Tooth loss is a life-changing experience that often doesn’t come with many upsides. You might’ve felt self-conscious or had trouble eating, but you got dentures to help you regain your confident smile. As you get good use out of them, their fit will start to change over time. This is normal, so you will need to have them relined. But what does this mean? Here’s a guide to why this service is needed and what generally happens during it.
Why Do My Dentures Need to Be Relined?
When you are missing teeth, your jawbone will start to change. There aren’t any tooth roots stimulating it, so your body will take minerals from it to use elsewhere. While you might be worried about this natural process, dentures can slow it down. The pressure from biting and chewing will be sent through your gums and to the bone.
However, this tooth replacement doesn’t fully stop this from happening. Your jaw and gums will be different compared to when you first got your prosthetic. They might not fit as comfortably as they once did, and this can spell trouble for your oral health. You might develop painful sores, and the rubbing can irritate soft tissues. Slippage is another thing that can make you feel a bit embarrassed while you eat and talk.
So, What Happens During a Denture Relining?
Since your mouth will change, dentures are designed to be adaptable and have periodic relining done. Better yet, it’s a simple service as well! Your dentist will first clean your restoration, and they might remove some parts that touch your gums.
Specialized materials will be added to the inner plate to compensate for any areas that need to be conformed to your gums and jaw. It’s important to keep in mind that minor alterations can typically be done in-office, while more major ones may need assistance from a dental lab.
That said, there are two types of this process you may consider: soft or hard relining. The former is done with more comfortable materials, which can be beneficial if you have any tenderness or are recovering after surgery. The latter can be great when the actual sturdy structures need to be adjusted, and results are often longer-lasting.
In the end, your dentist is here for you. An ill-fitting tooth replacement can be trouble, so don’t put off relining it if need be. It’s a simple service that will make your smile more comfortable once again.
About the Practice
At Prosper Dental Health, our team is dedicated to helping the local community restore their missing teeth with reliable options like dentures. Our skilled dentists use high-quality materials, so your restoration looks lifelike and feels great to have in. Better yet, we are here to keep it in great shape as you get use out of it over the years. If you are due for a relining, schedule an appointment or call our office at (972)347-2233.