Denture Relines in Northwest Calgary
Advancements in technology have allowed dentures to increase their longevity, now lasting between 5-10 years with proper care. A denture reline Calgary patients may need is usually required every 2 years to ensure proper fit and function of your dentures. Relines are required because as time goes on, the bone in our jaw naturally shrinks, causing our gums to lose their shape and teeth to fall out. A denture reline allows us to reshape your dentures, giving you a more comfortable fit. If you wait too long with uncomfortable dentures, you may notice loose dentures Calgary patients experience start slipping or causing pain. Please contact our denture clinic to book an appointment so we can reshape your dentures and keep you smiling.
What is a Denture Rebase?
As time goes on, dentures begin to wear naturally due to the inevitable changes in our mouths and what we eat. In most cases, the denture teeth may be in good condition and it is the base that needs to be repaired. A denture rebase Calgary patients may require helps stabilize the denture without having to fully replace them.
A rebase of a denture is needed when the acrylic needs to be replaced. Rather than having the entire denture replaced, a rebasing would allow us to replace the acrylic base to optimize comfort. Dentures usually need a rebase if they have become cracked or chipped.
What is a Denture Reline?
When a patient first receives their dentures, they are made to fit comfortably. However, mouth tissues change over time, resulting in oddly fitting dentures along the gumline. Ill fitting dentures may also be caused by tooth loss, weight loss, illness, or age. Rather than replacing the dentures altogether, you can have a loose denture reline done. A reline is when the denture is lined with new acrylic or a cushioned material that sits between the gums and the denture.
When a patient is acquiring a denture reline, there are two options available: soft or hard. A soft denture reline is required when a patient is unable to wear their dentures due to their gums becoming too tender. A soft reline will supply additional cushion to the denture, to give a patient optimal comfort. Whereas a hard denture reline is when we remove some of the older acrylic material while replacing it with new acrylic.
What are hard liners?
If a patient is finding that after a few years their dentures are not fitting as they used to, a denture reline may be required. A typical reline is encouraged every 2 years to ensure that the denture is optimized for comfort and to prevent the possibility of producing mouth sores. Depending on the state of the denture and your required comfort needs, you may need a hard liner. This is a procedure that takes place on the denture itself. Acrylic is removed from the interior of the denture to allow space for an impression material to conform to your mouth. This material provides an impression to prevent your dentures from slipping or fitting improperly. Once this impression is taken, we adjust the dentures to the new shape of the gum tissue.
What are soft liners?
As we get older our mouths shift, causing discomfort to occur and gum tissue to become sensitive from the use of the dentures. When this happens, our mouths and gums become achy, irritated, and may produce sores along the gumline. When patients experience this sort of discomfort, they should contact our clinic to inquire about a soft denture reline Calgary patients can receive for added comfort. A soft reline is when a material is placed on the denture to optimize comfort. It also helps the dentures absorb any shock that may occur while eating or speaking. Soft liners provide relief for patients so they do not have to deal with the stress that can occur from improper fitting dentures. A soft liner usually lasts a couple years before needing to be relined again.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if my dentures need relining?
Dentures may need to be relined when they no longer fit as comfortably or securely as they once did. You may notice your dentures becoming loose, slipping while you eat or speak, creating pressure points, or causing irritation along the gums. Because your gums and supporting tissues naturally change over time, a denturist can assess the fit and determine whether a reline is appropriate.
Why have my dentures become loose over time?
Your mouth does not remain exactly the same after dentures are made. Changes to the gums, jawbone, supporting tissues, weight, health, and other factors can gradually affect how your dentures fit. As these changes occur, a denture that previously felt secure may begin moving or slipping. A denture reline may help adapt the fitting surface to the current shape of your mouth.
What is the difference between a soft and hard denture reline?
Both soft and hard relines are intended to improve how an existing denture fits against the gums, but they use different materials. A soft reline uses a more cushioned material and may be considered for patients with tender or sensitive gums. A hard reline uses firmer acrylic material. Your denturist can assess your mouth and dentures to determine which option is appropriate.
What is the difference between a denture reline and a denture rebase?
A denture reline modifies the surface of the denture that rests against your gums to improve its fit as your mouth changes. A denture rebase is a more extensive process in which the acrylic base of an existing denture is replaced while the existing denture teeth may be retained when appropriate. An assessment can determine which treatment better suits the condition of your denture.
Should loose dentures be relined or replaced?
That depends on the condition, age, fit, and overall function of your dentures. If the denture teeth and base remain in suitable condition, a reline may help improve the fit without requiring an entirely new denture. However, dentures with significant wear, damage, or other concerns may require a different solution. Our Calgary denture team can assess your dentures and explain your options.