After your natural teeth are extracted, your body begins to reshape your jawbone and the overlying gum tissue. This process continues even after you get dentures, which means that, over time, the fit of your prosthesis can change significantly. Periodically, you will have to get it relined (adjusted). Most people visit their dentist for this service, but others try to do it on their own with the goal of saving money. But are DIY denture relines a good idea? This blog post shares some important information.
What Is a Denture Reline?
During a denture reline, new material is added to the base of the denture. This helps it to fit snugly but comfortably on your unique gums.
A soft reline uses a soft material and is good for people with sensitive gums or other issues that would make it uncomfortable for them to get a hard reline. A hard reline lasts longer because the material used is tougher and more durable.
Relines Are Best Left to the Professionals — Why?
It is possible to buy DIY kits that have everything you need to do your own soft reline on your dentures. However, adjusting your prosthesis is a task best left to trained professionals. Why is that the case? There are a number of reasons:
You Might Ruin Your Dentures
If you make a mistake during the relining process, you might end up with an uneven bite. This could place extra pressure on certain parts of your denture, which might eventually cause it to break!
You Could Harm Your Bite
Occlusion (the way your upper and lower teeth work together) is a delicate and complex process. If you make even small errors during the relining process, you could end up with a dysfunctional or uncomfortable bite. You may experience jaw pain, gum sores, facial aches, and other unpleasant symptoms as a result.
Your Appearance Could Be Affected
Some people make the mistake of using too much relining material while using their DIY kit. This could make the base of your denture look unusually large, leading to what is commonly known as a “gummy smile.” Plus, if your bite ends up being uneven, your teeth might be visibly crooked in your mouth.
The DIY Process Can Be Unpleasant
DIY reline kits usually use a direct impression process. Essentially, that means you insert a gummy plastic material into the base of your dentures, and then you have to bite down on it while the material sets. The taste, smell, and texture of the relining putty is off-putting for many people.
Trust Your Dentist for Relines
Dentists and the laboratories they work with are experts at relining dentures. You can expect great results in a reasonable period of time — without the pressure and risks of DIY endeavors. Trust the professionals to help you keep your prosthetic teeth in the best condition possible!
Meet the Practice
Here at the Center for Contemporary Dentistry in Belmont, we are proud to provide comprehensive oral health services to our community. If your denture is not fitting as well as it used to, we can provide a reline or help you to get an entirely new prosthetic. We want you to enjoy a comfortable, functional smile! Get in touch with our expert team at 603-556-7047.