Soft Liners for Dentures

If your dentures become uncomfortable, or never feel comfortable, your dentist may recommend a soft liner. Soft liners provide a bit more cushioning between the prosthetic pieces and your gums. Liners are also used to help create the fit that both the doctor and patient desire.

Soft Liner Usage

• Soft liners are made from medical-grade rubber or silicone compounds. Silicone tends to be a bit softer because it compresses more. Soft liners also harden with age, so if the denture becomes uncomfortable again, it may be time to replace the liner. Liners should be replaced once a year because they can deteriorate and trap bacteria. Soft liners are a good option for people who experience oral sensitivity or have limited tissue between their jaw and the denture.

Soft Liner Benefits

• If a person has been wearing dentures for an extended period of time, the jaw bone starts to shrink. This is a natural process that occurs when the jaw lacks teeth roots. Sometimes when the jawbone starts to shrink, it can create ridges that cause pain in the mouth. A soft liner in the dentures may be used to alleviate some of the pain and make it easy to use dentures again. One of the advantages of soft liners is that they will adapt to a continually changing mouth.

Fitting a Soft Liner

• Only a professional can fit dentures with a soft liner. Impressions of the mouth must be taken and compared with the existing denture. Because the soft liner is placed inside the existing prosthetic, some of the material must come out to make space for the liner. If the denture is already fairly thin, a metal matrix may be required to strengthen the denture.

Cleaning Dentures with Soft Liners

• Cleaning dentures with soft liners is different than those without liners, especially when they are new. Denture cleaners can harm new liners, and aggressive brushing can damage them. It is important to follow all of the instructions that come with the new dental liners. The best way to clean dentures with soft liners is with a denture cream and a denture brush. Brush gently and rinse thoroughly.