When Your Dentures Don’t Fit Like They Used To: A Guide To Dental Relining

It can be alarming to suddenly experience discomfort from dentures that once felt perfectly fine. You might worry that something has gone terribly wrong, but relax—what you’re experiencing is actually quite common. In fact, most denture wearers will face this issue at some point, and the good news is that there’s a straightforward solution.

Why Do Dentures Stop Fitting Properly?

The reason your once-comfortable dentures may have started to feel loose or cause sore spots is a natural process. When you lose your natural teeth, the jawbone that once supported those teeth gradually begins to shrink. This bone resorption occurs because your teeth roots no longer stimulate the bone. It’s your body’s way of reallocating resources it thinks are no longer needed.

This process happens slowly over months and years, which is why you might not notice the changes immediately. But eventually, as your gums and bone structure change shape, dentures that were custom-fitted to your mouth no longer quite sit right. They may slip when you eat or speak, creating uncomfortable pressure points, or even affect your confidence in social situations.

Fortunately, our team at Greenwoods Dental Vancouver has a solution that doesn’t require replacing your dentures entirely: a denture reline.

What Exactly Is a Dental Reline?

 

Think of a denture reline as a refresh for your existing dentures. Rather than creating an entirely new set (which can be costly and time-consuming), your dentist reshapes the underside of your current dentures to match the new contours of your gums and jawbone. It’s like getting your favourite pair of shoes re-soled—you keep what works and fix what doesn’t.

Most people require their first denture reline about five years after getting dentures, though this timeline can vary depending on how quickly your bone changes and how well you maintain your dentures. The procedure is both affordable and relatively simple, making it an accessible option for most denture wearers.

Two Types of Dental Relines: Which One Is Right for You?

When you visit a dentist near you for a reline, you’ll typically have two options. Each has its own benefits, and the right choice depends on your specific needs and preferences.

Soft Reline: The Comfort-First Approach

Soft reliners are the first choice of denture wearers, and it’s easy to see why. This option prioritizes immediate comfort, which can be a relief if you’ve been dealing with soreness or irritation.

During a soft reline, your dentist applies a pliable liquid polymer to the underside of your denture. This material creates additional cushioning between the hard denture base and your tender gum tissue. The result? A denture that feels gentler against your mouth, particularly helpful if you have sensitive gums or areas of irritation.

Another major advantage is convenience. A dentist in Yaletown, Vancouver, can typically complete a soft reline in a single appointment, meaning you walk in with uncomfortable dentures and leave the same day with improved comfort. You won’t have to spend days or weeks without your dentures, which can be important for maintaining your normal routine and self-confidence.

The trade-off is longevity. Soft relines typically need to be redone every one to two years, as the softer material compresses and wears down more quickly than harder materials.

Hard Reline: The Durable Solution

A hard reline takes a different approach, using a material similar to the hard acrylic base of your existing dentures. This creates a more permanent solution that can last significantly longer—typically around five years before needing replacement.

The process for hard reliners may take a bit longer, sometimes requiring your dentures to be sent to a dental laboratory for a day or two. However, many patients find this brief inconvenience worthwhile for the extended durability. Hard relines maintain their shape and are more durable than their soft counterparts, meaning fewer trips to the dentist and less maintenance.

If you prefer a “get it and forget it” type of reline solution and do not mind trading some plushiness for a more durable option, these are probably your best bet. Your dentist can help you weigh these factors based on your specific situation, budget, and how your mouth has responded to your dentures so far.

How Often Will You Need a Reline?

This is one of the most common questions patients ask, and the answer depends on several factors.

First, it depends on the type of relines you choose. As mentioned, soft relines need to be refreshed every two to three years, while hard relines can last for five years. However, these are general guidelines—individual needs may vary.

It’s also important to understand that dentures near you are generally designed to last about seven to ten years with proper care. During that lifespan, you’ll likely need multiple relines to keep them fitting comfortably. Think of relines as routine maintenance rather than a sign that something is wrong. The rate of bone resorption varies from person to person. Some people experience more rapid changes in their jaw structure, while others maintain relatively stable bone levels for longer periods. Your age, overall health, nutrition, and whether you wear your dentures consistently can all influence this process.

Beyond Comfort: How Relining Extends Your Denture’s Life

Getting new relines is often not just for comfort—it’s an actual investment prolonging the life of your dentures.

When dentures don’t fit properly, they don’t distribute pressure evenly across your gums. This uneven pressure can accelerate bone loss in certain areas and create stress points on the denture itself. Over time, these stress concentrations can lead to cracks or breaks in the denture base.

A denture reline redistributes this pressure more evenly, protecting both your oral tissues and the denture structure. In fact, relines can sometimes be used to repair minor cracks in dentures, preventing the need for more extensive repairs or complete replacement. By keeping your dentures properly fitted through regular relines, you’re essentially maximizing your return on investment. Well-maintained dentures that fit properly can reach or even exceed their expected ten-year lifespan, whereas poorly fitting dentures often need to be replaced much sooner due to damage or irreparable wear.

Signs You Might Need a Denture Reline

Not sure if it’s time for a reline? Here are some common indicators:

• Your dentures slip or move when you eat, especially with harder or stickier foods
• You find yourself using more denture adhesive than you used to
• You’re experiencing new sore spots or irritation
• Your dentures click when you talk
• You notice changes in how you sound when speaking
• You complain about food particles trapping under your dentures
• Your facial appearance seems to have changed (dentures that are too loose can affect your facial structure)

If you’re experiencing any of these issues, it’s worth scheduling an appointment with your dentist to discuss whether a reline could help.

Making Your Decision: Soft vs. Hard Reline

Still wondering which option is right for you? Here’s a quick comparison to help guide your conversation with your dentist:

Choose a soft reline if you:

• Prioritize immediate comfort above all else
• Have sensitive or sore gums
• Want your dentures back the same day
• Don’t mind more frequent maintenance appointments
• Are dealing with recent extractions or gum changes

Choose a hard reline if you:

• Want the longest-lasting solution
• Prefer fewer dental appointments over time
• Have stable gum and bone structure
• Can manage without your dentures for a day or two
• Want the most cost-effective option over the long term

Remember, this isn’t necessarily a permanent decision. Many patients start with a soft reline for immediate relief and switch to hard relines once their mouth has fully adjusted to wearing dentures.

The Bottom Line

Experiencing discomfort from your dentures doesn’t mean you need to resign yourself to ongoing pain or rush to purchase an expensive new set. Denture relining is an affordable, effective solution that addresses the natural changes happening in your mouth.

Whether you choose the cushioned comfort of a soft reline or the lasting durability of a hard reline, you’re taking an important step toward maintaining your oral health and quality of life. Being able to eat, speak, and smile with confidence isn’t a luxury—it’s something you deserve.

If you require a denture reline, please don’t hesitate to contact our team of dedicated dental professionals at Greenwoods Dental Centre in Vancouver. We’re happy to offer both soft and hard denture relines to alleviate your discomfort and enhance your quality of life. We’ll take the time to understand your specific situation and recommend the approach that best meets your needs.

Ready to rediscover comfortable dentures? Contact us to book your appointment today!