Did you know that the American Dental Association estimates that 40.9 million Americans wear dentures? These tried-and-true replacement teeth remain a popular method for restoring smiles after tooth loss because they can enhance your mouth’s appearance and functionality simultaneously.
However, that’s only as long as they fit correctly. If your prosthetics feel unstable, you might be tempted to try to fix them yourself, only to regret the decision. Continue reading to learn why it’s wiser to call your dentist to reline your dentures instead!
What is Denture Relining?
Most dentures are made with a gum-colored base made from acrylic or resin that can be customized to look and feel as lifelike as possible. It provides the structure and holds the pontics, or artificial teeth, in place.
Although your restoration is initially designed to fit like a glove, it may eventually become ill-fitting and require relining. This refers to the process of adding material to the foundation to create the dimensions needed for it to fit correctly again. There are two methods, and they are:
- Soft relining. This uses a pliable, cushiony substance to improve comfort for those with sore or sensitive tissues. These might not last as long as hard relines.
- Hard relining. This option utilizes harder materials to reshape the base of your prosthetic for a longer-lasting fit.
Why Do My Dentures Need to Be Relined?
It’s natural to wonder why your dentures eventually stopped fitting correctly when they were created using impressions of your mouth. The truth is that your jawbone continues to thin after teeth go missing. Under normal circumstances, your roots stimulate new bone growth that keeps it active and healthy every time you bite down.
Unfortunately, when they are lost, you can lose up to 25% of the surrounding density within the first year. Eventually, as your jaw thins, the bony ridges in your mouth flatten, leaving your dentures without a strong structure on which to anchor.
Can I Reline My Own Dentures?
Some stores and pharmacies sell kits to repair your dentures at home, but having the correct supplies to add bulk to the base of your teeth doesn’t mean that you have the expertise to do so skillfully. You might add too much or thicken the wrong area and make matters worse.
Then, if you continue wearing poorly fitting dentures that have been incorrectly repaired, you might throw off your bite alignment or develop TMJ (temporomandibular joint) disorders.
If your dentures are slipping out of place regularly, it’s time to contact your dentist to have them professionally relined or replaced!
About the Practice
At the Boston Smile Center, you benefit from a team of dentists passionate about helping you improve your life by enhancing your dental health. Dr. Sasson, Dr. Shainhouse, and Dr. Abugad share over 35 years of combined experience providing a comprehensive array of services to meet even the most unique needs under one roof. Whether you need basic preventive care or a more complex treatment, like replacing lost teeth, they utilize advanced technology to deliver comfortable, accurate results. You can request an appointment on the website or call (617) 739-1017.