Dental care has improved a lot over the past 50 years. In the past, people who were between 65 and 75 years old had a good chance of having complete tooth loss, according to Harvard Health Publishing. That’s not the case now, with 75% of people that age now keeping their teeth. However, there are still those who need dentures. It is important to remember that all dentures will need to be relined multiple times throughout the life of a denture. Let’s take a look at this process.
Why Do You Need Relining?
Unlike dental implants, which last up to 25 years or more and don’t require much in terms of maintenance, dentures need to be relined every few years. That’s because people’s mouths can change over the course of that time, especially early on if a lot of teeth need to be removed. The gums under the dentures will heal, which can change the overall fit. Hence the need for relining.
What Is It?
When you have your denture relined, it means that the dentist or dental assistant removes the old lining of your denture and puts in a new one. The reason is that it will allow the denture to fit your mouth and stay there comfortably without rubbing and causing sore spots. Taking care of your dentures is an important part of dental care. This includes brushing them after every meal with a soft toothbrush and a non-abrasive toothpaste such as Sensodyne.
How Is It Done?
Your dentist will take an impression of the inside of your upper and lower jaw and then use that to reline the dentures so that they fit. It’s not a long process, and you’ll be wearing the dentures again before you know it! The main thing to remember is that even if you’re wearing full or partial dentures, you still need to come in for dental care. The dentist will be able to make sure that everything is still fitting in your mouth that there are no sore spots, no signs of fungal infection, and that your bite is even on both sides.
Are you looking for a dentist in your area who specializes in dentures with and without implants? Contact the dental team at Phillips & Schmitt Dentistry today to make an appointment.