What You Need To Know About Denture Relines And Repairs?
No matter how careful you are with your dentures, issues like a broken denture, loose denture, or ill fitting denture can still occur over time.
Fortunately, denture relining and denture repairs can minimise discomfort, improve your denture fit, and restore your existing denture to its former condition. Whether you wear partial dentures, complete dentures, or even digital dentures, these procedures help extend the life of your prosthetic.
Your first visit to a denture clinic for a reline or repair can be a little daunting if you’re unsure what to expect. The good news? This guide covers all the essentials—from “What’s the difference between a denture reline and a repair?” to “What should I expect during my first appointment?”
Denture Reline vs Denture Repair
Let’s start by differentiating between denture reline and denture repair. It’s easy to mix these terms up and use them interchangeably, but they are different. Here’s a simple definition for each one:
The denture relining process helps to combat natural changes in the shape of the patient’s mouth. Over time, these changes can lead to an ill fitting denture, making eating and speaking uncomfortable. Relining involves refitting the inside surface of the dentures — the part that rests against the sensitive gums — to ensure close contact between the denture base and the mouth's soft tissues.
On average, most denture wearers get their existing denture relined once every year or two to ensure it continues to fit well and perform correctly.
Types of Denture Relining
When you get your dentures relined, you can choose between hard and soft materials.
The materials for a hard denture reline are made from the same components as the original dentures. This procedure allows the dentures to fit “like new.” However, you can still brush and follow your normal denture care routine as you did with the original set.
A soft denture reline process is similar to the hard reline procedure. The main difference is that the soft reline technique uses flexible material with cushioning properties.
This soft material increases the patient’s comfort — especially for those with sensitive gums. However, it also requires extra care.
After going through a soft reline procedure, your denture likely cannot be soaked in commercial cleaning products — this will change the material’s consistency. Soft relines also don’t last as long as hard relines and require more frequent replacements.
The denture repair process involves fixing existing damage to the patient’s dentures — chips, broken tooth, missing tooth, or cracks in the acrylic material. This type of damaged denture may result from normal wear and tear or from an accident, like dropping your dentures on the ground.
Patients often assume that emergency denture repairs are expensive or time-consuming. That’s not always the case, though.
Many simple repair jobs can be completed very quickly and cost as little as $150.
Repaired dentures can often be ready the same day you drop them off. However, more complex fixes may take one to five days. A dental prosthetist will assess your case and provide a clear estimate during your appointment.
Types of Denture Repairs
Some of the most common types of denture repair include fixing chips, filling cracks, or replacing a denture tooth or a replacement tooth.
A dental professional can also make adjustments to improve your denture fit, especially if your current set feels like a loose denture. They may also provide rebasing services, which involve taking the false teeth from your old denture and placing them on a new denture base.
Many clinics also offer deep cleaning treatments to remove stains and make your dentures look fresh and new.
Benefits of Denture Relining
Denture relining is an excellent way to maximise comfort and ensure you get the best results from your dentures. This process helps prevent sore spots from forming on your gums or tongue — especially for those with sensitive gums — and can reduce your reliance on denture adhesive.
Relining also extends the life of your existing denture by improving its contact with your mouth’s soft tissues. Whether you’re wearing partial dentures or complete dentures, a proper reline can significantly improve your overall experience.
It’s important to note, though, that relining is not a replacement for a broken denture, damaged denture, or worn-out set. In these cases, you may need denture repair or even a new denture.
You may also need a full replacement if your mouth’s shape has changed dramatically — especially if you’re missing more than one tooth or considering transitioning to dental implants for added stability.
Signs You Need Denture Reline or Repair
While some signs make it obvious you need denture relining or denture repair, others may be more subtle.
Here are some potential red flags that suggest it's time to visit a denture clinic or speak with a dental prosthetist:
Your denture fit has changed, and they no longer sit securely
Your dentures slip around, becoming a loose denture
Your speech sounds slurred or you whistle when talking
You struggle to eat foods you once enjoyed
You notice a cracked denture or have a broken tooth
Dark patches or stains on your dentures trap food or debris
You have stains that won’t come off with your regular denture care routine
Persistent sore spots or irritation inside your mouth
General discomfort when wearing your false teeth
If you're experiencing any of these issues, it's wise to contact a dental professional for a consultation. They’ll assess your oral health, inspect your existing denture, and recommend the best course of action—whether that’s a reline, repaired denture, or even a replacement tooth.
What to Expect During Your First Appointment
If you’re feeling worried about your first denture repair or denture relining appointment, knowing what to expect can help ease your nerves.
A standard visit to the denture clinic usually includes:
A dental prosthetist will conduct a full examination of your mouth and natural teeth
They’ll assess your existing denture and look for any signs of a damaged denture, wear, or staining
You'll receive personalised recommendations to address your specific oral health needs
They’ll advise whether a simple repair, reline, or possibly a new denture is the best option
They’ll explain the procedure, expected timeline, and cost involved
Impressions, scans, or photos may be taken, especially if digital dentures or an immediate denture is being considered
As you can see, the appointment isn’t drastically different from a typical denture checkup. It’s usually quick and straightforward, so you’ll be able to get on with your day shortly after!
Schedule Denture Relining or Repair in Brisbane
Do you feel like you might benefit from a denture reline, partial denture adjustment, or denture repair?
If so, don’t wait. Whether you’re dealing with an ill fitting denture, broken denture, or even a broken tooth, reach out to a trusted dentist or dental professional as soon as possible.
The sooner you get a professional opinion, the sooner you can get back to feeling comfortable and confident — whether you wear partial dentures, complete dentures, or require a replacement tooth.
At Denture Haus, our experienced dental prosthetists have been helping denture wearers across Brisbane for over 25 years with relines, repairs, and full denture care solutions.
Contact us today to schedule your free consultation and get your smile back on track.