The process of relining a denture so that it fits properly is usually handled by a trained dental professional. But if you want to save time and money, you may be tempted to try to perform the relining on your own. This may seem like a good idea on the surface, but the reality is that it can easily result in an even worse situation. Below is a closer look at why denture relining is best left in the hands of your dentist.
Why Do Dentures Sometimes Have to Be Relined?
When you first get dentures to replace your teeth, they will be customized to fit snugly over your gums. However, as time passes, the jawbone will start to deteriorate due to no longer receiving stimulation from your natural teeth; this can change the shape of your gums and cause your dentures to come loose.
If your dentures no longer fit correctly, it’s often possible to address the problem via relining. This involves adding new material to the inside surface of the dentures so that they sit on the gums correctly.
Why Shouldn’t You Reline Your Dentures Yourself?
There are multiple reasons why DIY denture relining simply isn’t worth the risk. For one thing, you could easily end up damaging your dentures by mistake. They may fit even worse than before, throwing off your bite and making it more difficult to chew your food. If the damage is severe enough, you may even be forced to replace your dentures altogether.
On top of that, the relining process involves removing any excess material from the borders of the dentures so that they fit comfortably. Unfortunately, a DIY denture relining kit doesn’t come with the necessary tools to perform this step correctly. As a result, you may end up with sharp edges on your dentures that can cause significant pain and gum injuries.
Why Should You See a Dentist for Denture Relining?
When you need to have a denture relined, it’s always best to see your dentist. They have the training and equipment needed to ensure that the job is done correctly. Once they’ve had a chance to examine your dentures and your mouth, they’ll be able to determine exactly where new material needs to be added to the base so that it fits as it should.
Do you suspect that your denture needs to be relined in the near future? If so, it’s best to get in touch with your dentist. You can count on them to resolve the problem so that you can continue to get many years of use out of your prosthesis.
About the Author
Dr. Bryan Friedland has over a decade of dental experience. He studied dentistry at Nova Southeastern University, and he completed a General Practice Residency at Long Island Jewish Hospital in New York. He’s able to help his patients enjoy complete smiles again after extensive tooth loss with high-quality, natural-looking dentures. If you think you may need to have your dentures relined, you can schedule a consultation with Dr. Friedland at Friedland Family Dentistry of Pembroke Pines by visiting his website or calling (954) 450-6640.