What You Need To Know About Denture Relines And Repairs?
No matter how careful you are with your dentures, you’ll almost certainly experience damages or changes in fit at some point.
Denture relining and denture repairs can minimise discomfort, improve fit, and restore your dentures to their former glory. Your first appointment for these procedures can be intimidating if you don’t know what to expect.
The good news is that this post provides answers to all your most pressing questions, from “What’s the difference between denture reline and repair?” to “What to expect from your first denture relining appointment?”
Denture Reline vs Denture Repair
Let’s start by differentiating between denture reline and repair. It’s easy to mix these terms up and use them interchangeably, but they are different. Here’s a simple definition for each one:
The denture relining process helps to combat natural changes in the shape of the patient’s mouth. Denture relining involves refitting the inside surface of the dentures — the part that rests against the gums — to ensure close contact between the base and the mouth's soft tissues.
On average, most people with dentures get them relined once every year or two to ensure they continue to fit well and perform correctly.
Types of Denture Relining
When you get your dentures relined, you can choose between hard and soft materials.
The materials for a hard denture reline are made from the same components as the original dentures. This procedure allows the dentures to fit “like new.” However, you can still brush and care for them as you did with the original set.
A soft denture reline process is similar to the hard reline procedure. The main difference is that the soft reline technique uses flexible material with cushioning properties.
This soft material increases the patient’s comfort. However, it also requires extra care.
After going through a soft reline procedure, your denture likely cannot be soaked in commercial cleaning products — this will change the material’s consistency. Soft relines also don’t last as long as hard relines and require more frequent replacements.
The denture repair process involves fixing existing damage to the patient’s dentures — chips, teeth falling out, cracks in the acrylic material, etc. This damage may result from normal wear and tear or from an accident like dropping dentures on the ground.
Patients often assume that denture repairs are expensive or time-consuming to resolve. That’s not always the case, though.
Many denture repairs can be completed very quickly and can cost as little as $150.
Simple denture repairs can often be completed the same day you drop them off. However, more complicated maintenance can take one to five days to complete. The denture prosthetist will give you an estimate during your appointment.
Types of Denture Repairs
Some of the most common types of denture repairs involve fixing chips, filling in cracks, or replacing missing teeth.
Denture prosthetists can also adjust your dentures to ensure a better fit. They may offer rebasing services, too. Rebasing involves taking the teeth from an old set of dentures and placing them on a new base.
Denture prosthetists also provide deep cleaning treatments to remove stains and make the patient’s dentures look as good as new.
Benefits of Denture Relining
Denture relining is an excellent way to maximise your comfort and ensure you see the best results from your dentures. They prevent sore spots from forming on your gums or tongue and reduce the need for extras like denture adhesives.
It’s important to note, though, that relining is not a replacement for old, worn-out, or damaged dentures. You may need denture repair or a new set altogether in these cases.
You may also need a new set of dentures if the shape of your mouth has changed drastically since you first had them made.
Signs You Need Denture Reline or Repair
Whilst sometimes it’s obvious that you need denture relining or repairing, other times it might not be as clear.
Here are some potential warning signs that indicate you could benefit from a reline or repair appointment:
Your dentures no longer fit as well as they did previously
Your dentures slip around in your mouth
Your speech sounds slurred, or you whistle while you talk
You have difficulty eating foods that you could once eat with ease
Your dentures are visibly cracked or damaged
You notice darkened areas on your dentures that catch debris
You have stains that don’t go away with regular cleaning
You have chronic sore spots inside your mouth
You experience general discomfort while wearing your dentures
If any of these issues occur, at the very least, you should contact a denture prosthetist for a consultation. They can evaluate your oral health, help you get to the bottom of your symptoms, and recommend an effective solution.
What to Expect During Your First Appointment
If you’re feeling worried about your first denture repair or relining appointment, knowing what to expect can help.
A standard appointment typically goes as follows:
The denture prosthetist will conduct a complete exam of your mouth
They will assess your dentures and take note of any damage, stains, etc.
They will make recommendations to address your specific oral health issues
They will tell you if a denture repair or reline is the best approach
They will talk you through the procedure, the cost, and how long it’ll take
They will take impressions or images as needed
As you can see, the appointment won’t be too different from any other one you’d have for your dentures. It typically doesn’t take very long, either, so you’ll be able to wrap things up and get on with your day in no time!
Schedule Denture Relining or Repair in Brisbane
Do you feel like you might benefit from denture relining or repairs?
If so, don’t wait. Reach out to a denture prosthetist as soon as possible.
Remember that the sooner you get a professional opinion, the sooner you can start feeling more comfortable and confident.
The Denture Haus team has over 25 years of experience with denture relines, repairs, and more. Contact us today and schedule a free consultation.