If you’re a denture wearer, and your dentures have begun to fit less comfortably than in the past, you may wish to consider having them relined. Denture relining is a simple and affordable procedure that reshapes the underside of a denture to make it more comfortable as it rests against your gums. Relines are referred to as “soft” or “hard,” and can be completed either at the office, or in a lab. Both have advantages and disadvantages, so let’s take a look at the specifics to find a solution that might be good for you.
When a tooth is extracted from its place within the alveolar bone tissue that houses it, the tissue undergoes what is known as resorption, or a “breakdown” at the cellular level that takes its component materials and disperses them elsewhere throughout the body. In layman’s terms, this bony material is essentially “taken” back “into” the body for other use. Denture wearers experience most of this resorption within the first three to four months after extractions, and then gradually over time throughout the rest of one’s life.
As a result of this resorption, the gum tissue surrounding the alveolar bone experiences a change in density and shape that begins to cause a previously fitted denture to become more uncomfortable over time. This is where a denture reline can help.
Soft Reline
Soft relines are often the preferred option for denture wearers simply because they tend to be more comfortable. This is particularly true if you’re a recent denture wearer with bone resorption still taking place at its most rapid rate, or if your gum tissue is just sensitive to the weight and feel of the denture. A soft reline can be done in the office (chairside) with a liquid polymer that is layered into the denture to add depth and cushion. It’s a relatively quick procedure, and a secure, comfortable fit is achieved with input from you during your appointment.
The main advantage to a soft reline done chairside is how fast you can have your denture completed. In contrast, when a soft reline is done in a lab, you would need to be without your denture for whatever period of time it takes to complete the reline. A possible disadvantage to the soft reline – regardless of where it’s completed – is the fact that it may require more frequent fine-tuning due to its soft, porous nature. If this disadvantage matters to you, and you would rather sacrifice some comfort in favor of longevity, then a hard reline may be a better option for you.
Hard Reline
A hard reline reshapes a denture in the same manner as does a soft reline, but it is done with a material more like the hardened denture base itself. The result is a more permanent reline fix that lasts more years than does a soft reline. It too can be done chairside, or at a lab, but many dentists recommend it be sent out due to complications that can arise with fit and heat transfer of the materials used. As with a soft reline sent to a lab, you would be without your dentures for whatever time period it takes to complete the fix.
So, as you can see, denture relining is an effective method to reshape a denture when it starts to give you difficulty. It can also be used to repair a cracked denture, and is an excellent way to delay the cost of a new denture altogether. If you’re experiencing any discomfort with your dentures, ask your dental team about a possible reline – you’ll be glad you did!
Dr. Dam Hee Jang was born in Seoul, South Korea, but was raised in our good neighbors to the north. Not Oklahoma, but Canada! After receiving his bachelor’s degree in Biology from York University in Toronto, he came down to the states to study dentistry. He attended New York University College of Dentistry where he received his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree and kept moving south.Dr. Jang and his wife (who is also a dentist) moved out to rural West Texas to help out some underserved areas with their skills before settling down in Central Texas.
Dr. Erik Klintmalm was raised in Dallas, TX and attended Baylor University where he received his Bachelor’s in biology, biochemistry, and philosophy. Following his time in Waco, he moved up to New York City to pursue a master’s degree in Bioethics from New York University. He then realized that he wanted to become a dentist and attended the Arizona School of Dentistry and Oral Health where he earned his Doctor of Dental Medicine and Master of Public Health degrees. Dr. K believes that dentistry provides the unique opportunity to treat a patient’s short term and long-term issues, while simultaneously cultivating a life-long connection with the patient. The doctor patient relationship is what drives him; he strives to create a space where the patient feels welcome and comfortable. As part of his efforts to treat people, Dr. Klintmalm looks forward to developing connections within the Austin community by helping lead projects on oral health education and overall wellness.
Dr. Autrine Loghmanian attended the University of Virginia where she received her Bachelor’s in Biochemistry. She went on to attend the Arizona School of Dentistry and Oral Health where she earned her Doctor of Dental Medicine degree. Dr. Loghmanian attributes her passion for dentistry to her life-long love of art and working with her hands. She strives to provide the best personalized care for each of her patients, and hopes to encourage them to be more mindful of their oral health.
Dr. Brad Albertson was born and raised in Bettendorf, Iowa, along the Mississippi River. He completed his undergraduate education at the University of Iowa and his dental education at the University of Iowa College of Dentistry and Dental Clinics. He was enticed by the ability to make a significant impact on the lives of his patients by helping them achieve an amazing smile, so he was naturally drawn to the field of orthodontics.
Dr. Jordan Jarrett received his undergrad degree from West Virginia University in Business Management. He then went on to earn his D.D.S from West Virginia University School of Dentistry.
Dr. Im was born in Seoul, South Korea and came to the United States when he was 10 years old. He spent his younger years in Coral Springs, FL until attending college at Emory University where he received his Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry. He earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from the Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry of USC in Los Angeles, CA. Dr. Im then served in the U.S. Navy for five years, which included a year in General Practice Residency at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in Bethesda, MD. The remaining time was spent serving as a General Dentist at Naval Hospital Pensacola. He has served countless military personnel over the years, and has found it highly rewarding to be able to make an immediate and positive difference to their wellbeing. He is happy to now be serving the greater Austin area and making long-term ties with his patients and the community.Dr. Im is also a member of Academy of General Dentistry, Korean American Dental Association and International Association of Dental Research.
Thank you for the comment about future realigning making it so that the underside of the denture fits better with eh roof of your mouth. My mom has partial dentures right now and has been mentioning that they haven’t been fitting in her mouth very well. I will be sure to forward this article to her so that she can know that she can get those repaired.
Thanks for pointing out that if your dentures are uncomfortable it can be time for a denture reline. My dad has been struggling with his dentures needing to be repaired for a couple of days because they are starting to get uncomfortable. I think it would be smart for him to look into a soft reline and into getting them repaired like you suggested.
I have a new full denture for my top teeth. At first it looked great and shaped my lip fuller and i looked younger. Now a couple weeks in the swelling had gone down ad I hate the way flay way it looks. Can’t I get extre think gum part of denture, so it fill me lip out mpre?? Also bottom teeth ate coming up next and I’d like the same thing to combat the sunken look I’ve gotten over the years.
I had a big fall and the pink part of my dentures broke in a few places. The teeth are all in perfect condition and so is the pallet. Can you fix them?
Does a soft or hard reline tend to ‘push’ your dentures out toward the front of your mouth? I am afraid that I will be biting my lip, tongue, or inside of my cheek.