If you wear dentures, you know how much they impact your ability to eat, speak, and smile confidently. But over time, even the best-fitting dentures may start to feel loose or uncomfortable. At Neville Dental Studio in Bowling Green, we often see patients who don’t realize that their discomfort can often be solved with a simple denture reline.
A denture reline is an affordable and effective way to restore the fit and comfort of your dentures without replacing them entirely. Understanding when and why you may need a reline can help you maintain your oral health and quality of life.
What Is a Denture Reline?
A denture reline is a process where the base of your denture is reshaped to better fit the contours of your gums. Over time, your gums and jawbone naturally change due to bone resorption, aging, and daily wear, which can cause your dentures to feel loose or unstable.
During a reline, your dentist will add new acrylic material to the inside of your denture base, improving the fit against your gums. There are two main types of relines:
- Hard reline. This involves adding a permanent layer of acrylic to the denture. It’s a more durable and long-term solution.
- Soft reline. A softer, more flexible material is used, ideal for patients with sensitive gums or who experience soreness from dentures.
Why Dentures Lose Their Fit
Even if your dentures were custom-made to fit perfectly, changes in your mouth can cause them to become loose over time. Common reasons include:
- Bone resorption after tooth loss
- Gum tissue shrinkage due to aging
- Weight loss, which can affect the shape of your mouth
- Normal wear and tear on the denture base
These changes can lead to discomfort and functional problems if left unaddressed.
Signs You May Need a Denture Reline
At Neville Dental Studio, we encourage our Bowling Green patients to be aware of the signs that it’s time for a reline. If you notice any of the following, it may be time to schedule an appointment:
- Your dentures feel loose. If your dentures shift when you speak, laugh, or eat, it’s a clear sign that the fit has changed.
- You develop sore spots. Loose dentures can rub against your gums, causing irritation, redness, and sore spots.
- You need adhesive more frequently. If you find yourself relying more on denture adhesive to keep your dentures in place, a reline may be a better long-term solution.
- Your speech is affected. Poorly fitting dentures can cause slurred speech or difficulty pronouncing certain words.
- Food gets trapped under your dentures. An improper fit can create spaces where food particles can get lodged, increasing your risk of gum irritation and infection.
- Your bite feels uneven. Loose dentures may cause your bite to feel off, making it harder to chew comfortably.
- Visible wear and tear. Cracks, chips, or a worn-down denture base may require relining or even replacement.
How Often Should You Get a Denture Reline?
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer, but most denture wearers benefit from a reline every one to two years. Some patients may need a reline sooner, especially after significant weight loss, recent tooth extractions, or changes in their health.
Our dental team in Bowling Green recommends having your dentures evaluated at least once a year. Regular check-ups allow us to monitor fit, check for damage, and ensure your gums remain healthy.
The Denture Reline Process at Neville Dental Studio
If you’re experiencing discomfort or looseness, our team will first examine your mouth and dentures to determine if a reline is appropriate. The process typically involves:
- Taking an impression of your gums while you’re wearing your dentures
- Adding new acrylic material to the denture base to improve the fit
- Adjusting and polishing the denture to ensure comfort and stability
The entire process is quick and can often be completed in a single visit, although some cases may require the dentures to be sent to a dental lab.
Benefits of Denture Relining
Relining your dentures offers several benefits:
Improved comfort. A proper fit reduces sore spots and irritation.
- Better function. A reline can restore your ability to chew and speak without discomfort.
- Longer lifespan. Relining extends the life of your dentures by maintaining their fit and function.
- Cost-effective. Relining is significantly less expensive than replacing your dentures.
- Enhanced oral health. A well-fitting denture reduces the risk of gum inflammation and infection.
When a Reline May Not Be Enough
While denture relines can resolve many fit issues, there are times when a reline is not enough. If your dentures are over five to ten years old, significantly damaged, or no longer meet your functional needs, a full denture replacement may be recommended.
Additionally, some patients may want to explore implant-supported dentures as a more stable, long-term solution. Dental implants help preserve jawbone structure and eliminate many of the fit issues associated with traditional dentures.
Keep Your Dentures and Smile in Top Shape
If you’re living in Bowling Green and noticing that your dentures aren’t fitting the way they used to, don’t wait until discomfort turns into pain. A simple denture reline can restore the fit and function of your dentures, helping you eat, speak, and smile with confidence again.
At Neville Dental Studio, we’re committed to helping our patients maintain comfortable, functional dentures for years to come. Contact us today to schedule a denture evaluation and find out if a reline is the right option for you.
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