Did you know that 1.8 million Canadians experience an inability to chew? According to the Public Health Agency of Canada, this can happen for a variety of reasons, including loose or ill-fitting dentures.
Though dentures are a great way to improve your teeth's functionality, not everyone knows that they aren't a permanent solution. Relining dentures periodically is an important way to ensure that they continue to boost your oral health. But how often do dentures need to be relined?
We've got you covered! Let's take a look at the basics of a denture reline procedure, including how to tell when you need one.
What Does Relining Dentures Mean?
If you're just looking into these helpful prostheses, you may not know what it means to reline your dentures.
One of the benefits of dentures is that they're a long-lasting solution. With regular denture maintenance, they can act as a great replacement for your natural teeth.
However, your dentures may loosen or start to feel less comfortable over time. This loosening occurs as your teeth shift in your mouth, something that happens to everyone over time. In addition, the shape of the mouth changes as we age, and the jawbone will often shrink after tooth extraction.
When your dentures start to loosen, a specialist can reshape them to create a better fit against your gums. This won't affect the appearance of your dentures; it only affects the way they feel in your mouth.
There are a few different types of relining:
Hard relines create a new impression on your teeth using acrylic
Soft relines use a pliable wax- or rubber-like material
Temporary relines use a medicated material and last for a few weeks while you wait for a new set of dentures
Depending on your needs and preferences, a denture specialist can help you find the best option.
How Often Do Dentures Need to Be Relined?
The amount of time it takes for a patient to need denture relining can vary.
On average, you will need a new soft reline every one to two years, while a hard reline will often last for two years or more. In general, it is rare for a set of dentures to last more than five years.
We recommend relining dentures of any type at least once every two years.
Signs That You Need to Reline Your Dentures
There are a few red flags that a denture relining is necessary.
First, your dentures may start to feel loose. This can happen when they don't sit as firmly in place as they once did.
With poor-fitting dentures, chewing food can become difficult or even impossible. In some cases, your dentures may begin to trap food.
In addition, loose dentures can slip and slide around the mouth, leading to sores and irritation. If untreated, these sores can even become infected.
Reach Out for Relining
At Parisien Denture Clinic, we're here to help you with all of your denture needs, including relining dentures. Now that you've stopped wondering, "How often do dentures need to be relined?" it's time to get in touch!
To ensure a comfortable and functional fit, our team will work with you to reline your dentures fast. Often, we can complete this procedure in only a day! Contact us for more information or a free consultation.