ranging from three to six minutes. After the material has cured, the denture is removed, and any excess material must be carefully trimmed with small scissors or a trimming tool included in the kit. A smooth finish on these edges is crucial to prevent irritation and sores.
Key Selection Factors for Choosing a Kit
Choosing a high-quality reline kit involves assessing several product quality metrics beyond the basic material type. Compliance and registration with health authorities, such as the FDA, assure that the materials are safe for oral use. The ease of use, particularly the mixing process and post-setting trimming, significantly impacts the quality of the final fit achieved at home. Kits with pre-measured components or a paste consistency may simplify application for first-time users.
Longevity claims offer a general expectation, with some soft silicone kits suggesting a duration of several months, while others are intended for just a few weeks. The kit’s bonding agent, or primer, is a factor, as it determines the adhesion strength between the reline material and the denture base. Consumers should also investigate reports of taste or smell, as some lower-quality acrylic products can off-gas unpleasant odors or leave a foul taste. Established brands with positive user feedback regarding comfort and durability tend to be the most reliable choice for a temporary fix.
When to Stop Using Home Kits
Although home reline kits can provide immediate comfort, clear signs indicate when professional dental intervention is necessary. Users must stop using the kits immediately if they experience persistent pain, mouth sores, or severe inflammation of the gum tissue. These symptoms suggest the reline has created uneven pressure distribution or that an underlying oral health issue, such as a fungal infection, is present. Home relining can inadvertently alter the occlusion, or bite alignment; if the teeth no longer meet comfortably, a dentist must be consulted to prevent potential jaw joint problems.
Home kits address only the surface fit, not deeper structural problems like advanced bone resorption or a cracked denture base. If the denture remains loose or requires constant re-application of the material, it indicates the denture needs professional adjustment, a laboratory reline, or replacement. Continuing to use home kits under these circumstances risks further damage to the mouth and the denture. These products are only a temporary measure until a comprehensive oral health assessment can take place.