Can You Use a DIY Kit to Reline Your Dentures?

Older dentures that don't fit as well as they used to can often be fixed with a reline. This typically involves adding a layer of soft material to the denture plates. This extra material often bulks loose teeth out enough to give them a better fit.

While many people get their dentures relined by their dentist or denture clinic, it is possible to buy DIY reline kits that you can do at home. How do these kits work and will they fix your loose dentures?

How Do DIY Reline Kits Work?

DIY reline kits work on the same principle as liners provided by dental professionals. The difference is you fit them yourself.

Some kits give you pre-formed pieces of soft plastic that you stick on to plates; others use a soft adhesive that you smooth and mould over the denture plate. In either case, these liner kits are supposed to improve the fit of your teeth by adding a cushioned layer to hold them in place.

Will a DIY Reline Fix Your Denture Fit?

The problem with DIY denture reline kits is that you have to fit them yourself. This probably isn't something you've done before or are trained to do. So, you may not get the exact fit you need to improve the way your teeth sit in your mouth.

In some cases, you may make things worse. So, you may end up with a reline that is too thick or too thin. If you reline too thickly, then your dentures will feel bulky and may hurt your mouth; a thin reline won't improve your overall fit.

A trained dentist or dental technician can identify areas that are affecting denture fit. They create liners that compensate for fit problems. You may not know where these areas are. Plus, a professional reline may involve adapting your dentures by shaving down some areas to fit the liner. Cutting dentures down isn't something you should do yourself as you may damage your teeth.

The materials in DIY kits may also not be as robust as you need. If you have to mix a relining adhesive yourself, you have to get this exactly right. If you don't, then the liner may not last long at all. It may peel off or start to flake into pieces.

To get an effective reline that works, it's better to have a dentist take a look at your dentures. They can create an exact fit that will give you comfortable and well-fitting teeth again.