Dentures are one of the most common ways to replace missing teeth due to their affordability. They are a set of prosthetic teeth that sit on top of your gums to replace missing teeth, improve facial aesthetics, and restore the mouth’s function.
Dentures allow you to confidently eat, speak, smile, and laugh. However, due to the natural changes your mouth undergoes over time, they must be relined from time to time.
If you are in or near Mount Vernon or Bellingham, WA and you have noticed that your dentures are loose, or they are cracked, chipped, or broken, they need to be relined. The team at Diamond Dental can help.
You may also want to ask about relining if you have developed sore spots.
What is a Denture Reline?
A denture reline is the process of adding material to the inside of your dentures to help it adapt to your mouth better. Denture relining offers several benefits:
- Dentures fit better, allowing you to eat and speak better
- Improves oral hygiene since food can’t get trapped under dentures
- Won’t cause painful sore spots, decreasing your risk of infection
Why is denture relining necessary?
Types of Denture Reline
There are three different types of denture reline, depending on your needs:
- Hard Reline
For patients with a full set of dentures, a hard reline may be necessary from time to time. The dentist will start by roughening the inside of the acrylic and pressing in dental putty to create an impression of your mouth. A dental lab will replace the putty with acrylic.
Typically, a hard reline lasts up to a few years. However, it’s important to visit the dentist regularly in case more frequent relines are needed.
- Soft Reline
If your gums are tender and you’re getting sores from your dentures, you may need a soft reline. In this type of reline, a more comfortable material such as rubber or wax is used to line your dentures.
Soft relines don’t usually last as long as hard relines. Plus, the material is more porous, so it will be more likely to develop an odor due to bacteria and plaque collecting on it.
- Temporary Reline
If you’ve gone too long between relines, you may have sore gums, which means you need a temporary reline. In this case, your dentures will be relined with medicated tissue conditioner, which will reduce the inflammation.
This type of reline is only designed to last a few weeks and, once your gums have healed, you’ll need to either get a hard reline or a new set of dentures.
How long does it take to reline dentures?
Can I reline my own dentures?
How Much Does Denture Reline Cost?
The cost of relining dentures is a lot less than replacing them, depending on the type of reline you get:
Hard reline: $350 to $900
Soft reline: $200 to $500
In some cases, dental insurance will cover at least a portion of the cost of relines. Our office staff will be happy to work with your provider to determine your coverage. We do offer financing options if you need help paying for your denture reline.
How long will a denture realignment last?
A denture reline typically lasts a few years, with a hard reline lasting longer than a soft reline. This depends a lot on your situation, the type of reline you need, and the type of dentures you have. Oral hygiene habits also play a role.
Dentures sit on top of your gums to replace missing teeth and restore the appearance and functionality of your smile. Unfortunately, over time your jawbone will begin to deteriorate, which changes the way your dentures fit. When this happens, you can have your dentures relined instead of replaced.
If you live in or near Bellingham or Mount Vernon, schedule your consultation with the team at Diamond Dental. We will be happy to work with you to reline your dentures and make them fit like they are new again.
Denture Reline FAQs
Typically, dentures must be relined every few years, depending on your situation including the type of dentures you have and the type of reline you need. A hard reline lasts longer than a soft reline.
The best way to improve the life expectancy of your dentures is to take care of them. Use a denture brush and dish soap or a denture cleanser to clean them. You should also soak them overnight with denture tablets. The better you care for your dentures, the longer they will last and the less often you’ll need a reline.
