A denture reline is a normal part of wearing dentures. Relines are needed to fix ill-fitting dentures. You experience bone loss when you wear dentures, and eventually, that will cause the dentures to fit poorly. The reline adjusts the shape of the dentures, so they fit once again. Most people need a reline every two years, although some only require a reline every three or four years. You can choose between hard and soft relines.
Hard and soft denture relines are similar. In both cases, the dentist removes some of the pink acrylic material and adds a putty to the places where the dentures meet the gums. The denture is placed in the mouth, and an impression is taken. Once the putty hardens, the dentist replaces it with the material for a hard or soft reline. The material used for the hard reline is similar to the pink acrylic used for traditional dentures. A soft polymer is used for the soft reline.
Hard relines are considered a permanent solution to ill-fitting dentures. The hard acrylic material lasts for two years or longer, so people are less likely to require adjustments. It does take longer to complete a hard reline. While some dentists fabricate the dentures in the office, many send the dentures off to a laboratory for a hard reline. People might have to wait for one to two weeks to get the dentures back if they are sent to a dental lab.
People who have trouble wearing dentures often opt for a soft reline. The soft polymer used to make the dentures more comfortable. The soft polymer cushions the gums, increasing comfort levels. Dentists can often fabricate the soft reline in the office while patients wait. A soft reline usually lasts for up to 18 months. Patients require another reline at the end of 18 months.
When looking at the differences between soft and hard relines, one cannot help but notice the kits available. A hard reline can only be completed by a dentist, but people can purchase a reline kit for soft relines. As tempting as that might be, it is not a good idea to use these kits. All relines should be completed by the dentist.
People who reline their dentures face a variety of problems. It is possible to misalign the bite when relining the dentures. It is also possible to damage the dentures beyond repair. If this happens, patients have to get new dentures. That is much more expensive than getting a soft reline at the dentist’s office.
If you are not sure which reline option is right for you, a general dentist can help. Your dentist will examine your bite and your mouth. You will discuss your issues with your dentures and then the dentist will help you make a decision. Next, your dentist will begin the denture reline.
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