Dentures are an affordable and easy way to replace missing
teeth. However, after tooth loss, especially multi-tooth loss, your jawbone may
change in shape. For this reason, your first set of dentures may not fit
properly for long. If you have dentures and they no longer fit properly, check
out what you should know about relines.
One common reason for a reline is the denture just doesn't
fit right anymore. While you can purchase strip-and-paste products designed to
help your dentures stay put, these products won't work well in the long run.
If your jawbone shrinks, the size of your gums also changes.
If your jawbone and gums change too much, your dentures lose their suction, so
they slip and move more often. Relines add more material to the dentures. This
procedure resizes your dentures so they fit perfectly again and stay in place
as best as possible.
Both soft and hard relines are available, and each type has
its own pros and cons. Soft relines are more comfortable, making them a popular
choice among many patients. For these relines, a liquid polymer is usually used
to add depth and more cushioning. This type of reline is less durable and may
be a better choice if you are still getting used to dentures or your jawbone is
still changing.
On the other hand, hard relines are less comfortable because
they are made with a harder plastic: similar to the material used to make your
dentures. Hard relines, however, are much more durable than soft relines, so
they may last much longer, making them a better choice if your mouth has
already adjusted to dentures.
You can purchase DIY reline kits, but unless you follow the
instructions perfectly, you could end up wasting a lot of money and ruining
your dentures. Instead, it's best to have your dentist do the procedure. A
professional reline is known as chairside reline, and it costs between $280 and $395. The
process is faster, but the reline is less durable.
Depending on how much your dentures need to change, how long
you've had your dentures, and whether or not the dentures are also damaged,
your dentist may send the dentures to the lab for a reline. Laboratory relines
are usually more durable, but they take more time (during that time you will be
without your teeth) and cost more at about $350 to $475.
If your dentures are getting old, a reline may just be a
waste of money to slightly extend the life of your dentures. Instead, a total replacement
may be a better choice. Your dentist will help you determine when a reline is a
better choice. Typically, replacement is necessary if the dentures are
misshapen, the fake gums are discolored, or the dentures leave a strange taste
in your mouth.
Because you might have difficulty spotting potential
problems, visit your dentist regularly to inspect your dentures. You should
bring your dentures with you to your twice-yearly dental appointments.
Typically, most dentists also want a follow-up visit every four to six years to
replace, repair, or reline your dentures.
Dentures are a minimally invasive way to replace missing
teeth, but you need to care for them to keep them working and fitting
comfortably. Relines let you reshape your dentures, so you don't have to worry
about them slipping. For more information about dentures and relines or to
schedule an appointment to have your dentures checked, contact us
at Premier
Dentures and Implants today.
