When most people think about replacing their missing teeth, dentures are what come to mind first. These tried-and-true prosthetics have helped countless patients over the years with varying degrees of tooth loss, and if you wear dentures, yours probably make your life much better compared to when you were missing teeth! That said, if you’ve had them for a while, it’s also very possible that their fit has changed. But is this something you can deal with yourself? Here’s why visiting your dentist for a denture reline is the right move.
What Exactly Is a Denture Reline?
Dentures are designed to fit snugly within your mouth, resting comfortably on top of the gums and serving as a functional set of replacement teeth. While they’re custom-fitted for the unique curves and contours of your mouth, over the years the way they fit can begin to change. This can worsen to the point where they can no longer function properly or look or feel natural without an adjustment.
Relining dentures involves adding new material to their inner surface to improve their shape. While there are different types of relines, the purpose of all of them is to ensure that the dentures can be comfortably worn once more and function correctly. In the end, it allows a patient to get much more mileage out of their dentures; just keep in mind that it’s meant to be a short-term solution, and eventually dentures that become too ill-fitting or damaged could need to be replaced.
How Can I Tell If My Dentures Need to Be Relined?
Your dentures are likely due for a reline if you experience things like:
- Your dentures feel loose, unstable, or shift around in your mouth
- You find yourself needing to use more adhesive than usual to stabilize your dentures
- The base of your dentures rubs against your gums and creates sore spots and irritation
- Your dentures constantly trap food particles underneath their base
- You have trouble speaking or chewing while wearing your dentures
Can I Do This Myself?
You might be convinced that relining your dentures is something you can easily do yourself at home or with a store-bought kit. However, remember—only a dentist has the means to thoroughly examine your smile and your dentures and determine the best way of addressing the situation. If a denture isn’t relined correctly, it might end up ruining the look or feel of your denture, or it could end up harming your mouth.
If you’ve noticed your dentures feel off, let your dentist know so that if a reline is necessary, they can carry it out and ensure your new smile continues to be its best for years to come!
About the Practice
Under the talented leadership of Dr. Brooke Appelhans, our team here at Caring Smiles Dental has proudly served the needs of those in Beaverton and the nearby communities for several years. We offer a wide range of services, from routine preventive care to restorative services like dentures for all types of tooth loss. If you have any questions about the blog or you’re ready to schedule an appointment for a denture reline or another matter, you can reach out online or call today for more information. Telephone: (503) 430-5096.