What is a denture reline?
A denture reline, also referred to as a denture realignment, is a thin permanent coating applied across the fitting surface of your denture where it makes contact with your gums. The purpose of a reline is to seal off any gaps that may have developed over time thus restoring its original snug fit.
Why is this important? Space between your denture and gums can allow food particles to become trapped. In addition, the gaps between your gums and the dental plate cause instability or 'rocking’, making your denture vulnerable to cracking and breaking under the pressure of chewing.
Having your denture relined compensates for the inevitable changes in your mouth that occur due to ageing, changing health status, weight loss or normal wearing away of denture surfaces. A reline or adjustment not only restores comfort and stability but is essential for preserving the life span of your denture and your beautiful smile.
However, while relines optimise the life of your denture, maintaining their best fit, comfort and appearance, eventually a new dental plate will be needed. Contact our denture clinic today to find more about our denture reline Tweed Heads service.
How often should dentures be relined?
Your prosthetist recommends a denture reline every two years for a full or partial denture, unless your circumstances demand one earlier. Regular annual checkups with your prosthetist ensures maintenance is implemented when required and denture repairs performed when necessary.
Signs you need a reline include food becoming stuck in gaps between the denture and your palate and gums, or you develop rubbing or sore spots on your mouth and gum tissue. Another sign a reline is due is when your denture feels insecure and loose or dislodges while laughing, singing, eating or speaking.
Types of relines performed at our Tweed Heads dental laboratory
The type of denture reline for you will be guided by Dr Paul who will prescribe one of the three reline types after assessing your particular needs. Not all dentures are suitable for realignment. While acrylic partial dentures and acrylic full dentures can be relined, some flexible dentures cannot. And only the acrylic section of the chrome denture can be relined.
If you require further information, we offer a 30-minute consultation - free of charge - for all denture reline Tweed Heads services.
Hard reline
Ideally, a full denture should have a hard reline every two years unless your prosthetist recommends one earlier. This is part of the regular maintenance to ensure the optimal life span of your denture.
The hard relining restores the dentures’ snug fit and delays having to replace them with a new one. The hard reline involves applying a pliable material over the denture surface before trying it in your mouth to determine where adjustments need to be made.
Once this is established, the pliable material is replaced with acrylic restoring the denture’s close fit and durability.
Temporary reline
If your gums have become sore and inflamed over time, your prosthetist will recommend a temporary reline. Neglecting to have regular relines can often be the cause of this deterioration. Your dental prosthetist relines the denture with a medicated material as a temporary measure until the gums have healed. Then, either a hard reline can be applied, or a new dental plate can be made.
Because the temporary reline is not heat cured like hard relines, they can become discoloured or porous, harbouring bacteria and leading to problems like halitosis or bad breath. The expense and inconvenience of temporary denture relines can be avoided by regular maintenance of your dental plate. Temporary relines need to be removed or replaced every 2 to 6 weeks.
Soft reline
A soft denture reline is recommended if your gums are tender or sensitive. Sensitivities can lead to sore spots and discomfort when eating. The soft reline is a perfect way to give your mouth and gums time to heal and adjust to wearing dentures. Your dental prosthetist applies a soft waxy or rubbery material to cushion your gums.
The soft denture reline can last up to two years.
While denture relines have a place in extending the life and comfort of your dentures, they do not last forever. When the teeth become worn and aging effect of over-closure (loss of space between the nose and the upper lip) develops, it’s time for new dentures.
How long does it take to reline a denture?
With a little forward planning, your denture reline can be done within the day minimising the inconvenience of time without your teeth.
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Frequently asked questions
What is a denture reline?
An essential part of regular denture maintenance, a denture reline is an applied coating to the fitting surface of your denture to maximise fit and comfort, thus extending your denture’s life.
How long does it take to reline dentures?
Northern Rivers Denture Clinic at Tweed Heads can do your denture reline over the course of one day. Appointments need to be made ahead of time.
How much should a denture reline cost?
$380 - $400 depending on the type of denture reline you require. Prices are subject to change.
How do dentists reline dentures?
The denture reline process involves your prosthetist taking an impression of your mouth and gums, then applying a coating to the fitting surface of your denture to mimic your mouth’s current topography more closely, so as to eliminate gaps and restore stability, denture fit, and comfort.
Call (07) 5536 4241
Free 30-minute Consultation
We believe in informed decisions. That's why we offer free 30-minute consultations to all our patients, new and existing. During this no-pressure appointment, we'll discuss your denture needs and goals, provide a personalised treatment plan and clear cost estimate, with no obligation to proceed. We want you to feel comfortable and empowered.
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