Dentures can be an amazing solution for extensive tooth loss because they can allow a patient to smile normally and eat foods that would be impossible to chew with missing teeth. While dentures can be expected to last up to ten years with proper care, they will require adjustments from time to time in order to continue fitting properly. However, some people might be tempted to try to save a buck by relining their dentures themselves. Here’s why trying that can ruin your appliance and why you should leave your dentures’ adjustments to dental professionals.
What Is a Denture Reline?
As you age, your mouth develops and changes shape, and since your dentures are not living things, they will not adapt to a changing mouth on their own. This is why they require relines in order to keep fitting properly. A denture reline involves placing new material along the base of the denture to fill in the gaps that form as the gums change over time. The process can usually be completed in a single business day if the patient arrives at the lab early in the morning. Dentures can also be relined more quickly in the dental office, but these relines can discolor and wear out with time.
Why Shouldn’t I Reline My Dentures Myself?
Dentists do not recommend that patients reline their own dentures. It requires training and experience to know how to properly reline a denture, and improperly attaching new material to your dentures can ruin their appearance and make them fit even more poorly. The reline material that comes in DIY kits is designed to solidify when exposed to the body heat present within the mouth, so the user will have a limited amount of time to get the shape just right. If the material is not placed properly the first time, it is usually impossible to remove the amateur reline and return your appliance to its original condition.
Without the tools and expertise necessary to do the job properly, a DIY reline can lead to oral injuries. If you fail to remove the excess material in just the right way, you can leave your dentures with sharp edges that can cut into the soft tissues of your mouth. An uneven reline can disrupt how your dentures bite together, which can make chewing difficult, uncomfortable, or even painful.
If you’re trying to save money by relining your dentures yourself, you can expect to get what you pay for. If you leave your relines to dental professionals, you know you’re getting a quality adjustment that will have your dentures fitting properly and comfortably again.
About the Practice
Dental Group of Jefferson delivers excellent dental care with compassionate service in Jefferson, OH. Led by Drs. Casey Hammond and Stephanie Pichler, the staff creates a warm and family-friendly dental office that uses the latest in dental techniques and technology. Areas of expertise include preventive, restorative, cosmetic, and emergency dentistry in addition to denture treatments. To learn more about denture relines, contact the office online or dial (440) 576-7040.