Using a full denture for a long period of time, may result in loss of its retention.
This is due to the fact that the dentures put a lot of pressure in the underlying tissue. Subsequently the bone and the gums shrink and a space is created between the denture and the underlying tissues making the denture loose.
Every person has a different bone loss pace, so the need of every individual for a new or relined denture is different.
The dentist will decide if a denture can be relined or has to be re-fabricated.To reline a denture, the existing dentures need to have:
- Good esthetics
- Denture teeth with good anatomy
- Eating and chewing ability
- Stable anatomy and occlusion.
There are two ways to reline existing dentures.
The first technique is done in the dentist's office and its main advantage is that you don't need to stay without your denture at all.The dentist uses materials that are placed in the mouth and are polymerized quickly covering the space between the denture and the tissues. The technique is quick, easy but the materials used are not the same as the denture's material and they tend to need quick replacement.
The second technique starts in the dentist's clinic where an impression is taken and continues in the dental lab, where the technician presses acrylic in the denture. The material used is acrylic, the same as the one used for the denture and the reline is longer- lasting. The main disadvantage of the technique is that the patient has to stay without his/her denture for some time. In our clinic we only do relines after communication with the lab technician , making sure that the time our patients stay without their dentures is the shortest possible.
In spite of the efforts of the dentist and the lab, the fit and function of a previously loose denture cannot be guaranteed, particularly if you have extensive bone and gum tissue loss.
You may need to consider dental implants that are generally the best option for people who have been using dentures for a long time. Dental implants stop further bone resorption, prevent bone loss and provide you with an excellent prosthesis that will be stable and has improved function and will provide you with better biting, chewing and talking.
Do you have problems with your dentures? What are you thinking to do about them?
Until next time, keep smiling.
