The human body is an adaptable creation. Once the natural teeth are gone, the jawbone begins to change shape. Eventually, it can change so much that a denture no longer fits well. What should you do if your prosthetic does not feel as snug and comfortable as it used to? You might need to get it relined (adjusted). Most people choose to visit their dentist for this service, but others attempt to do it on their own. Is it a good idea to reline your dentures by yourself? Read this blog post to discover some important information.
What Is a Denture Reline?
A denture reline aims to adjust the base of a denture via the addition of new material. This helps it to have a tighter, more comfortable fit so it can stay in place during everyday activities.
There are two types of relines:
- A soft reline uses a soft material that is suitable for people with gum sensitivity or other issues.
- A hard reline uses harder, more durable material to adjust the dentures.
Relines Are Best Left to the Professionals — Why?
After a quick online search, you might discover that some companies sell kits that contain everything you need to do a soft denture reline at home. While that might seem like an appealing idea, the truth is that denture relines are better left to trained dental professionals. Why? There are several reasons:
You Might Ruin Your Dentures
A mistake during the relining process could cause your prosthetic to give you an uneven bite. As a result, you might place extra pressure on certain parts of your denture. Eventually, this issue could cause your denture to break!
You Could Harm Your Bite
Occlusion (the way your two rows of teeth work together) is a complex and delicate process. Even a small error in the relining process could interfere with your occlusion and leave you with an uncomfortable bite. Jaw pain, aches in your facial muscles, and gum sores could all arise.
Your Appearance Could Be Affected
Some people accidentally use too much relining material when they are trying to adjust their own dentures. This could cause the base of your denture to appear unusually large; others might notice that you have a “gummy” smile. Plus, if your bite becomes uneven, your teeth might appear noticeably off-kilter.
The DIY Process Can Be Unpleasant
Often, DIY reline kits rely on a direct impression process. Basically, that means you place a gummy material into your denture’s base, and you bite down on the material while it sets. The smell, taste, and texture of the relining putty can be unpleasant and even off-putting.
Trust Your Dentist for Relines
Dentists and the professionals they work with are experts at relining dentures. They pay attention to the little details, so you can be confident that your dentures will maintain a comfortable fit for as long as possible. Trust them to help you keep your prosthetic smile in great shape!
Meet the Practice
Family Dental Practice of Newington features a large team of dental experts. We are proud to offer a range of dentures services, including denture design and denture maintenance. If you have questions about how to get the most out of your prosthetic teeth, we would be happy to speak with you. Contact our friendly staff at 860-856-6201.