If your dentures have become loose over the years, or if the plate itself is cracked or damaged, it might be possible for the dentures to be relined so that you can continue using them, and not have to pay for a full new set. The only person who will be able to tell you if this is necessary is your dentist – ideally the one who fitted the dentures in the first place, although this is not always possible as you may be seeking to get your false teeth relined many years after the initial appointment.
Am I suitable for a denture reline?
At the dental surgery, the dentist will examine your mouth with your dentures in, so that he can feel where the gaps are between your gums and the plate, which have been making your false teeth feel loose. Most dentists will be able to tell you if a denture reline is possible at this point but if the gaps are too big, or the damage to the plate is too great, any repairs would probably be ineffective. If this is the case, you may end up with much deeper oral health problems or you may even be unable to eat and speak properly.
If it is decided that your dentures can be relined then the dentist will take the same kind of measurements that were taken when they were first fitted. You may have an X-ray taken of your mouth and an impression will be taken so that a comparison can be made between the current position of your jaw and the size and shape of your dentures.
How long will it take?
Once all of these measurements have been taken, your dentures will have to be sent away to a laboratory for the denture relining process to be carried out. You may have to be prepared to manage without your dentures for a few weeks if you do not have a spare set. Upon returning to the dentist’s office, he will again check the fit of your dentures, which should hopefully be much more comfortable and secure than before.
Is it a cheaper option than dental implants?
Denture relining is ideal for patients whose false teeth are only slightly loose or who have discovered a minor crack. Furthermore, it is much cheaper than having a new set of dentures made. This procedure is a great example of why it is important that you don’t leave it too late to seek help if you think your dentures may be working their way loose. Your jaw will only continue to deteriorate over time, so if you put off seeing the dentist about your loose false teeth then by the time you do make an appointment, it may be too late for you to have your dentures relined. This will only leave you with the more expensive alternative treatments as your only option for fixing your denture problem.