Hard Reline Versus Soft Reline for Dentures

Denture Georgetown, TX

A denture reline is a normal part of wearing dentures. Relines are needed to fix ill-fitting dentures. You experience bone loss when you wear dentures, and eventually, that will cause the dentures to fit poorly. The reline adjusts the shape of the dentures, so they fit once again. Most people need a reline every two years, although some only require a reline every three or four years. You can choose between hard and soft relines.

Hard vs. soft denture reline

Hard and soft denture relines are similar. In both cases, the dentist removes some of the pink acrylic material and adds a putty to the places where the dentures meet the gums. The denture is placed in the mouth, and an impression is taken. Once the putty hardens, the dentist replaces it with the material for a hard or soft reline. The material used for the hard reline is similar to the pink acrylic used for traditional dentures. A soft polymer is used for the soft reline.

Hard reline benefits

Hard relines are considered a permanent solution to ill-fitting dentures. The hard acrylic material lasts for two years or longer, so people are less likely to require adjustments. It does take longer to complete a hard reline. While some dentists fabricate the dentures in the office, many send the dentures off to a laboratory for a hard reline. People might have to wait for one to two weeks to get the dentures back if they are sent to a dental lab.

Soft reline benefits

People who have trouble wearing dentures often opt for a soft reline. The soft polymer used to make the dentures more comfortable. The soft polymer cushions the gums, increasing comfort levels. Dentists can often fabricate the soft reline in the office while patients wait. A soft reline usually lasts for up to 18 months. Patients require another reline at the end of 18 months.

Reline kits

When looking at the differences between soft and hard relines, one cannot help but notice the kits available. A hard reline can only be completed by a dentist, but people can purchase a reline kit for soft relines. As tempting as that might be, it is not a good idea to use these kits. All relines should be completed by the dentist.

People who reline their dentures face a variety of problems. It is possible to misalign the bite when relining the dentures. It is also possible to damage the dentures beyond repair. If this happens, patients have to get new dentures. That is much more expensive than getting a soft reline at the dentist’s office.

Choosing a denture reline

If you are not sure which reline option is right for you, a general dentist can help. Your dentist will examine your bite and your mouth. You will discuss your issues with your dentures and then the dentist will help you make a decision. Next, your dentist will begin the denture reline.

Request an appointment here: https://www.healthysmilesgeorgetown.com or call Healthy Smiles Dentistry Georgetown at (512) 864-9010 for an appointment in our Georgetown office.

Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Dentures in Georgetown, TX.

Recent Posts

A Guide To Partial Dentures

A partial denture is a great way to restore not only your smile but also your confidence. This guide will highlight all of the critical aspects of dentures to help you make the best decisions you can.A partial denture is a removable insert in your mouth, filling gaps created by missing teeth with fake replacement…

Longevity Of Dentures

You likely know that a denture is not meant to be permanent. You will have to get dentures replaced from time to time over the years. Dentures typically last for 5-8 years. Once the time is up, you will need to get your dentures replaced. Learn why dentures only last for 5-8 years and what…

Choosing Between Full Dentures And Partial Dentures

As teeth get older, you may have to consider replacing them with dentures or partial dentures. This can lead to a lot of questions, especially if a person has never owned dentures previously. It is important to understand the current condition of one’s teeth in order to determine the right denture fit. Teeth naturally wear…

A Dentist Explains Why Partial Dentures Might Be Right For You

Partial dentures are often recommended by dentists to replace a single missing tooth or a section of missing teeth. They are a relatively affordable solution that offers unique benefits. This review discusses the reasons a dentist may recommend partial dentures for a patient.Partial dentures can help patients improve their smile and confidence, prevent teeth from…

Recent Posts

Dental Bonding And Teeth Whitening

Dental Bonding And Teeth Whitening

Dental bonding and teeth whitening are common dental procedures that improve the appearance of your smile. However, some patients are concerned that their teeth may not have the same shade after teeth whitening, particularly if they have had dental bonding on one or more teeth. This review helps patients deal with this concern. Understanding the difference…

When Would A Dentist Recommend Oral Surgery?

When Would A Dentist Recommend Oral Surgery?

Oral surgery is a broad term that covers a wide variety of procedures related to teeth and gums. There are a number of reasons dentists may recommend dental surgery for a patient. Most often, they do so if the pain or discomfort a patient is feeling or an injury or infection goes deep enough into…