Why DIY Denture Relining May Be a Bad Idea

Sometimes it can be fun to take a DIY approach. Building something yourself can save you money and help you develop new skills. However, there are some things that are too important to do yourself and are better left to professionals.

In most cases, dentistry is one of those things. For example, some people who have noticed their dentures don’t fit as well as they’d like them to try and reline their dentures on their own. Here’s what you should know about that prospect.

What Even Is Denture Relining?

Over time, it’s common for denture patients’ jaws to shrink due to the lack of teeth. This means that most people will start to notice their dentures don’t fit as well as they used to at a certain point.

This is where relining comes in. The dentures can be sent to a lab where pink acrylic material is used to fill the gaps. If you want faster results that won’t last quite as long, you can also have this done in-office by your dentist.

What Happens If I Reline My Dentures Myself?

It is technically possible to get the necessary materials and to reline your dentures yourself. However, the truth is that you’re unlikely to get the results that you’re looking for, and in fact, may wind up doing more harm than good.

For one, it could be that the problem with your dentures can’t be solved by a simple reline. This is the sort of thing that only a dentist would be able to tell you.

There’s also a more logistical problem: you can’t really see your own mouth very well, even with a mirror. If you’re trying to reline your denture when you can’t see, you’re likely to make mistakes.

Finally, one of the most important parts of relining your dentures is the cleanup, refining the edges of the dentures so that they can sit comfortably in the mouth. You will not have the tools necessary to do this at home, and they won’t be provided as a part of a DIY relining kit. As a result, your dentures may have sharp edges that make them uncomfortable to wear.

If you’re going to do something, you should have it done right—you should have it done by a professional.

About Our Practice

Dr. LJ Adam grew up in a dentist’s office here in Pennsylvania, and he feels enormously proud of being able to carry on the family tradition, helping members of his community smile their brightest every single day. Dr. Adam received his dental degree from the University of Pittsburgh School of Dental Medicine, and in order to offer his patients the highest level of dental care possible he constantly continues his dental education.

If you have any questions about dentures, he can be reached at his website or by phone at (724) 297-3446.