A denture is a removable replacement for missing teeth and the tissues connected to those teeth. It is made of acrylic plastic and sometimes porcelain and metal materials. A denture closely resembles natural gum tissue and teeth.
Occasionally, a denture will break, requiring a repair. This can usually be done over two visits. At the first visit, an impression may be taken of the denture. The denture will then be sent to a laboratory that specializes in the fabrication and repair of dentures. The laboratory technician will repair the denture, and send it back to the office.
The second visit will be used to insert the denture. At this visit, the bite and the fit of the denture will be evaluated and corrections made if needed.
What is a denture reline?
The shape of your mouth changes slowly over time. A denture made more than five years ago may no longer fit your mouth as well as it used to. To correct the discrepancy between the denture and your mouth, a reline may be needed. This is the process of adding additional acrylic between the denture and your mouth, allowing for a more precise, stable, and comfortable fit.
A reline requires at least two visits. At the first visit, the denture will be used to take an impression of your mouth. This will be sent to a dental laboratory where more acrylic will be added. When completed, the denture will be returned. At the second visit, the denture will be tried in. The bite and fit of the denture will be evaluated and corrections made if needed.
Additional appointments may be needed to make the denture comfortable. Your mouth will need to undergo a period of adaptation to the new shape of the denture.