How to Do a Soft Denture Reline

Dentures are made with a hard lining. Over time, you may develop sore spots on your gums or your dentures may slip while you are talking or eating. This means it is time to get your dentures relined. Dentist visits can be quite expensive, but you can do your own soft denture reline for around $20. Kits can be ordered online. A soft reline uses a more pliable material than hard acrylic and makes dentures more comfortable for those with sensitive gums. However, a soft reline needs more regular adjustment than a hard reline.

Things You'll Need

• Denture reline kit
• Small mixing cup
• Stirring paddle

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Instructions

• 1

  Remove your dentures and clean and dry them. Rinse your mouth out and make sure there are no food particles on gums. Apply petroleum jelly to the outside of dentures so that reline material will not adhere to them if it overruns.

• 2

  Read the instructions with the reline kit thoroughly. Reline one denture at a time. Place the powder and liquid components together in the mixing cup and stir for no more than 10 seconds, or according to the directions. Pour the mixture into the top denture. Place both dentures carefully in position in your mouth and bite down slowly and firmly. Maintain this for 3 to 5 minutes. Remove the dentures and run cold water through the one you relined. Trim any excess material with a sharp knife. Replace the denture and reline the bottom one using the same procedure.

• 3

  Replace soft relines as required, which can vary from three months to two years for most people. Visit a dentist at least once every two years to check that your gums are healthy and the dentures themselves do not need remaking, because the jawbone and gum tissue shrink as people age. Buy a spare reline kit and keep it on hand for emergency repairs.