Every denture case fabricated will eventually need to be relined/refitted as bone resorption occurs over time. That need can also be propagated by physiologic conditions and/or medications. For denture wearers it’s imperative that they understand that relines are a part of the treatment plan and regular appointments/evaluations of fit and function should be exercised BEFORE pain and parafunction occurs. Many patients resist surrendering their dentures not only because they will be without teeth but also concerns of their dentures looking different when they are returned. Understanding this, I make sure that after the reline process the denture comes back clean, trimmed and polished like it was first delivered.

Here are some sequences for a case just completed from a client that understands the benefit of functional reline impressions rather than static impressions. He uses a material that molds over hours and even days. Knowing this, he instructs his patients to wear the material inside their dentures for a period of time in order for them to eat and speak functionally and allow the material to mold. Much like a custom cork footbed for your feet. Then he takes your dentures pours stone to them and sends them to me so I can replicate the functional fit in hard acrylic. Here are a few steps.

After wearing a day or so with the lining material, the dentures are taken, poured in stone. Then sent to me to line them with fresh, new, acrylic.

Dentures encased in a flask, impression material removed, and surface prepared to accept new acrylic.

Completed relines with fresh, new surfaces that fit the remodeled tissues.

Interested in using my laboratory or consulting services?

I work with dentists in several states. Contact me if you’re a patient interested in if I work with a dentist in your area.

Thomas Zaleske 630-531-8197 zaleske@gmail.com