Over time, it’s normal for dentures to no longer fit comfortably. Changes in your facial shape, specifically your jawbone, can cause these prosthetics to shift, slip, and even fall out. Oftentimes, the most common solution is to talk to your dentist about a reline, but is it really necessary to seek professional help for this kind of adjustment? Can this be accomplished at home instead? Read on to learn why taking a DIY approach to your dentures isn’t a good idea.
Can Dentures Be Relined at Home?
Your dentist understands your desire to save money when it comes to your oral health and more specifically, your dentures. However, if there is one thing you do not want to approach with a DIY mindset, it’s your smile.
Dentures are crafted to match your mouth almost perfectly, so anything you might try to adjust or change with at-home tools can leave you with damaged teeth that require professional help.
A reline involves adding more material to the base of your denture so that it fits more comfortably. Attempting to do this yourself can cause you to reseat your teeth incorrectly, resulting in an uncomfortable prosthetic that still doesn’t fit the way it should.
It can also cause more pain because of any sharp edges that remain and make it more difficult to chew. You have a greater chance of ruining your denture, which means you’ll be required to see your dentist for a replacement.
Why Should You See a Dentist for a Reline?
First, your dentist knows what they’re doing when performing a reline. Their years of training and experience ensure they are skilled in providing this kind of service and producing successful results.
Second, there are two types of relines – soft and hard – and knowing which one you need should be left up to your dentist. A hard reline requires taking an impression of the inner portion of your denture and sending it off to a lab. There, technicians will pour additional acrylic into the space to create a more comfortable fit. A soft reline can be used to add more cushion to your denture to prevent excessive pressure on your gums.
If you’re still asking the question, “How do I fix loose dentures,” trust that it’s always better to let a professional handle this type of problem. Doing so will ensure you get the kind of results you need to live life with a healthier, more comfortable, and functional smile.
About the Author
Dr. Sujal Patel and his team at Coco Dental of North Dallas want you to feel confident when arriving for an appointment. Recognizing that many services require frequent visits to our office – dentures – we encourage individuals to remember that it is better to let our team do the work than try to fix a problem or improve the fit on their own. If your dentures need to be relined, and you’re thinking about a DIY solution, contact us at (972) 629-9339 so that we can explain why it’s better to schedule an appointment to see us.