How Often Do Dentures Need Relining?

Denture relining is one of the most important — and most overlooked — aspects of denture maintenance. The jawbone beneath your denture is not static; it remodels continuously after tooth loss, changing shape and volume over time. A study in the Journal of Prosthetic Dentistry (2019) found that the mandibular (lower jaw) ridge can lose up to 4 mm of height in the first year after extraction, with ongoing resorption of approximately 0.5 mm per year thereafter.

At Townsville Dental Clinic, we include denture fit checks as part of every routine denture review and recommend relining as soon as the fit begins to deteriorate — not after problems become severe.

What Is a Denture Reline?

A reline is the process of resurfacing the fitting (tissue-facing) side of a denture to match the current shape of your gum ridge. The outer surface, teeth, and overall structure of the denture remain unchanged. Only the internal surface is renewed.

Think of it as resoling a shoe — the upper is still good, but the sole needs replacing to maintain a comfortable, secure fit.

Hard Reline

The standard reline procedure. The dentist takes an impression using the existing denture as a tray, capturing the current shape of your ridge. The denture is then sent to a laboratory where the old fitting surface is removed and replaced with new acrylic.

Turnaround: same-day chairside or 1–2 days with a laboratory
Durability: 2–3 years
Cost: $200–$400 AUD
Best for: most denture wearers

Soft Reline

A layer of pliable silicone or plasticised acrylic is applied to the fitting surface instead of rigid material. This creates a cushioned interface between the denture and gum tissue.

Turnaround: same-day chairside or 1–2 days with a laboratory
Durability: 1–2 years
Cost: $250–$500 AUD
Best for: patients with sensitive, thin, or irregular ridges

Temporary (Tissue-Conditioning) Reline

A very soft, medicated material is applied to the fitting surface to allow inflamed or irritated tissue to heal before a permanent reline is performed. This is typically left in place for 1 to 2 weeks.

When Should You Get a Reline?

Timeframe	Recommendation
First year after extraction	Review every 3–6 months; reline likely needed at 6–12 months
Years 2–5	Review every 6–12 months; reline every 2–3 years
Years 5+	Continue 6–12 monthly reviews; consider new denture if >7–10 years old
After significant weight change	Book a review regardless of schedule
After illness or medication changes	Book a review if fit has changed

What Happens If You Delay Relining?

Wearing an ill-fitting denture is not merely uncomfortable — it accelerates bone loss. Uneven pressure distribution causes localised resorption, creating a cycle where the fit deteriorates faster, requiring more extensive (and expensive) correction. Chronic irritation can also cause inflammatory fibrous hyperplasia (excess tissue growth) that may require surgical removal before a new denture can be made.