The History of Dentistry
Denture Relines Explained
Regina Carlson
If you wear dentures, you'll be aware that the denture base needs to be well-fitting in order for your dentures to be comfortable and to allow you to speak and eat normally. On occasion, you may need a denture reline. This involves having new material added to the underside of your dentures to resolve any issues with how they fit around your gums. Requiring a reline is quite common and may be needed due to natural changes to your gum tissue or jaw structure. If your dentures start to feel loose or become chipped or cracked, they will need to be relined for both comfort and good oral hygiene.
Denture Reline Procedure
The initial steps of a denture reline are the same as when you were originally fitted for dentures. Your dentist will take an impression of your gums with dental putty, and this impression will be used to create a correctly sized base for the underside of your dentures. You will return to your dentist's surgery when the reline is complete, and they will ensure your dentures fit well and there are no pressure points present that could lead to the development of sore gums.
3 Types Of Denture Reline
There are three main types of denture reline, and your dentist will explain what type is appropriate for your needs. A hard denture reline is suitable for those with a full set of dentures. Once the impression of your gums has been completed, the underside denture base is created with a strong acrylic. Your dentist will remove a thin layer of plastic from the underside of your dentures and use a bonding material to secure the acrylic denture base in place. A soft denture reline uses rubber or a similarly pliable material in place of acrylic. Soft relines are ideal for those experiencing denture sores along the gum line. They create less friction and can prevent tissue inflammation in those with sensitive gums. A temporary denture reline is used when someone has very sore and inflamed gums, which can occur when you put off having poorly fitting dentures relined for an extended period. A medicated material is used in place of acrylic or rubber, and once the sores have healed, the material will be replaced. The use of a temporary base material ensures any areas of broken skin or inflammation are not exacerbated.
Dentures should be checked at least every couple of years to ensure they fit well, as sores from dentures can become infected. If you're due a denture check-up, speak to your dentist.
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Ever since I was a little girl, I have loved stories about the past. Whether the stories were about horses, wars, exploration or even dentistry, I loved to hear them. I find that knowing the history of something helps it to make sense and feel approachable. I know that some people have dental anxiety, and I too have suffered, but I also feel like the more you know about dental work and its history, the easier it is. This blog is dedicated to exploring the history of dentistry – What did ancient people use for fillings? How did early dentists numb their patients? Who was the first dentist? Those are just some of the questions I plan to answer here. Ready? Okay, let's dive into the history of dentistry together!