Why Denture Relining is Essential for Your Comfort and Confidence
If you’ve noticed your feeling loose, uncomfortable, or causing irritation, it might be time for a denture reline. Over time, changes in your gums and jawbone can affect how well your dentures fit, leading to discomfort or even difficulty eating and speaking. Relining your dentures is a simple and effective solution to restore their comfort and functionality. At Cohen Dentistry, our Harris, NY dentist, Dr. Ari Cohen specializes in denture relining to ensure your dentures fit securely and comfortably.
Don’t let ill-fitting dentures hold you back, if you’re in Harris, Monticello, Liberty, and Wurtsboro or nearby areas, contact us today by calling (845) 794-4545 to learn how a reline can improve your smile and quality of life.
What is Denture Relining?
Denture relining is the process of adjusting the inside of your dentures to ensure they fit more comfortably in your mouth. Over time, your gums and jawbone can change, which can cause your dentures to become loose. When this happens, relining your dentures is a necessary step to restore their fit and function.
The procedure involves adding a new layer of material to the inside of the denture base. This layer is molded to the unique shape of your gums, ensuring a snug and comfortable fit. Relining can also help prevent irritation and reduce the risk of sores caused by ill-fitting dentures.
How Does Denture Relining Work?
There are two main types of denture relining: soft relining and hard relining. Let’s take a closer look at the relining process:
- Soft Denture Reline: A soft reline uses a flexible material that provides a cushioned effect between your dentures and gums. This is ideal for patients who have sensitive gums or those experiencing discomfort from the hard base of their dentures.
- Hard Denture Reline: A hard reline involves using a more durable material that sets to a firm, rigid base. This type of reline is more permanent and is usually recommended for patients whose dentures have become loose due to changes in the shape of their gums or jawbone.
The process for both types of relining is fairly simple. Your Harris dentist will take an impression of your gums and existing dentures, create a new fitting, and apply the material to the denture. In some cases, you may need to wear a temporary set of dentures while the reline is being completed.
When Should You Consider Denture Relining?
You may need to see a dental professional to have your dentures relined if:
- Your dentures become loose: As your gums change shape over time, your dentures may not fit as well as they did when you first got them.
- Your dentures cause irritation: If your dentures start rubbing against your gums or causing sores, a reline can improve the fit and reduce discomfort.
- Your dentures feel uncomfortable: If your dentures feel too tight or you notice they are not sitting in place properly, it’s time to visit your dentist for a reline.
Dr. Cohen and our team are experienced in assessing when a reline is necessary and can guide you through the process to ensure your dentures are as comfortable and functional as possible.
Benefits of Denture Relining
Denture relining provides several benefits that can greatly improve your oral and overall health. Here are just a few:
- Improved comfort: By ensuring your dentures fit properly, relining can reduce soreness and irritation caused by loose or poorly fitting dentures.
- Better chewing ability: A secure fit means that your dentures will stay in place while you eat, giving you more confidence when biting and chewing food.
- Enhanced speaking ability: Loose dentures can affect your speech, but well fitting dentures allow for clearer pronunciation and reduces slippage while talking.
- Longer lifespan for your dentures: Regular relining can help prolong the life of your new dentures, preventing the need for a complete replacement.
How Often Should Denture Relining Be Done?
It’s important to have your dentures relined periodically to ensure they remain in good condition. The frequency of relining varies depending on individual needs, but most people will need a reline every 1 to 2 years. Factors like changes in the shape of your gums or the wear and tear of your dentures can influence how often relining is necessary.
Dr. Cohen recommends that patients have their dentures checked regularly to monitor their fit and make adjustments as needed. Regular visits help ensure that any changes in your mouth are addressed before they cause discomfort.
Frequently Asked Questions
Denture relining usually takes one to two hours if done in-office, but some types may require sending the dentures to a dental lab, which can take a few days.
After relining, clean your dentures daily with a denture brush and mild soap or a denture cleanser. Avoid using abrasive cleaners or hot water, which can damage the material.
Most types of dentures can be relined, including partial and full dentures. However, some materials, like flexible dentures, may not be suitable for traditional relining.
Maintain Your Smile with Regular Denture Care
Denture relining is an essential part of maintaining a comfortable and healthy smile. It helps ensure that your dentures continue to fit well, allowing you to eat, speak, and smile with confidence. If you’re in the Harris, Liberty, Thompsonville, Divine Corners or surrounding areas and feel your dentures are no longer fitting properly, it’s time to schedule a consultation with your Harris, NY dentist by calling (845) 794-4545. With his experience, you can get the care you need to keep your dentures functioning properly for years to come.