What is a denture reline? Cost And Procedure

What is a denture reline? Relining is a method of adjusting the internal part of the base of the dentures with an acrylic resin to correct their fit. Over time the shape of your gums and the bones that support the dentures can change, which means they may no longer fit properly.

To know what to expect from the denture relining, we will go through all the procedures, and by the time you are through this article, you’d arm yourself with all the information you need.

What is a denture reline?

What is a denture reline? Denture relining is a process that your dentist can use to adjust the internal part of the base of the dentures with an acrylic resin to correct their fit for a comfortable fit on your existing dentures without replacing them.

This procedure does not alter the appearance of the dentures but adapts the base to be perfect for the changing shape of your gum. The Clinical Dental Technician will take an impression of your gums using your dentures, and in some cases, you will not need to be without them.

First denture relines

For immediate or surgical dentures, it is highly recommended to get your 1st reline initially 1 – 2 years after insertion of dentures. The temporary liner is removed and replaced with acrylic. 

If your tissues change rapidly, you may need to have a denture reline performed once every 1-2 years to keep your dentures fitting well and performing properly.

What is a soft reline for dentures?

What is a soft reline for dentures? Soft relining resin is one of two optional materials for denture relining. This resin is silicone and creates a softer, more comfortable base for the denture. Soft relining is the best choice for people with thin or especially sensitive gums, as there is less chance that irritation will develop in the future.

The downside of soft relining is that because the material is softer, it is less durable than the original denture or hard relining resin. This means you will require more frequent visits for relining than if you use hard resin.

Soft relines are a better choice for older patients with thinner gums and more advanced recession of the gums and other tissues in the mouth.

What is a hard reline for dentures?

Hard relining is the standard for denture relining, as it is both long-lasting and comfortable for all but the most sensitive gums. Hard relining resin is made from acrylic that is similar in composition to the original acrylic of your dentures.

With hard denture relines, you shouldn’t expect to need your dentures relined more often than every one to two years.

The only potential drawback of hard denture relines is that they cannot always be completed on the day of your visit.

While your dentist may be able to apply the reline, take an impression of your mouth, and harden the relining putty in one sitting, they may choose to send the impression to a dental laboratory for development. This will leave you without dentures for a few days but is sometimes necessary to ensure the hard resin fits perfectly.

Denture reline lab procedure

How do you know if your dentures need relining?

Suppose you notice changes in the condition of your denture or your comfort, speech, or performance. In that case, it’s best to talk with your denture care provider about whether it is appropriate to reline dentures or if a repair to your denture could help.

Some common symptoms that indicate a need for denture repair or denture reline are:

• Dentures that no longer fit as well as they once did
• Slipping dentures
• Slurred or whistling speech
• Difficulty eating foods that you were able to eat previously with no problem
• Visible cracks or damage to the denture
• Darkened areas that catch debris
• Stains that can’t be removed with routine cleaning
• Chronic sore spots inside the mouth
• General discomfort wearing your dentures

How often should you reline your dentures?

How often should you reline your dentures? It would be best if you relined your dentures every two years to keep them fitted and strong. There are reasons you may want to reline your dentures before two years.

If your dentures start slipping sooner than expected, the jawbone shrinks, gums change and no longer fit as well as they once were, or you are starting to find it difficult to eat the foods you previously used to eat. All these and more are signs that you need to reline your dentures. 

How long does it take to reline dentures?

A typical denture relines takes between 30 minutes and one hour. Once it is complete, you can take your dentures home with you right away. In some cases, your dentist may recommend a temporary reline if there is extensive gum irritation. If this is the case, you will need to return for an additional reline once your gums heal.

It’s possible to get a chairside denture to reline, which takes about an hour to complete. You’ll leave the dentist’s office with your re-fitted teeth, and nobody will be wiser. This is more likely possible with a soft reline than a hard one – it all depends on your dentist’s materials and their capacity to perform the reline themselves.

With a hard reline, it is most likely that the denture will need to be sent to a dental lab for the new acrylic to be applied. It can take as little as 48 hours for your dentures to be returned, but it can take longer, depending on the workload. It’s a good idea to check this with your dentist ahead of time.

Denture relines cost

For example, hard denture relines costs in the UK will cost £100 – £150 per appliance while soft denture relines cost £75 – £125. Your dentist will let you know an exact cost according to the reline and the materials used. If you have dental insurance, check whether your policy covers denture relining.

Based on these variables, a reline can cost anywhere from $400 to $600. Denture hard reline costs tends to be higher than soft relines

Can I reline my dentures myself?

Yes, a denture wearer can reline dentures on their own. There are many Denture relines kits available online and in many drug stores and nationally known retail stores. For many people relining dentures at home, it’s their first denture reline.

Also read Implant supported Dentures

Dentists may warn patients that denture relines shouldn’t be done at home. This can partly be because they have a vested interest in not having patients do dentures relining on their own, but also because the results in many cases may not be quite as good as they would be if you went to the dentist.

Conclusion

This article is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of qualified health providers with questions you may have regarding medical conditions.