The moment you first put your new dentures in gives you a feeling you’d probably like to keep forever. It’s a combination of relief because you finally have your smile back and satisfaction that the process has come to an end. However, if you don’t take care of those dentures, you’ll experience the less enjoyable lead up to that moment over and over again. One way of maintaining your dentures is known as a hard reline.
Relining simply refers to the process of adjusting your dentures so they better fit your mouth. When dentures don’t fit well, any number of problems can occur. The obvious is that they could fall out. However, even if they were to get loose for just a moment, that would be enough time for food to sneak underneath them. The result would be uncomfortable to say the least. Just the feeling of them moving around a bit or sliding in place is enough to cause most wearers anxiety as they worry about what could happen.
However, it’s inevitable that eventually your dentures will begin losing their snug fit. That’s because your jawbone actually changes in size over time. When teeth are extracted, your jaw automatically goes through a prolonged adjustment. Any unnecessary movement on the part of your dentures can also slowly wear away at that jaw.
So by having relining done regularly, you get dentures that fit better, feel more comfortable and are actually healthier to wear. There are two types of relining: hard and soft. The former refers to the dentist using a hard acrylic to mold the contours of your mouth. This acrylic is then used to add an additional layer to your dentures to achieve that improved, snug fit. Hard relining grants your dentures the highest amount of contact with your gums.
Generally, most dental professionals recommend you have a relining done once every two years. However, you should always see your dentist immediately if your permanent dentures are sliding around in your mouth. Aside from the mental and physical agitation it can cause, that movement can inflict very real damage on your jaw.
Just because you can’t feel any movement doesn’t mean it isn’t becoming an issue though. That’s why it’s a good idea to schedule your next appointment no matter what. Plus, your dentist will be able to check the pigmentation and overall look of your dentures and perform any other maintenance that may be necessary.