Braces versus Retainers: A Comprehensive Overveiw

Braces versus Retainers: A Comprehensive Overveiw

3 Types of Denture Relines

by Lonnie Bryant

One of the best things about technology in dentistry is the constant development of solutions that help patients physically and psychologically. Dentures are an excellent example since oral prosthetics help restore the mouth's functionality and a patient's facial aesthetics. While there are different types of dentures, they all need relining at some point. Denture relines are necessary to achieve optimal performance since the jaws and gums change with time. Notably, denture relines come in three different types, and the one a denturist recommends depends on a patient's needs.

Hard Reline

A hard denture reline is performed on patients with a complete set of dentures and is usually performed every two years. During a hard denture reline, a denturist removes the plastic portion from the prosthetic's interior surface that does not fit comfortably in a patient's mouth. Next, a denturist fills the denture with putty and asks a patient to bite and make an impression on the putty material. Notably, the impression is a replica of the contours in your mouth, and a denturist uses it to process dentures that fit the new shape of your jaws and gums. Thus, a hard denture reline results in maximum contact between dentures and the mouth tissue.

Soft Denture Reline

For patients with thin gum tissue, wearing standard dentures can be uncomfortable. In such cases, dentists recommend dentures made from a pliable material. During soft denture reline, a dentist inserts a medical-grade soft polymer beneath the hard denture base. The shock-absorbing properties of the soft polymer cushion a patient's tender gums when they chew, eliminating pain and promoting comfort. Soft denture relines are recommended for patients with flat or chronically sore gum tissue. However, a soft denture reline does not last as long as a hard reline; hence, you might need more adjustments over the same period.

Temporary Reline

Sometimes, patients suffer in silence, knowing that their dentures are causing sores in their gum tissue. Unfortunately, such patients only visit a dentist when they can no longer withstand the pain. A temporary reline is the best solution in such cases, and its sole purpose is to manage the sore and help reduce the inflammation. A temporary reline is supposed to last a few weeks to give your sores enough time to heal. Once your gums feel comfortable, a dentist might request that you come in for another reline, usually a hard reline. Alternatively, a dentist might recommend a new set of fitting dentures. Contact a dentist for more information regarding denture relines.


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About Me

Braces versus Retainers: A Comprehensive Overveiw

There are more than two ways to straighten a smile, and in this blog, I plan to discuss them all. I plan to look at the differences between braces and retainers and explain why sometimes you may need them both. I look at the differences in cost, time commitment and efficacy. Personally, I have had a bit of experience with this subject – I had braces as a young teen, and I had a permanent retainer. In this blog, I discuss what I have learned, and I present all kinds of new information on the topic. Whether you are trying to make decisions for yourself or your child. I hope you find this information useful.