In many cases, when you get dentures, you assume that most of the expense and discomfort that you've experienced over the years is over. Unfortunately, dentures don't mean an end to expenses or discomfort.

Over time, the denture that fit your mouth perfectly when the dentist first placed it will become loose fitting and uncomfortable. When you take a bite out of food, the back portion of the denture pops out of place, or when you sneeze, the denture tries to fly out of your mouth. This can all be embarrassing and uncomfortable to deal with!

So, what can be done to keep your dentures fitting well? Here, you'll learn a little about denture relining.

Professional Relining

Your dentist will recommend denture relining when they no longer fit tightly. He or she will take your denture and keep it for a day or two to get the job done for you. This can be a huge inconvenience if you don't have a back-up pair of dentures to fall back on. Having the dentures relined professionally can cost more than a few hundred dollars, but it is a permanent fix – well, as permanent as it can get.

Your mouth will continue to change shape for the rest of your life, so if you lose weight or begin to lose bone in your jaw, the dentures will need relined again in the future.

Home Relining Kits

There are a variety of options for you to consider when it comes to home relining kits. The first thing to look for is a product that is zinc free. Zinc exposure can cause side effects that include stomach cramps, diarrhea, vomiting, nausea, loss of appetite and headaches. Unfortunately, several denture care products contain zinc, so if you continue to use these products, you could begin to suffer the effects of zinc toxicity.

Secondly, look for soft denture relining kits. You don't want the inside of your denture to become hard as a rock when the relining material cures. Look for a silicone based product. This will provide a soft lining in the denture and prevent rubbing and raw spots.

Caring for Relined Dentures

Caring for relined dentures is a little different than what it was with your original dentures. The soft lining can get scarred and even begin to peel off if you use the stiff brush typically used to clean dentures. Use a clean cloth and cold water or a very soft bristled tooth brush with cold water to scrub the dentures clean. Soak in the denture cleaning solution as you normally would.

Talk with your dentist to learn more about the options that you have to get your dentures fitting well again. He or she will be able to assist you in making the decision that will suit your needs and your budget best.