Reline

A reline is a procedure that resurfaces the tissue-fitting (intaglio) side of an existing denture with new acrylic material. The purpose is to improve the fit of the denture against the patient’s ridge without replacing the entire prosthetic.

Why Relines Are Needed

Over time, the alveolar ridge — the bone that supports a denture — resorbs and changes shape. This is a natural biological process that occurs in all edentulous patients, though the rate varies. As the ridge remodels, the denture that once fit snugly begins to feel loose, rock during chewing, or create sore spots from uneven pressure.

Relines restore intimate contact between the denture base and the ridge, improving retention, comfort, and function.

Hard Reline vs. Soft Reline

A hard reline uses standard heat-cured acrylic to resurface the denture. This is the most common type and provides a durable, long-lasting result. The denture is sent to the lab with a new impression, and the technician replaces the tissue-fitting surface with new material processed under heat and pressure.

A soft reline uses a pliable, cushion-like material instead of rigid acrylic. Soft relines are appropriate for patients with thin or sensitive ridges, bony prominences, or chronic soreness. The softer material distributes pressure more evenly but has a shorter lifespan than hard acrylic and needs replacement more frequently.

When to Reline

General guidelines for relining:

• New dentures are typically relined 6–12 months after initial delivery, once the ridge has stabilized after extractions
• Established dentures may need relining every 2–3 years, depending on the rate of ridge resorption
• Signs a reline is needed: looseness, increased use of adhesive, sore spots, rocking during chewing, food trapping under the denture

Reline vs. Rebase

A reline resurfaces only the tissue-fitting side of the denture. A rebase replaces the entire acrylic base material while keeping the existing teeth. Rebasing is a more extensive procedure typically reserved for cases where the base acrylic is worn, discolored, or structurally compromised.