Denture ReliningLos Angeles, CA

Dentures Must Fit the Teeth

When dentures become loose, they cause a variety of oral problems. Individuals should contact our office immediately upon noticing a poor fit. If the dentures become so loose that they do not fit securely even with the help of dental adhesive, it may be time to seek the advice of a prosthodontist. WebMD also recommends looking for the following warning signs:

• Cracks and chips. If the denture base sustains damage in any way, then we need to replace it immediately. Cracks and chips cause the base to deteriorate quickly. If the dentures are still in good condition, rebasing is a wise option.
• Loose denture teeth. If the dentures become loose in the base, it could signal deterioration. Even if the base has no obvious signs of damage, it wears down with age and could cause the teeth to become unstable. When this happens, rebasing allows dentists to preserve current artificial teeth and replace only the base.
• Oral sores. Ill-fitting dentures rub against gums, creating painful sores in the mouth. If the problem is not rectified quickly, additional sores will form. Not only is this painful, but these sores could lead to infection if not treated properly.

Three Types of Denture Relining

The common types of denture relining procedures include hard relining, soft relining, and temporary relining. The type of relining one needs depends on that patient's situation. Here are descriptions of the three types of relining and what they involve:

• Hard Relining: Hard relining consists of the same kind of material as the denture's original base, usually acrylic. Hard relines last around two years. After two years, the patient's gums may have changed shape enough to need another reline.
• Soft Relining: Soft relining can last slightly longer than hard relining. Still, if the patient's gums are steadily changing, a new hard reline may be needed before the previous one wears out. According to an article in the Journal of Dentistry and Medical Research, a soft, silicone-based denture lining may help dentures stay in place. The material used for a soft reline is molded to fit the patient's gums, and is more comfortable than acrylic.
• Temporary Relining: A temporary reline is a special type of soft reline that uses a medicated temporary lining material to help a patient with swollen, irritated gums. Once the irritation has gone, a dental professional can take new, accurate impressions, and the soft or hard reline can be done.

One or a combination of methods could work for you. Our team suggests making an appointment once you realize dentures are not fitting right. At the appointment, the dentist can assess the situation and discuss options.

When Relining and Rebasing Are Necessary

As per the American College of Prosthodontists, the bone under a patient's gums deteriorates naturally with age. This deterioration changes the shape of the jaw in addition to altering the ridges in the gums that hold dentures securely in place. As a result, dentures become loose over time. Relining and rebasing allow dentists to preserve denture teeth and adjust the base to provide a more secure fit.

Our dentist can determine the suitability for relining or rebasing by analyzing the current fit and condition of the dentures. If the artificial teeth are in good condition, but the base needs adjustment, then these procedures are good options. The condition of the base determines whether relining or rebasing is required.

Rebasing

According to the American Dental Association, if the base has begun to deteriorate, the dentist will recommend rebasing. This is the process in which a new base is created. The new base is modeled after the existing denture. Our team takes a new cast of the patient's mouth and uses it to create an entirely new base. We will then place the current denture teeth on this new base.

Rebasing may be necessary when the denture becomes broken or damaged, the denture base is weakened, or an immediate denture requires replacement. In-denture rebasing, only the acrylic denture base is replaced (that is, the teeth are left alone).

What To Know About Denture Rebasing

The process of rebasing dentures involves creating an entirely new base portion. Denture rebasing is a viable option when the pink base portion has worn out, but the artificial teeth are still in good condition. Rebasing, when possible, is a lower-cost alternative to getting an entirely new set of dentures.

While dentures can last for years before needing extensive repairs, it is crucial to seek regular checkups and ensure they are in proper shape. We can restore damaged dentures and help patients continue using their dentures without issues. By rebasing dentures, patients will not have to constantly get a new set.