Restorative Dentistry
Denture Relining in Gladstone
A snug fit for the denture you already have.
The gums and bone under a denture gradually change shape, so a denture that once fit well can start to loosen. Relining refits the inside of the denture to your mouth as it is today.
Exceptional Dentistry in Gladstone, MO
Why dentures loosen over time
When natural teeth are lost, the bone that once held them slowly begins to shrink, and the gums above it change shape along with it. A denture does not change, so a gap gradually opens between the denture and the tissue it rests on. That gap is what causes slipping, clicking, food trapped underneath and sore spots where the denture rubs. Relining fills that space by adding new material to the fitting surface of the denture and shaping it to your current gums. The teeth and outer part of the denture stay the same, so you keep the smile you are used to with a much better fit.
Signs your denture may need a reline
- It slips or moves when you talk, laugh or eat
- You rely on more adhesive than you used to
- Food regularly gets trapped underneath
- Sore spots or redness appear where it rubs
- Your bite feels different or chewing has become harder
Types of reline
Hard or soft relining
Your dentist chooses the reline material based on your gums and how the denture is used.
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Hard reline
A firm acrylic lining that matches the rest of the denture base. It is the most common type and gives a durable, stable fit.
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Soft reline
A pliable, cushioning lining for gums that are tender or thin. It can feel more comfortable, though soft material generally needs renewing more often.
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Temporary reline
A short-term lining used while the gums settle or heal, before a more lasting reline is made.
Relining, rebasing or a new denture?
A reline replaces only the fitting surface. If the whole pink base is worn or damaged, your dentist may suggest rebasing, which replaces the entire base while keeping the teeth. If the teeth themselves are worn, chipped or no longer match your bite, a new denture may make more sense. Relining applies to both full dentures and partial dentures, and you can explore every option on our Dentures page.
New patient special
$98
A $308 value for your first visit
Visiting us for the first time? Our new patient offer includes:
- Comprehensive exam
- Panoramic X-rays
- Bitewing digital X-rays
- Intraoral photos
- Smile evaluation
- Full gum evaluation
- Oral cancer screening
- TMJ and bite evaluation
- Review of your treatment options
- A written treatment plan
Book your visit
Make your denture comfortable again
A loose denture is usually a fit problem, and fit can often be fixed. Book a visit and bring your denture so we can check how it sits and recommend the right next step.
The short answer
Denture relining is the process of resurfacing the inside of a denture, the part that rests on the gums, so it matches the current shape of your mouth. New material is added to the fitting surface and shaped to your gums, using a firm hard reline, a cushioning soft reline, or a short-term temporary lining while the gums settle. It tightens a denture that slips, clicks or rubs as the gums and bone change over time, and it keeps the same teeth and outer surface, so your smile looks as it did.
Denture Relining FAQ
- What is the difference between a reline and an adjustment?
- An adjustment trims or smooths small areas of the denture to relieve a single pressure point. A reline adds new material across the whole fitting surface so the denture matches the shape of your gums again. An adjustment helps when one spot rubs, while a reline is the answer when the overall fit has loosened as the gums and bone have changed.
- Why not just use more denture adhesive?
- Adhesive can help hold a well-fitting denture, but it cannot fill a large gap between the denture and your gums. Relying on it heavily can leave the denture rocking, which may irritate the gums and cause sore spots. A reline addresses the fit itself by reshaping the inside of the denture to your mouth as it is today.
- Will a reline change how my teeth look?
- No, a reline does not change how your denture teeth look. Relining works only on the inside of the denture, the surface that rests on your gums. The teeth and the visible outer surface stay the same, so you keep the smile you are used to with a better fit.
- Can partial dentures be relined?
- Yes, many partial dentures can be relined where the base rests on the gums. The process is similar to relining a full denture, adding material to the fitting surface so it sits snugly again. Your dentist will check the metal or plastic framework and the clasps at the same time to make sure the whole partial fits well.
- How will I know when I need another reline?
- Watch for the same signs that brought you in, such as slipping, sore spots or food getting trapped underneath. Needing more adhesive than before, or a bite that feels different, can also mean the fit has changed again. Regular checkups give your dentist a chance to check how the denture sits before these problems build up.
Your dentist
Meet Dr. Emily Marx
A skilled family dentist, Dr. Marx is passionate about helping patients feel comfortable while achieving their best smile. Meet Dr. Marx
