You may notice that over time, your dentures no longer fit like they once did. As the years pass, your jawbone can shrink, causing your new teeth to rub and become uncomfortable. As you notice the change, you may begin to wonder, “Can I reline my dentures myself?” Before you attempt a do-it-yourself adjustment at home, a local dentist explains why it’s best to seek professional help to avoid damaging your smile.
Why Do Dentures Need to Be Relined?
Dentures often need to be relined because smiles change over time. Initially, when made, they are designed to fit comfortably inside the mouth; however, as the jawbone begins to weaken, it can cause your prosthetics to fit incorrectly.
As a result, you may notice some discomfort, soreness, and irritation in your soft oral tissues. This is when you should consider relining or replacing your denture but only a qualified dentist can make this determination.
Can Relining Be Done at Home?
Although there are countless videos available on the internet that explain how to reline dentures on your own, you’ll find that the process is best left to the professionals. While it seems like a great way to save money, it might end up costing you more in the long run.
The reason it is better to have a dentist take care of this for you is that you could easily damage your dentures. You are unlikely to know how much relining material to use, which can lead to your new teeth looking quite different and sitting uncomfortably inside your mouth.
Other reasons why you should avoid this include:
- Potential pain that can occur to the soft oral tissues because you lack the necessary dental instruments to polish and remove any excess materials, resulting in jagged and rough edges.
- You may need a replacement instead of relining. Only a dentist can determine if you need a replacement denture, so you may be doing more work than necessary.
- You may find it hard to eat and chew because your bite no longer functions correctly.
Naturally, you want to save money these days, but your dentures are not where you want to cut corners. Allow your dentist to take care of your teeth and prepare to keep more money in your pocket while enjoying a longer-lasting smile.
About the Author
Dr. Mohammad Golparvar is a trusted dentist in New Hampshire. When faced with multiple or an entire arch of missing teeth, he and his team provide patients with dentures made of high-quality materials that are designed to offer durability, functionality, and a beautiful, natural appearance. Dr. Golparvar also offers tips and tricks to better maintain prosthetics. If you are a denture-wearer and need your teeth relined, contact us at (603) 669-4252.