Optimal Denture Relining Schedule: Frequency Guidelines For Maintenance
Denture repair is one of the most prevalent treatments for replacing multiple teeth. Similar to any other oral appliance, dentures necessitate proper care and maintenance to ensure optimal functionality and longevity. If your denture is no longer fitting as comfortably as it once did, it may be time to consider denture relining.
The frequency of denture relining varies depending on several factors, including the type of denture material used, the patient’s oral habits, and overall oral health. On average, dentures may need to be relined every 5-7 years, although some individuals may require more frequent denture repair.
Denture Relining: Essential For Ensuring Comfort & a Perfect Fit
As an individual who has been wearing dentures for an extended period, you may have noticed a change in the fit of your appliance over time. This phenomenon is a common occurrence due to the natural process of bone atrophy that occurs after tooth loss. When the supporting jawbone deteriorates, the denture that once fits comfortably may start to shift or slip, causing discomfort and affecting the overall quality of life.
Tooth extractions can address this issue, denture relining is a necessary procedure that involves adding material to the denture to improve fit and comfort. The process involves filling in the space between the bone ridge and the appliance, thereby providing a more secure and comfortable fit.
Emergency dentist services may become necessary due to bone atrophy, a natural consequence of tooth loss, which is a primary factor contributing to the change in denture fit. As the jawbone deteriorates, it can cause the denture to become loose and shift, leading to discomfort and difficulty while eating, speaking, and other everyday activities. Denture relining helps to alleviate these issues by restoring the denture to its original shape and position, ensuring a comfortable and secure fit.
Denture relining is an essential cosmetic dentist procedure that can greatly improve the comfort and fit of your dentures. If you have noticed a change in the fit of your dentures over time, it is important to consult with a dentist for dental crowns or dental fillings to determine if denture relining is necessary. With proper care and maintenance, your same-day dentures can continue to provide you with a comfortable and natural-feeling bite for years to come.
Determining The Right Time For Your Next Denture Relining
The frequency of denture relining is a highly individualized and dynamic process that depends on a variety of factors. While some individuals may require a reline every year or two on average, the initial post-fitting adjustment period may necessitate more frequent relining, typically within the first few weeks of denture placement. Gum treatment during this period may be crucial.
As the individual becomes accustomed to their new prosthesis, the need for relining may subsist. However, it is essential to consult with a dentist anytime the denture feels loose or exhibits signs of shifting, as this can significantly impact the overall comfort, functionality, and aesthetics of the denture. In other words, a reline should be undertaken whenever the denture requires adjustment for root canals to ensure optimal oral health and well-being.
Recognizing The Need For a Denture Reline: Key Warning Signs
An ill-fitting denture can lead to a plethora of oral health issues, including discomfort, difficulty chewing, and even fungal infections. To prevent these complications, it is essential to recognize the warning signs that indicate the need for a denture reline. These signs include denture repair:
- Areas of irritation on the gums
- Difficulty chewing food due to slipping or shifting dentures
- It has been at least two years since the last reline
- Prolonged periods of discomfort
- Presence of a fungal infection in the oral cavity
Exploring Denture Relining Options: Soft vs. Hard Relines
There are two primary methods of denture relines: soft and hard relines.
Soft Relin
Soft denture relines, like tooth extractions, can be performed either in the dental chair or in a dental laboratory. This method involves layering the denture with a soft liquid polymer to add cushion and depth. This process can be completed relatively quickly, but it typically needs to be done more often than a hard reline. It typically lasts about one to two years.
Hard Reline
Hard relines can be performed in-office or in a dental laboratory. However, most dentists prefer to send hard relines out to a lab because the process is more involved. Unlike soft relines, hard relines use a harder material, such as acrylic, which is more similar to the actual denture base itself. Children’s dentistry can also benefit from this type of reline, which usually lasts more than two years. It is important to note that if your denture is sent out to a dental lab, you will be without your appliance for however long it takes to reline. However, a denture reline can give new life to your appliance and help delay the need for a brand-new one.
Extending The Life Of Your Dentures Through Proper Care
Denture care is an essential aspect of maintaining optimal oral health, and denture relines play a crucial role in ensuring the comfort and functionality of these prosthetic devices. Whether you have been wearing dentures for an extended period or are just beginning your denture journey, regular relining is essential to prevent discomfort, improve chewing efficiency, and enhance overall denture longevity.
At US Dental & Medical Care, our skilled dental professionals are dedicated to providing exceptional denture care and will work with you to determine the most appropriate reline schedule for your individual needs. Contact us now!
US Dental and Medical Care
949 E Livingston Ave,
Columbus, OH 43205
Phone: (614) 252-3181
Website: https://usdentalmedical.com
