Dana L. Yeoman, DDS
Dentures and Implants
Myth of the Perfect Reline
Site last published: 11/10/11
Myth of the Perfect Reline
The Story
Last month I got a desperate visit from a desperate lady. My patient had driven all the way from Oregon to see me. Eight years ago, she had new dentures made in this practice, and moved shortly thereafter to Oregon. Lately, she found that her lower denture was not fitting like it once did when she had left Bakersfield. She told me that her dentures had been getting old and she thought a reline would stretch out a couple more years of use.
A dentist had told her that he could make it perfect with a reline. Ironically, she was more miserable after the reline, and her mouth hurt when she wore her dentures. Eating now was nearly impossible. She was willing to drive as many times from Oregon as it took to get a new set made again in Bakersfield. What happened?
The Explanation
Relines are intended to help the denture re-form to the changing shape of the jaw bones. This is a good solution for people who have osteoporosis and the shape of their jaws change quickly. For those who have dentures that are more than 6-8 years old, there may be another factor to consider.
When a dentist makes a set of dentures, he or she carefully calibrates the way the teeth bite together. This is critical to a denture's success. Bone loss occurs as a natural result of getting older, which causes the bite to be thrown off. When the wearer eats, the denture is knocked around. This causes it to rock, break loose, and hurt. Instead of meshing beautifully, the teeth wreak havoc on the mouth.
Relines do not help the way the teeth bite together. Regardless of the fit, as soon as the teeth touch, disaster strikes. This is what my patient was experiencing.
The Fix
Here is a simple test to tell whether the denture or the bite is causing discomfort. Holding the teeth together, rub the lower jaw forward and backward, and then side to side. If sliding the teeth together dislodges the denture, the dentist may need to correct the bite by selectively grinding specific teeth. If a reline is done without correcting the bite, it will either be of no help at all, or the problem will return within weeks. If it is too far out of line or too old, then making a new set of dentures with an accurate bite is the right answer.
The Conclusion
My patient realized that her discomfort was a warning of having worn an old set of teeth too long. She learned that the myth of the perfect reline can be deceiving. Making a brand new set of dentures relieved her distress and turned her desperation into much needed comfort.
Dana L. Yeoman, D.D.S.
Second Smile Denture Care
3301 19th Street
Bakersfield, CA 93301
Tel: 661-325-1263
The Story
Last month I got a desperate visit from a desperate lady. My patient had driven all the way from Oregon to see me. Eight years ago, she had new dentures made in this practice, and moved shortly thereafter to Oregon. Lately, she found that her lower denture was not fitting like it once did when she had left Bakersfield. She told me that her dentures had been getting old and she thought a reline would stretch out a couple more years of use.
A dentist had told her that he could make it perfect with a reline. Ironically, she was more miserable after the reline, and her mouth hurt when she wore her dentures. Eating now was nearly impossible. She was willing to drive as many times from Oregon as it took to get a new set made again in Bakersfield. What happened?
The Explanation
Relines are intended to help the denture re-form to the changing shape of the jaw bones. This is a good solution for people who have osteoporosis and the shape of their jaws change quickly. For those who have dentures that are more than 6-8 years old, there may be another factor to consider.
When a dentist makes a set of dentures, he or she carefully calibrates the way the teeth bite together. This is critical to a denture's success. Bone loss occurs as a natural result of getting older, which causes the bite to be thrown off. When the wearer eats, the denture is knocked around. This causes it to rock, break loose, and hurt. Instead of meshing beautifully, the teeth wreak havoc on the mouth.
Relines do not help the way the teeth bite together. Regardless of the fit, as soon as the teeth touch, disaster strikes. This is what my patient was experiencing.
The Fix
Here is a simple test to tell whether the denture or the bite is causing discomfort. Holding the teeth together, rub the lower jaw forward and backward, and then side to side. If sliding the teeth together dislodges the denture, the dentist may need to correct the bite by selectively grinding specific teeth. If a reline is done without correcting the bite, it will either be of no help at all, or the problem will return within weeks. If it is too far out of line or too old, then making a new set of dentures with an accurate bite is the right answer.
The Conclusion
My patient realized that her discomfort was a warning of having worn an old set of teeth too long. She learned that the myth of the perfect reline can be deceiving. Making a brand new set of dentures relieved her distress and turned her desperation into much needed comfort.
Dana L. Yeoman, D.D.S.
Second Smile Denture Care
3301 19th Street
Bakersfield, CA 93301
Tel: 661-325-1263