How Denture Relines Make Your Prosthetics Fit Perfectly

If you’ve had dentures for any amount of time, you have probably encountered the idea of a denture reline. These are typically necessary after a while of wearing your denture in order to give them the snug, secure fit you remember from when you first got them.

If you’ve never had your dentures relined before you might naturally wonder what you’re in for. Here’s what you can expect from a denture reline in the case that you need one.

What Is a Denture Reline?

When you’re missing teeth, the jawbone is rapidly reabsorbed into the body, causing it to shrink over time. As this happens, your dentures, which are designed to fit securely over your gums, will get looser.

A denture reline adds material to your prosthetic, allowing for a better fit.

Types of Denture Reline

There are two types of denture reline—soft and hard—so named because of the material used for them. What your reline will ultimately look like will depend a little bit on which kind you get.

Soft relines are better suited for making small adjustments and are ideal for new denture patients whose gums are still a little bit sore. They involve applying resin to the prosthetic to alter their fit. This material is comfortable and flexible but isn’t the most durable. They can usually be completed in your dentist’s office.

Hard relines involve actually changing the shape of the acrylic on the prosthetic. This is a much more involved process than a soft reline, and as such, you’ll really only get one of these once every few years. While some of them can be completed in your dentist’s office, most practices will send your prosthetic to a lab to have this type of reline completed.

How Long do Relines Take?

Typically, soft relines can be completed within a single appointment, often within just under an hour. Given that hard relines involve taking your prosthetic to an external lab, it will take a little bit longer—the reline itself will take around a day, not counting what it takes to get the denture there and back.

About the Author

Dr. Jonathan Aguilar is a DFW native who is thrilled to be able to help members of his community to maintain beautiful, healthy smiles. He never tires of meeting new patients, getting to know them as individuals, and discovering what it takes to get them their perfect smile. He does all of this from his calm, welcoming office—one where anybody can have their issues heard, and where everybody gets the individual attention that they deserve.

If you have any questions about your dentures, we can be reached at our website or by phone at (940) 566-5332.