Dentures can be an effective, durable solution to missing teeth, but they need to be adjusted periodically. The temptation to pull up a YouTube video for a how-to tutorial to reline your dentures yourself may be strong, but it may also cause you more harm than good. Here is why it’s best to visit a professional for relining if your denture doesn’t fit anymore.
What Is a Denture Reline?
A denture reline is a dental procedure that reshapes the underside of a denture to make it fit more comfortably and securely against your gums. Over time, the shape of your gums and jawbone can change due to bone loss, weight changes, aging, or tooth loss. This can cause your dentures to feel loose, slip, or cause sore spots. A reline helps correct that by refitting the denture base to better match the current shape of your mouth.
Can I Perform the Reline Myself?
The simple answer is yes, you can reline your dentures on your own, but it’s not recommended. It is difficult to determine the amount of material to place inside the denture. If you use too little, the reline is incomplete and doesn’t cover the entire inner surface. If you use too much, you may not be able to correctly position the denture in your mouth. And once the material sets, it’s usually impossible to remove it and get your denture in its original condition.
There is a clean-up step involved in denture relining in which the excess material is removed from the outside surfaces. Without the tools to complete this, you cannot smooth and polish the denture, and those hard edges can cut into your mouth.
Furthermore, if you can’t chew or close your lips after performing the reline, it means the denture was not fully sealed and your bite has been affected. This can disrupt everyday functions like eating and speaking.
Having your dentures professionally relined is a must. Though you may try to save yourself some money and a visit to your dentist, in the long run, you could ruin your dentures, cause injury to yourself, and experience a disruption in your everyday life. A dentist or denturist will have access to materials and tools that are not available to patients commercially to ensure a professional relining job is done. DIY relines may use inferior materials that can cause allergies or wear down faster. Schedule your appointment to get your dentures relined the right way.
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Want to reclaim your smile and functionality with dentures? Our caring and empathetic team at Omega Dental of Bedford can treat you with a traditional appliance or an implant-supported restoration. Schedule your consultation now to see if you’re a good candidate with an appointment through our website or call us at (817) 518-6915.