Dentures remain a popular way to rebuild your smile after tooth loss because of their incredible versatility. Whether you’ve lost some or all of your natural teeth, your dentist can improve your mouth’s appearance and functionality with a lifelike restoration made to your unique specifications.
Plus, dentures can last anywhere from 5 to 10+ years, depending on how well they’re cared for. However, if they no longer fit correctly or have been damaged, your provider might need to reline them sooner than that. If they have recommended this service, continue reading to learn more about it!
Why Do My Dentures Require Relining?
Did you know your jaw thins after tooth loss? Your roots stimulate new bone growth with each bite down, which keeps it active and healthy. When some go missing, you can lose up to 25% of the surrounding bone mass within the first year.
Because your new teeth were designed to fit like a glove, they can eventually become wobbly or loose as your jawbone degenerates. They might even slip out and become cracked or broken. Thankfully, your dentist can reline them so you can continue using them normally.
What is Denture Relining?
This term simply refers to the process of adding additional material to the base of your dentures to improve their wearability. There are two main methods used to achieve this goal, and they are:
- Soft relining. This may be the best option for you if you have overly sensitive gums. This involves adding pliable substances, like silicone or acrylic resin, to create a strong bond against your connective tissues. Though this is considered the more comfortable option, the repairs likely won’t last as long.
- Hard relining. For this service, your dentist adds additional hard material, specifically polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA), to the inner surface of the denture base. This tends to be more resilient than softer supplies.
Can I Reline My Own Dentures?
Some stores and pharmacies carry over-the-counter kits with materials to reline your restoration at home. Though this may seem like a cheaper and more convenient option, the truth is you might regret choosing it.
You don’t have the same extensive experience as your dentist does, and might struggle with placing the right amount of material. Then, because you can’t see underneath them when they’re in your mouth, you might add density to the wrong places, which can alter your bite alignment and interfere with your ability to speak and chew. Many patients have inadvertently made matters worse by trying to fix their dentures at home.
If your restoration no longer fits or feels wobbly in your mouth, contact your dentist today to schedule an appointment to make the necessary adjustments!
About the Practice
At Cornerstone Dental, you and your loved ones benefit from two dentists with decades of combined experience helping families build and maintain their healthiest smiles. Dr. Goodwill and Dr. Jessica collaborate to provide a comprehensive menu of services under one roof so people of all ages receive the same top-quality care. Then, they tailor treatment plans to meet your unique needs and utilize state-of-the-art equipment to enhance patient comfort while delivering accurate results. If your dentures no longer fit, you can request an appointment on the website or call (701) 237-3583.