Denture Relines: When You Need One and What to Expect

Your dentures used to fit perfectly. Now they're loose, they slip when you eat, or they're rubbing your gums raw. What happened?

Nothing's wrong with you — it's completely normal. Your mouth changes shape over time. Your gums shrink, your jawbone remodels, and the denture that fit like a glove two years ago gradually stops fitting.

The fix? In most cases, it's a denture reline — not a whole new set.

I'm Hussein, a dental prosthetist with 14 years experience and my own lab in Sydney. I do relines every single week, and I'm going to explain exactly what's involved so you know what to expect.

What Is a Denture Reline?

A reline is when I resurface the inside of your denture — the part that sits against your gums — with new material. It reshapes the denture to match how your mouth looks now, not how it looked when the denture was first made.

Think of it like resurfacing the inside of a shoe that's stretched out. The outside looks the same, but the inside grips your foot properly again.

There are two types of relines:

Hard Reline

Uses a firm acrylic material (the same stuff your denture is made of)
Lasts 2–3 years typically
Done in my lab — I take an impression with the denture in your mouth, then reline it
This is the standard, most common type

Soft Reline

Uses a softer, flexible material
Best for patients with very thin or sensitive gums
Needs replacing more often (6–12 months)
Good as a temporary solution or for patients who can't tolerate hard acrylic

I'll recommend which type based on your gums, your denture, and how you're feeling. Most patients do well with a hard reline.

How Do You Know You Need a Reline?

Here are the signs I hear from patients every week:

Your dentures feel loose — they move when you talk or eat
You're using more denture adhesive than usual — adhesive is a bandaid, not a solution
Sore spots or irritation on your gums — the denture isn't sitting evenly
Food gets trapped under your dentures — gaps between denture and gum
It's been 2+ years since your last reline — even if they feel "okay," your mouth has changed
You've recently had teeth extracted — your jaw reshapes significantly in the first 6–12 months after extractions

If any of these sound familiar, it's time for a check-up. Don't wait until you're in pain — a reline now prevents bigger problems later.

What Happens During a Reline?

Step 1: Assessment

I'll look at your denture and your mouth. I check the fit, the bite, the condition of the denture itself, and your gum health. Sometimes a reline isn't enough — if the denture is cracked, warped, or the teeth are worn down, you might need a new set instead.

Step 2: Impression

I place a special reline material inside your denture and have you bite down. This captures the current shape of your gums. It's quick and painless.

Step 3: Lab Work

I take the denture back to my lab and process the reline. The old inner surface is removed and replaced with fresh material that matches your impression exactly.

Step 4: Fitting

You come back, I fit the relined denture, and we check everything — comfort, bite, seal. If anything needs tweaking, I adjust it on the spot.

Total time: Usually two appointments over a few days. Some same-day relines are possible depending on the case.

Because I have my own lab, I control the whole process. You're not waiting weeks for an external lab to send your denture back. Learn why that matters.

How Much Does a Denture Reline Cost?

A standard reline in Australia typically costs $300–$600, depending on the type (hard vs soft) and the practitioner.

That's a fraction of what a new set of dentures costs. For a full cost comparison: How Much Do Dentures Cost in Australia?

Health Fund Rebates

Most private health funds with extras cover will give you a rebate on relines. Check your fund — some cover a reline every 2 years.

Is It Worth It?

Absolutely. A $400 reline can extend the life of your dentures by years and make them comfortable again. Putting it off usually means more discomfort, more adhesive, and eventually a more expensive fix.

Reline vs New Dentures: How Do You Know Which One You Need?

Situation	Reline	New Dentures
Dentures are loose but otherwise in good condition	Yes
Teeth are worn down or chipped		Yes
Denture is cracked or broken		Yes (or repair first)
It's been 2–3 years since last reline	Yes
Dentures are 7–10+ years old		Yes
Significant jaw or gum changes (e.g. after extractions)	Yes first, then new set later
You hate the look of your current dentures		Yes

If you're not sure, I'll tell you honestly. I'd rather reline your dentures and save you money than sell you a new set you don't need. That's how you build trust — and that's how I've built my practice over 14 years.

Not sure whether you need a full or partial denture? Full Dentures vs Partial Dentures: Which Is Right for You?

How Often Should You Get a Reline?

As a general rule: every 2–3 years for hard relines.

But it depends on your mouth. Some people's gums change faster — especially if you:

Had teeth extracted recently
Have been wearing dentures for many years
Have medical conditions that affect bone density (like osteoporosis)
Lost or gained significant weight

I always recommend an annual check-up even if your dentures feel fine. Small changes add up, and catching them early means a simple reline instead of a bigger job.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I reline my dentures myself with a kit from the chemist?

I'd strongly advise against it. Over-the-counter reline kits don't use professional materials, and if the fit is wrong you can cause gum damage or bite problems. A professional reline costs a few hundred dollars and is done properly. It's not worth the risk.

How long does a reline take?

Usually two appointments over a few days. The first is for the impression, the second for fitting. Some cases can be done same-day.

Does a reline hurt?

No. The impression is painless — you just bite down for a minute or two. After the reline, your denture should feel more comfortable, not less. If there are any pressure points, I adjust them at the fitting.

Will my dentures look different after a reline?

No — a reline only changes the inside surface. The outside — the teeth, the colour, the shape — stays exactly the same. Your dentures will look the same but fit better.

Don't Put Up with Loose Dentures

If your dentures are slipping, rubbing, or just not fitting like they used to — a reline could have you sorted in a couple of appointments.

Book a Free Consultation →

Have questions? Call me on 0420 550 249 or send a message. I visit 15+ clinics across Sydney — Bella Vista, Liverpool, Blacktown, Bankstown, Taree, and more.

Finding the right practitioner matters: How to Find a Denture Specialist in Sydney.

Denture Relines: When You Need One and What to Expect