What Is a Denture Reline?

Denture relining is a procedure where the top portion of the dentures--the part where the dentures come into contact with the gums--is replaced with a new lining, which is formed to contour to the person's gum line. A person's gum line may change every few years, which can cause it to fit improperly and fit loosely on the gums. Relining allows for a snugger fit, preventing the dentures from moving around or rubbing painfully against the gums. It also prevents the dentures from breaking prematurely.

Significance

• Denture relines are used to change the lining of the denture if the denture no longer fits the contours of a person's gum line. It is also used to tighten its fit around the gums. According to the Dental Health Directory, the reline helps reduce side effects caused by poor fitting dentures, such as bone loss, sores and ulcerations on the gums.

Types

• The two most common types of denture relines are hard and soft relines. A hard reline is created by placing a soft putty inside the denture and then placing the denture inside of the mouth, which allows the gums to mold it into shape. The putty is then taken out and sent to a lab, where a hard acrylic replica is created. This replica is then permanently fitted inside the denture.

  A soft reline follows the same procedure but uses a softer, more pliable material. The material may resemble hard rubber. Soft relines are typically used for patients who get sore spots from wearing dentures, which makes hard relines too painful to wear. It is used as a temporary replacement for hard relines while the gums heal and is replaced with a hard reline once the healing process is over.

Time Frame

• According to DoctorSpiller.com, hard relines are done every 2 years to ensure the dentures fit properly on the gum line. Soft relines only last a couple of months.

Complications

• Hard relines can cause irritation and soreness on gums if the gums are already tender. Not having dentures relined causes the dentures to wear down the bone and tissue, causing the gums to swell, feel painful to the touch and become infected. If the dentures wear down the gum line too much, the person may be unable to wear dentures even after denture relining.

Prevention/Solution

• People can avoid getting denture relines by letting their gums rest every day. Wearing dentures all day puts strain and pressure on the gums, wearing down the bones underneath it and changing the gum line. DoctorSpiller.com recommends letting the gums rest at least 2 hours a day to avoid bone loss. Not wearing dentures during the night is one method they suggest.