Restore Comfort and Confidence with Denture Relining
Do your dentures feel loose or uncomfortable? Over time, the natural changes in your mouth can impact the fit and function of your dentures, leading to irritation, difficulty eating, and even changes in your appearance. Denture relining offers an effective solution to restore fit and comfort without needing a complete replacement.
At Brown and Baran Family Dentistry, we provide professional denture relining services tailored to your unique needs. Whether you need a soft, hard, or temporary reline, our experienced dental team in Wilmington and Seaford, DE, is here to help. Call (302) 999-7600 (Wilmington office) or (302) 536-7589 (Seaford office) to schedule your appointment today!
What Is Denture Relining?
Denture relining involves reshaping the underside of your dentures to improve their fit against your gums. Over time, your gums and jawbone naturally change due to factors like bone resorption, weight changes, or aging. These changes can cause dentures to become loose, leading to discomfort and difficulty with chewing or speaking.
Relining your dentures replaces worn areas with fresh material, restoring their snug fit and stability. This essential maintenance extends the life of your dentures while improving oral health and quality of life.
Why Do Dentures Need to be Relined?
The primary reason for denture relining is to adjust the fit after changes in the jawbone and gum tissue, which are especially common in the first few years after tooth loss. As your jawbone changes, your dentures become loose, making it harder to chew, speak, and maintain comfort.
Other reasons for relining include:
- Prolonged denture wear: Frequent use can cause the material to wear down, altering the fit.
- Oral health changes: Gum tissue changes due to aging, illness, or lifestyle factors.
- Injury or trauma: Accidents affecting your mouth can change the structure of the jaw or gums.
Types of Denture Relines
Soft Denture Reline
Soft relines involve a more flexible, softer material that cushions between the gums and the denture base, making it ideal for those with sensitive or tender gum tissues.
- Advantages: Provides added comfort for sensitive gums, offering a gentle, flexible fit for tender or irritated tissues.
- Drawbacks: Requires more frequent replacements than hard relines, as they may wear down faster with daily use.
Soft relines need to be done every one to two years, depending on wear and maintenance.
Hard Denture Reline
Hard relines use a more durable material similar to the original denture base. This option ensures a longer-lasting fit for your dentures.
- Advantages: Long-lasting and durable, providing a secure, stable fit.
- Drawbacks: Can be less comfortable initially for patients with sensitive gums and may take longer to complete compared to soft relines.
Hard relines can last from one to two years with proper care.
Temporary Reline
Temporary relines, also known as therapeutic relines, use medicated, soft materials to alleviate gum irritation and promote healing before transitioning to a permanent reline.
- Advantages: Helps soothe sore gums and allows healing, providing a temporary solution for comfort.
- Drawbacks: Not a long-lasting fit, as it provides a short-term solution requiring follow-up care.
Temporary relines are designed for short-term use, typically lasting only a few weeks.
Signs You Need a Denture Reline
Wondering if it’s time to reline your dentures? Look out for these common signs:
- Loose-fitting dentures that slip during eating or talking.
- Sore spots or irritation on your gums.
- Difficulty chewing food properly.
- Changes in speech, such as slurring or difficulty pronouncing words.
If you experience any of these issues, a professional denture reline can help restore comfort and stability.
Why Choose Professional Denture Relining in Wilmington and Seaford, DE?
Professional denture relining ensures precision, comfort, and durability that DIY kits can’t provide. At Brown and Baran Family Dentistry, we use advanced materials and techniques to deliver custom-fit results for every patient.
Benefits of choosing professional denture relining:
- Enhanced comfort and stability.
- Reduced gum irritation and inflammation.
- Extended denture lifespan, saving you money on replacements.
- A personalized fit for optimal functionality and aesthetics.
The Denture Relining Process
Step 1: Consultation and Assessment
The first step involves a consultation with our dentists in Wilmington and Seaford. They’ll examine your mouth, assess the fit of your dentures, and discuss the best reline option for your specific needs.
Step 2: Preparing the Denture
Our Wilmington and Seaford dentists will remove a thin layer of material from the denture base, making room for the reline material. This step is essential to ensure that the new material bonds well and achieves the best fit.
Step 3: Application of the Reline Material
Depending on the type of reline, our dentist will apply a layer of soft or hard reline material to the underside of the denture. The denture is then placed in your mouth to shape the material to the contours of your gums.
Step 4: Setting and Finishing
Once the material has been set, Dr. Paul Brown and Dr. Chris Baran will smooth and polish the relined denture. The result should be a snug, comfortable fit that matches the current shape of your gums.
How Often Should Dentures Be Relined?
Most dentists recommend relines every one to two years, but this may vary based on factors like gum health and wear patterns. Regular relining helps maintain a secure fit and prolongs the life of your dentures.
Average Costs of Denture Relines
In the United States, the cost of soft relines typically ranges from $300 to $500, while hard relines generally cost between $200 and $450. Temporary relines are usually less expensive, costing around $100 to $200. The average costs vary depending on the type of reline you choose, with each option offering different benefits and longevity.
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.
While DIY denture relining kits are available, professional relining is strongly recommended. Dentists use specialized materials and techniques to ensure a secure, comfortable fit that protects your oral health.
Attempting to reline dentures at home can lead to improper fit, discomfort, and potential damage, often requiring costly repairs or replacements. For the best results, trust your dentist to perform a professional reline.
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. You should also schedule routine dental visits to ensure your dentures remain a proper fit and in good condition.
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.
Relining Dentures Near You: Wilmington and Seaford, DE
At Brown and Baran Family Dentistry, we’re proud to serve denture wearers across Wilmington, Seaford, and surrounding communities in Delaware. Our team is dedicated to helping you maintain optimal oral health and a confident smile.
Ready to restore the fit and comfort of your dentures? Call our Wilmington office at (302) 999-7600 or our Seaford office at (302) 536-7589 to schedule your consultation today!