If your dentures are uncomfortable or constantly slipping, you might not have to change them. Relines are a cheaper solution that can help you go longer between dentures. Read to learn more about relines, the different types, their benefits, and when you might need them.
What Is A Denture Reline?
Tooth loss causes changes in your jawbone. Although slow and progressive, these changes might eventually result in ill-fitted dentures, causing irritation and sores.
If your dentures do not fit as well as they used to, it might be time to consider a reline. To improve the fit, your dentist will add material to your dentures. It will make them more comfortable and prevent slipping.
Also Read: Denture Care: 8 Easy Tips
When Do You Need to Have Dentures Relined?
Most dentures fit well for only five years. After this, they often need to get adjusted. It might be time for a reline if:
- Your dentures are slipping and causing difficulty eating or talking.
- You have sore and irritated gums due to the friction caused by ill-fitted dentures.
- Your dentures are uncomfortable.
- You have a fungal infection in the mouth. One of the causes for this is constant irritation due to slipping dentures.
- You had your dentures relined more than two years ago.
Also Read: Dentures: Your New Artificial Teeth
Types of Denture Relining
Soft Relining
Soft relines are made with a medical-grade soft polymer material. Dentists apply it on your dentures, on the side facing your gums. Since the material is soft and flexible, it acts as a cushion. It absorbs the shock to your gums when eating or talking. Therefore, the dentures will fit you better and be more comfortable.
Patients and dentists alike often prefer the soft reline option. One of the reasons why is comfort. Those with sores or irritated gums benefit from a soft reline due to its ability to absorb shocks.
Soft linings are also more comfortable because they are made from a porous material instead of hard acrylic.
One of the disadvantages of choosing a soft liner is frequent adjustments. Polymer is not as durable as acrylic, and you need to replace it more often.
Hard Relining
The first step is to remove the acrylic from under your dentures. Then, an impression of your mouth is made. When you bite down on the impression material, it will harden in the shape of your gums. Finally, the impression is removed and replaced with acrylic.
The result is a new acrylic impression with a better fit on your gums.
Although a hard reline fixes slipping issues, it might not be the best option for everyone. Those with painful gums might not get adequate relief with a hard reline. Also, they are not as comfortable, and some find them bothersome.
Which Denture Reline Is Right for You?
You can work with your dentist to figure out which reline is best for you. Generally, people with sensitive gums or chronic soreness prefer soft ones. Soft relines are also better for patients with thin gums or advanced gum recession.
The time between relines is another factor to consider. Hard relines do not need to be adjusted as often as soft ones. Therefore, it might be a better option for those who do not want to visit their dentist frequently.
Benefits of Denture Relining
There are many reasons to get your dentures relined:
- Research shows that relines can save you money. When people have issues with their dentures, they often get new ones. Relines can fix many of those issues cheaper than new dentures.
- They can improve sore and irritated gums. They can also make your dentures more comfortable.
- Relines improve the fit of your dentures. They prevent slipping, making it easier to chew and talk.
The Cost of Denture Relines
The average cost for relining dentures is between $300 and $500. The final price depends on a few factors. The first is the type of relines you get (soft vs. hard). The second one is the type of denture you have, meaning do you have full or partial dentures? Finally, each dentist can set their price for relining, so prices may vary.
Considering that dentures can cost anywhere from $1,000 to $8,000, relines are the cheaper option.
FAQ
In most cases, it will take between 30 minutes and an hour to get your relines done. It is a quick procedure, and you can take your dentures home the same day. If you choose a hard reline, it might take a little longer. Replacing the rubbery impression with the acrylic reline requires some skills. Your dentist might not be comfortable doing it. They will send your dentures to a specialized dental lab if this is the case. You will get your dentures back after a few days.
You cannot get one set of dentures and reline them for the rest of your life. Indeed, dentures cannot last a lifetime. Even the best quality ones must be replaced every seven to ten years. If you’ve had the same dentures for a while, ask your dentist if relining is still appropriate. They might tell you it is fine or that you need to replace them entirely.
It depends on the type you have. Soft relines usually need to be replaced every one or two years. Hard ones are more durable and can last four to five years.
Final Word
Relines are a great alternative to replacing your dentures. Soft relines are better for those with sensitive gums. Hard relines are not as comfortable but last longer. Discuss with your dentist to know which option is best for you!
Sources
- J Indian Prosthodont Soc. 2018 Apr-Jun; 18(2): 174–180.
- Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(18), 9491
- J Prosthet Dent 1973;30:521-6
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