It’s perfectly normal for small gaps to form between your dentures and your gums as the shape of your mouth changes after having dentures fitted. As minor as they may seem these small gaps are excellent at trapping food particles between your dentures and your gums and, over time, can expand to the point where your dentures become loose and uncomfortable.
Also known as denture realignment, denture relining is the process of adding a new lining to your dentures to fill these gaps and help your dentures fit better. In addition to filling gaps to prevent damage and unnecessary denture repairs, denture relining also ensures your dentures fit snugly and are comfortable to wear, making them an important part of denture maintenance.
When Do I Need a Denture Reline?
When you need denture relining or realignment depends on several factors, including how long you’ve been wearing dentures, bone loss, aging, and weight loss or gain. As a rule of thumb, full dentures should be relined every two years unless otherwise recommended by your denturist. You may also need denture relining every year if it’s your first time wearing dentures, especially if your gums swell or your dentures don’t fit right. Whatever the case may be, you should always follow your denturist’s recommended maintenance schedules and be sure to schedule regular checkups.
Types of Denture Relining
Denture relining can be split into two types: soft relining and hard relining. While both these types of relining essentially add a layer of material inside your denture, the procedure for each differs slightly.
Soft Denture Relining
Soft denture relining involves attaching a soft, pliable material to the denture that acts as a cushion between the denture and the gums. Soft denture relines generally last up to two years and are ideal for first-time denture wearers or those with sensitive gums and are typically used to ease discomfort while you’re getting used to your dentures.
Hard Denture Relining
Unlike soft relining, the first step in hard denture relining is to create an impression of your mouth. Next, the denturist sends this impression and your dentures to a lab to have them reprocessed to better fit the shape of your mouth, where a solid layer of acrylic will be added. Hard denture relines generally result in the most snug fit, but may not be suitable if your mouth hasn’t fully healed or adjusted to your dentures. Like soft denture relines, hard denture relines last up to two years.
Denture Relining in Calgary
Wondering whether you need denture relining? Contact Hillhurst Dental Clinic to find out more about our denture relining services and book your free consultation with a professional denturist today.
