A dentures reline helps an old denture fit better. As humans age, they change and this is also true of the gums and bone underneath a set of plates. In fact, the bone in the mouth was meant to support natural teeth and when these teeth are lost, the bone melts away. Unfortunately, denture acrylic keeps its shape and form while the gums and bone change so that older plates can get loose and rub the underlying gums tissues raw.

          During a chairside dentures reline, the dentist grinds away some of the red acrylic that contacts the gums. This makes room for new acrylic without significantly changing the plate. New acrylic is added to the old and the new acrylic base is custom fitted to the shape of the gums and bone. The self cure acrylic used to do this is not as hard and durable as the processed acrylic used to make the original dentures. However, a chairside procedure is quick and patients don't have to wait a day or two to get their plates back.

          A processed laboratory dentures reline is a similar procedure. Instead of using self cure acrylic, the dentist uses the old plate to take a very precise impression of the underlying tissues with very accurate impression material. The old denture is sent to a dentures lab and new acrylic is processed to the old denture in the same manner that the original denture was manufactured. The result is a very nice well fitting old denture.

        The dentists at the Atlanta Dental Group PC are dedicated to their patients' good health and well being. You are welcome to join our family of patients. A dentures reline can help make wearing your dentures much more comfortable but they should always be replaced every five years to adjust to the natural changes of your face and the changes in the bone within your mouth. If you are interested in consulting with our dentures dentist, Dr. Mark A Padolsky, about your dental care, call 404-874-7428 to schedule your appointment.