How Does a Denture Reline Work?

Dentures are a life-changing tooth replacement option for people who are missing several, most of, or all of their teeth. All dentures are customized to fit your unique smile. At first, your prosthetic should be snug and comfortable. However, your mouth continues to change over time, so a reline a necessary every couple of years to keep it the right shape and size for you. Continue reading to learn more about how this process works.

What Is a Denture Reline?

If this is your first set of dentures, you may be wondering what exactly a reline does. First, it’s important to understand that when teeth are missing, the jawbone begins to change almost immediately. The bone is reabsorbed by the body because it is no longer being stimulated by the roots of the missing teeth. This is a natural, predictable occurrence, but it can cause your dentures not to fit properly after a couple of years of wear. A denture reline consists of adding material to the base of the denture to make it fit and feel better as the jaw and gums change.

The Denture Reline Procedure

A typical denture reline usually takes between 30 minutes to an hour. During this procedure, your dentist will clean your denture before removing a small amount of material from the base that rests on your gum tissue. Your dentist will then apply resin to the inside of the dentures and place the denture back onto your gums. This will create a new impression. As the resin hardens, it tightens, creating a better seal on your gums.

Signs That You Need a Denture Reline

Even the best-fitting dentures will need a reline eventually. If you notice any changes to your smile, or something becomes uncomfortable, it could be time for your dentures to be relined. Here are some of the signs that you should always be on the lookout for as a denture-wearer:

• Prolonged discomfort, sores, and infections
• Difficulty chewing your food
• Loose dentures
• Dentures that make a clicking or popping sound when chewing
• It’s been more than 2 years since your last reline.

Even if you don’t have any healthy teeth remaining in your mouth, it’s still important that you continue to see your dentist for checkups a couple of times a year. They will be on the lookout for changes in your mouth that could indicate that your dentures aren’t fitting properly and for more serious issues, like oral cancer. By staying on top of your visits, you can keep your dentures and the rest of your oral cavity in good shape.

About the Practice

At Rubal Dentistry Azle, Dr. Frank Rubal and Dr. Jodie Rubal work together to serve the Azle community. With their combined experience and expertise, patients can get pretty much anything they need under one roof. For more information or to schedule an appointment, visit their website or call (817) 444-2585.