What You Need to Know About Denture Relines and Rebases
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Do you wear dentures? If you do, you need to know about relines and rebases. These fix your dentures when they get loose. This helps your mouth feel good.
In this post, we will talk about what denture relines and rebases are. We will tell you when you need them. We will also talk about how much they cost.
What Are Denture Relines and Rebases?
Denture relines fix the part of your denture that touches your gums. This makes your dentures fit better.
Denture rebases fix the whole pink base of your denture. They keep the teeth part the same.
Your mouth changes over time. When you lose teeth, your jaw bone gets smaller. This makes your dentures feel loose. This can hurt your gums.
Reline vs. Rebase: What Is the Big Difference?
Let’s look at how relines and rebases are not the same:
Denture Reline
- Fixes just the inside part that touches your gums
- Can be soft or hard
- Takes less time to do
- Costs less money
- Good for small fit problems
Denture Rebase
- Fixes the whole pink base
- Keeps the teeth the same
- Takes more time
- Costs more money
- Good for old or broken dentures
Most people need a reline every 1-2 years. You might need a rebase if your denture is very old or cracked.
5 Signs You Need a Reline or Rebase
How do you know if you need a reline or rebase? Here are big signs to look for:
- Your dentures feel loose when you talk or eat
- Food gets stuck under your dentures
- Your gums hurt or have sore spots
- You see cracks in the pink base
- It has been more than 2 years since your last fix
If you have any of these problems, call your dentist. Do not wait! Bad-fitting dentures can hurt your gums and make it hard to eat.
Types of Denture Relines
There are two main types of relines: soft and hard. Let’s see how they are different.
Soft Relines
Soft relines use a soft, squishy material. They feel good if your gums are sore.
Good things about soft relines:
- Feel more comfy
- Good for sore gums
- Can be done fast in one day
Not so good things:
- Only last 6-12 months
- Need to be done more often
- Can get dirty more easy
Hard Relines
Hard relines use a hard plastic that is like your denture base.
Good things about hard relines:
- Last 1-2 years or more
- Don’t get dirty as fast
- Make your dentures fit very well
Not so good things:
- Not as soft on your gums
- Take more time to make
- Need a lab to make them
Where Relines Happen: Chairside vs. Lab
Relines can be done two ways:
Chairside Relines
- Done in one day at the dentist
- You don’t go home without teeth
- Good for fast fixes
- Might not last as long
Laboratory Relines
- Your denture goes to a special denture lab
- Takes 1-2 days to finish
- You might need to be without your teeth
- Lasts longer and fits better
The Reline and Rebase Process: What Will Happen?
Are you scared to get your dentures fixed? Don’t be! Here is what will happen:
For a Reline:
- The dentist looks at your dentures and gums
- They clean your dentures very well
- They put soft stuff in your denture
- You bite down so it fits your gums
- They take out the denture and make it hard
- You get your dentures back with a good fit
For a Rebase:
- The dentist takes your denture
- They keep the teeth part
- They make a whole new pink base
- It takes a few days at the denture repair lab
- You get back a denture that looks almost new
Most people say it feels weird for a few days. Then it feels much better!
Table: How Long Denture Work Lasts
| Type of Fix | How Long It Lasts | How Much It Costs | Good For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Soft Reline | 6-12 months | $300-$400 | Sore gums, quick fix |
| Hard Reline | 1-2 years | $350-$500 | Better fit, lasts longer |
| Rebase | 2-5 years | $600-$1,000 | Old or broken dentures |
| New Dentures | 5-7 years | $1,500-$3,000 | When dentures are too old to fix |
Important Numbers About Dentures
Did you know these facts?
- 65% of people with dentures need fixes every 1-3 years because jawbones change
- 80% of people can chew better after a reline
- 45% of broken dentures need a rebase
- 25% of people skip fixes because they cost too much
Costs, Insurance, and How to Pay
Fixing dentures costs less than new ones. Here is what you can expect to pay:
- Soft reline: $300-$400
- Hard reline: $350-$500
- Rebase: $600-$1,000
- New complete dentures: $1,500-$3,000
Will my insurance pay? Some plans help pay. Medicare does not pay for most dental work. Some Medicaid plans help. Call your insurance to ask.
Tip: Some flexible denture types need special kinds of relines. Ask your dentist what is best for your type.
Can I Fix My Dentures at Home?
You can buy DIY denture reline kits at the store. But be careful!
Why home kits can be bad:
- They might not fit right
- The stuff can hurt your mouth
- Bad fits can hurt your jaw
- They can break your dentures more
Home kits cause 50% more problems than dentist fixes. It is better to see a dentist.
How to Take Care of Your Dentures After a Reline
After you get your dentures fixed, take good care of them:
- Clean them every day with a soft brush
- Soak them at night in water or special cleaner
- Don’t use hot water – it can warp them
- Don’t drop them – they can break
- See your dentist every year
Remember: Even with good care, you will need a new reline in 1-2 years.
The Importance of Regular Check-ups
See your dentist once a year even if your dentures feel OK. They can check:
- If your fit is still good
- If your gums are healthy
- If you have any mouth problems
- If your dentures need to be fixed
Getting checks helps your dentures last longer!
Special Cases: When You Might Need More Help
Some people need more help with their dentures:
If You Have Very Flat Gums
If you lost teeth a long time ago, your gums might be very flat. This makes it hard for dentures to stay in. You might need:
- More frequent relines
- Special adhesives
- Implant supported dentures
If You Have Very Sensitive Gums
If your gums hurt a lot, you might need:
- Soft relines more often
- Special soft liners
- Breaks from wearing dentures
What About Implant Dentures?
Some people get implants for their dentures to hold them in better. These need different care:
- They still need relines, but not as often
- The parts that snap on wear out and need to be changed
- They cost more at first but can save money over time
Questions People Ask A Lot
How often should I reline my dentures?
Most people need a reline every 1-2 years. If your dentures feel loose, see your dentist sooner.
Is a rebase better than new dentures?
If the teeth part of your denture is still good, a rebase is better. It costs less and you keep the same look.
Can I eat right after a reline?
Yes, but be careful with hot foods or sticky foods for the first day.
Why do my dentures need to be relined so often?
Your jaw bone gets smaller over time after teeth are gone. This is normal but makes your dentures get loose.
Do partial dentures need relines too?
Yes! Partial dentures also need relines, but sometimes not as often as full dentures.
Conclusion
Denture relines and rebases are important to keep your mouth healthy. They help your dentures fit well so you can eat and talk without pain.
Remember these key points:
- Relines fix the inside part that touches your gums
- Rebases replace the whole pink base but keep the same teeth
- Most people need a reline every 1-2 years
- Good denture care helps them last longer
- See your dentist for checks even if your dentures feel OK
Don’t wait if your dentures feel loose! Bad-fitting dentures can hurt your gums and make it hard to eat good foods.
Have questions about your dentures? Talk to your dentist or visit a prosthetic dental lab for help.
