If you’re reading this blog post, chances are you’ve recently taken advantage of our denture reline service. But when it comes to this type of denture maintenance, relining is only half the battle. It’s also important to take proper care of your newly relined dentures to ensure they remain comfortable, functional, and durable.
Whether you have full or partial dentures, it’s time to sink your teeth into our comprehensive guide on maintaining your dental appliance post-reline.
Keep Them Clean
If you only follow one piece of advice from this blog post, let it be this one: keep your dentures clean post-reline! Of course, denture cleaning is important every day of the year, but your appliance will be particularly vulnerable to bacterial buildup in the weeks following your reline.
While your gums adapt to the new fit, you can protect against irritation and gum sores by cleaning your dentures with a soft-bristled brush and non-abrasive denture cleaner. Regular toothpaste can be too abrasive and may damage denture materials over time. Ensure you clean all surfaces thoroughly, including any areas that come into contact with your gums. This is especially important if you have implant overdentures or partial dentures, which feature attachments that create additional nooks and crevices.
Give Them a Soak
It’s advisable to soak your dentures overnight in plain water or a denture-cleaning solution. This soaking helps to remove debris, bacteria, and plaque that may have accumulated during the relining process — or even just throughout the day. Soaking also helps to preserve the new lining, which can be composed of materials that require hydration to fully set and maintain their flexibility and fit.
Before wearing your dentures again in the morning, rinse them thoroughly under running water to remove any residual cleaning solution.
Handle With Care
Handle your dentures gently to prevent any damage. This is particularly important following a reline, as the newly applied lining material is still curing and more vulnerable to cracks or distortions. It also means you’ll get more bang for your buck — the longer you preserve your dentures’ form, the longer you can enjoy the custom fit you’ve just paid for. Denture repairs are also a further expense few would wish to add to their denturist bill.
When cleaning or handling your appliance, it’s good practice to fill the sink with water or place a soft towel underneath to cushion against accidental drops. While dentures are generally durable, they can break if dropped on hard surfaces.
Fix False Teeth Fast
If, despite your best efforts, your denture cracks, you lose a false tooth, or your canine companion claims your dentures as a chew toy, Direct Denture Care can take care of you.
We have same-day emergency denture repair services available, in which you can receive your repaired dentures back as good as new within the hour. In the event of more complex damage, our denturists may take longer than an hour, but they will certainly advise you of the predicted duration when this is the case.
Avoid Hard & Sticky Foods
Freshly relined dentures are more sensitive to pressure and stress as their material is still stabilising. To safeguard your newly relined dentures from damage, avoid chewing on hard foods such as ice, nuts, or boiled lollies. Similarly, sticky stuff like chewing gum can adhere to dentures and potentially dislodge them. This is especially the case if you have full dentures, which primarily stay in place via suction — unlike partial dentures, which have the stabilising supports of clasps and natural teeth.
Cut food into smaller, manageable pieces and take slow, even bites to minimise the risk of distortions, cracks, or dislodgement.
Check Back In With Us Often
Regular check-ups with your denturist are essential. A professional can examine your dentures, assess their fit, and make adjustments as needed. After a denture relining, it’s particularly important to schedule follow-up appointments to ensure that your dentures continue to fit comfortably and securely.
Many patients schedule a follow-up appointment one to two weeks after the relining and a second one at the four- to six-week mark. You should also arrange appointments whenever you experience discomfort, sore spots, or issues with the fit.
Take an Extra Preventative Measure
If you engage in contact sports or experience bruxism (teeth grinding) at night, wearing a custom-made mouthguard can offer added protection for both your dentures and natural teeth. Following your reline, you may wish to take this extra preventative measure to continue a prudent approach. Consult your denturist to obtain a mouthguard that fits comfortably over your dentures and provides adequate protection.
Store Them Well
When not wearing your dentures, it’s essential to store them properly to maintain their shape and function. This is particularly crucial after a reline, as the new material is still adapting, and proper storage will prevent dentures from drying out, cracking, or becoming otherwise compromised. Keep them moist by storing them in water or a denture-soaking solution. Avoid allowing them to dry out completely, as this can cause them to warp or become misshapen over time.
Reline Right at Direct Denture Care
Proper care and maintenance are critical for ensuring the longevity and comfort of your dentures. If you notice any changes in fit or experience discomfort, don’t hesitate to contact us at Direct Denture Care. Our dedicated team specialises in all things dentures, from fitting new cosmetic dentures to relining and repairing old faithfuls. Whether you’re filling gaps with the stopgaps known as immediate dentures or refining and relining an existing appliance, we ensure that dentures fit impeccably and feel comfortable. Schedule your appointment today to maintain a healthy and confident smile!
With diligent care and regular professional check-ups, your newly relined dentures can provide optimal comfort and functionality. For more information on denture care or to book an appointment, visit Direct Denture Care today.
