Relining and Refitting Dentures: What To Know

Are your dentures too loose, too tight, or generally uncomfortable? Then, it may be time to have them relined and refitted. Through repairing one’s dentures, a dentist can help ensure they are comfortable to wear and working as intended. This article will explore the basics of denture repair, helping you determine which repairs you may need and when.

How to repair dentures

When dentists repair dentures, they refit them to the patient’s mouth. To do so, they add various types of material to the part of the denture that fits over the gum line (the denture plate). This process is known as “relining.” Which material or resin they use will depend on whether they are doing a soft or hard reline. Take a closer look at these different denture repairs below.

Soft relining

Soft relines use waxy silicone resin. Known for its comfort, soft relining resin is often recommended for patients with sensitive gums or thin gum lines. Although not as durable as hard relines, soft relines should last between one and two years. They remain effective in repairing dentures for older patients and take a single visit to complete.

Hard relining

Hard relines are the traditional denture repair, utilizing acrylic resin to refit dentures. This hard relining resin contains materials similar to those used in the rest of the denture. As such, hard relines are known to be highly durable and may last up to five years.

However, a hard reline may need two appointments to complete. The dentist may have part of the reline done in a dental lab, so the patient must return to pick up the dentures. The dentist will ensure the relined dentures fit properly at the second appointment. Keep in mind that this means the patient would need to go without the dentures for a few days between appointments.

When to get dentures relined

Dentures may need to be repaired every one to five years, depending on the last type of repair received. If the patient has never had their dentures repaired, there are some signs to look out for that indicate it might be time for a relining:

• Strange or unpleasant odors.
• Gum irritation or sores.
• Cracks or chips in the dentures.
• Warped dentures, such as from boiling dentures.
• Changes in facial structure, especially in the jawline.
• Trouble eating or talking because the dentures keep slipping.

Consult a dentist if any of these signs or symptoms arise, even if one has had their dentures relined recently. Wearing ill-fitting dentures is not recommended, as it could lead to a host of other health issues. Some examples include ulcers, jawbone loss, altered appearance in the cheeks, tissue overgrowth, and infections.