What Is a Denture Reline?

Over time your gums and underlying bone may gradually shrink and change. This can be due to various factors such as bone changes, weight loss/gain, medication changes, dry mouth and new medical conditions, causing your dentures to become loose, move around, or feel less comfortable than they once did.

A denture reline is a procedure that improves the fit of your existing denture by adding new material to the inside surface that rests against your gums. This helps your denture fit the current shape of your mouth more closely, improving its stability, comfort, and function.

Why Might You Need a Reline?

You may benefit from a denture reline if you notice that your dentures:

  • Are feeling loose or move around when you talk or eat.
  • Cause sore spots or irritation on your gums due to fit issues.
  • Require more denture adhesive than they used to.
  • No longer feel as comfortable or secure as they once did.

Even with proper care, dentures will gradually lose their fit as your mouth changes. Routine visits allow us to evaluate your dentures and determine when a reline may be beneficial.

What Happens During a Denture Reline?

During your appointment, we will evaluate the fit and condition of your dentures to determine whether a reline is the best option.


Depending on your needs, we may recommend one of the following:


  • Hard Reline: An impression is taken to replace the acrylic on the inside of the denture to improve how closely it fits your gums. This is a common long-term option for patients whose dentures are still in good overall condition.
  • Temporary/interim reline or tissue conditioner: A temporary soft material is used to improve the fit while your mouth heals or changes, often following tooth extractions or surgery.



Your denturist will recommend the most appropriate option based on your oral health, the condition of your dentures, and your individual needs.

How Often Should Dentures Be Relined?

There is no single schedule that works for everyone however- we often suggest every 4 years. The need for a reline depends on how quickly your mouth changes, how well your dentures fit, and the overall condition of the dentures.



We recommend having your dentures professionally evaluated on a regular basis so we can identify changes in fit and address any concerns before they lead to significant discomfort..