The bone structure on which a removable prosthesis (commonly called a “denture”) resorbs over time. After the extraction of one or more teeth, the bone under the gum loses its stimulation. It therefore tends to decrease in volume, a bit like a limb in a cast for several weeks and losing muscle mass and, consequently, bone mass. The jaws react in the same way when they are no longer stimulated by the dental roots. Bone mass decreases over time and varies from person to person. This is called bone resorption.

Rapid gum changes can also occur as a result of weight loss, viruses, disease or certain medications.

Two solutions are then possible to overcome this problem:

Replenishing: this consists of adding acrylic to the inside of the prosthesis to fill the gap between the soft tissues and the denture.

Relining: this technique aims to completely replace the pink acrylic used in the prosthesis while preserving the teeth of the old prosthesis.

These two techniques offer different advantages:

• First of all, they avoid the additional cost of manufacturing a new prosthesis;
• Dental prostheses regain their stability, which puts an end to the pain caused by abnormal movements of the prosthesis;
• These are proven, reliable and affordable techniques.

• Replenishing and relining do not restore the appearance of the prosthesis teeth;
• These solutions do not correct occlusion problems.

• Painful gums;
• Digestive problems caused by more difficult chewing;
• Musculo-articular pain;
• Problems with jaw joints, premature aging of the face, etc.

Replenishing

• First of all, an impression is taken from the inside of the prosthesis;
• Then, acrylic is added to the prosthesis to fill the gap between the prosthesis and the gingival tissues;
• Adjustments are made to ensure maximum comfort;
• This procedure can be performed in a single appointment.

Relining

This technique requires more time, since the basic structure of the prosthesis (without the prosthetic teeth) is completely redone. The manufacture of the new base is performed in the laboratory and, during a second appointment, the prosthesis is tested and adjusted.

To ensure the longevity of your prosthesis and to preserve the health of your mouth, it is important to follow the following recommendations, or those provided by your attending dentist:

• Brush your gums and prosthesis at least twice a day or after each meal with a soft-bristled toothbrush. Plaque and tartar can accumulate as easily on a removable prosthesis as on natural teeth. It is therefore important to observe strict hygiene measures to reduce the risk of developing cavities or certain gum diseases such as gingivitis;
• If your gums get irritated, it is possible to run your toothbrush under warm water to soften the bristles;
• Avoid using regular toothpaste or household cleaners to clean your prosthesis, as the abrasive agents in the toothpaste could prematurely damage the prosthesis and shorten its life span. Gels, non-abrasive toothpastes and mild soap are good alternatives;
• Flossing can be used to dislodge food debris between the artificial teeth of the prosthesis;
• Do not use mouthwashes that contain alcohol as this may dry out your mouth and cause plaque and tartar to build up;
• Remove your prosthesis every night for the night and clean it by soaking it in a container containing, for an acrylic prosthesis, a solution specifically designed for this purpose that can be found in pharmacies. Removing your prosthesis at night allows your gums and mouth to breathe better and rest. Soaking the prosthesis will soften plaque and tartar, which will be easier to remove during subsequent brushing. After the soaking period, you must brush and rinse your prosthesis thoroughly with water before putting it back in your mouth;
• Do not soak your prosthesis in hot water, which could deform it;
• Avoid wearing your prosthesis for more than 24 consecutive hours. If you do not wear your prosthesis for a long period of time, soak it in warm water to prevent it from drying out or deforming;
• Be as careful as possible not to drop your prosthesis and handle it in such a way as to prevent its deformation. It is recommended to brush the prosthesis over a sink filled with water or in which a towel has been placed to minimize the impact on the prosthesis if you accidentally drop it while handling it;
• Continue to go regularly (one to two visits per year) to your dentist for routine cleaning, as well as for the following reasons:
  • Detect oral cancers;
  • Assess whether adjustments to your prosthesis are necessary;
  • Assess the condition of your prosthesis and determine if it should be replaced by a new one
    in the case of breakage, deformation, cracks, etc..;
  • Polishing the prosthesis that would have lost its lustre over the years.
• The following foods should be avoided with a removable prosthesis: sticky foods that may remain embedded in the prosthesis or influence its stability and hard foods that may break the prosthesis.

Replenishing and relining prostheses are affordable procedures. They are covered in part or in whole by certain dental insurance plans, including RAMQ.