In this article we would like to discuss denture reline procedure. Removable dentures are advanced prosthetic devices, which are used for the replacement of missing teeth and restoration of oral functions. Majority of the prosthetic devices including dentures require servicing and maintenance to extend their performance and service life.
Denture reline is performed to improve denture fit, health of the gums, and comfort for the denture wearer. It can be performed on all types of dentures, such as such as partial, complete, immediate and implant dentures.
Indications
Loose and Poorly Fitting Dentures
Over time denture can become unstable due to the shrinkage of the supporting bone under its base. Denture reline procedure can improve the fit of poorly fitting denture and restore the health of the supporting gums. Under certain circumstances the fit of a new or recently fabricated denture can also be improved with a reline procedure.
Uncomfortable, Sensitive and Traumatized Gums of the Jawbone
Removable dentures transfer pressure to the supporting gums of the jawbone. Some patients may experience gum sensitivity from chewing and normal jaw closure. Denture reline may reduce gum sensitivity and help with comfort for some of the patients.
Immediate Dentures
Immediate denture is a specialized type of treatment which allows immediate restoration of smile and function for somebody who requires removal of hopeless and compromised teeth. Immediate dentures are fabricated before removal of the teeth and are given to the patient after extraction of the teeth. Denture relines are routinely performed on the immediate dentures in order to help with the gum healing and and denture fit.
Types of Denture Reline
Depending on the nature of the procedure dental professionals typically classify denture reline into several different types.
Hard Denture Reline
Hard reline is performed to improve the fit of the denture where it is in contact with the supporting gums. It involves resurfacing of the denture on the gum side with a new layer of the denture base material. The paste like material which is placed inside the denture become hard upon setting. This type of denture resurfacing can lasts for a long time. When hard reline is done at the dentist’s it is called a chair-side reline. Chair-side reline is completed in one appointment. Hard reline can also be completed at the dental laboratory. Laboratory reline usually takes 2 appointments to complete.
Below is an example of a chair-side reline. This denture was resurfaced with a new layer of the base material.
Soft Denture Reline / Tissue Conditioning
Soft reline (also called tissue conditioning) is typically performed with immediate dentures to facilitate healing of the soft tissues and help with the denture fit after removal of the teeth. Soft reline also performed with poorly fitting dentures to restore the health and comfort of the supporting gums. Materials used in soft relines are temporary in nature and typically last for several months.
The example below illustrated soft reline/tissue conditioning for the immediate denture. Reline material inside the denture allows for the good fit and comfortable function of the prosthesis.
Soft Denture Liner
Soft denture liner a specialized procedure where a permanent soft liner is placed on the inner surface of the denture which is in contact with the patient’s gums. It is indicated for patients who have gum sensitivity/pain and cannot tolerate traditional hard surface of the denture. The purpose of the soft liner is to cushion pressure which arises from biting and jaw closure.
Materials
Material which are used in denture reline are dental polymers/plastics and dental silicons. Most of the patients tolerate reline material quite well, however in a very rare instances there may be a possibility of allergic reaction.
Denture Reline vs New Denture
In some situations there may be a discussion whether your old denture should be relined or you should have a new denture fabricated. In determining on what is the best action to take we also look at the condition of the artificial denture teeth, denture base, your bite and cosmetic appearance. In instances where other problems may require intervention, fabrication of a new denture may become a better alternative.
Conclusion
Denture reline is an essential part of denture servicing and indicated when there is a need to improve denture fit and patient’s comfort.
If you enjoy this article, please leave your comments or share it with your friends and family.
Thank you for reading.
Dr. Alexander Shor.
Drs. Alexander and Kavita Shor are certified specialists in Prosthodontics. Please contact us with questions or schedule an appointment for your dental needs!
