After a patient undergoes tooth extraction, their gum line continues to recede over time, causing the denture to become loose or ill-fitting. To restore its stability, a reline procedure can be performed, which involves filling the gap between the gums and the denture with new hard acrylic. It is generally recommended to get a reline on a full denture 6-12 months after extractions, and to have it checked every two years thereafter.

In addition to the hard reline, there is also the option of a soft reline, which can be either temporary or permanent. The temporary soft reline is a tissue conditioner that is used to prepare the gums under the denture for the hard reline, allowing ulcers or sore spots to heal. However, the soft reline only lasts for 6-8 weeks, after which it should be made into a permanent material, as it is not designed to last for an extended period of time. Permanent soft liners are a last resort for patients whose mouths cannot tolerate the hard acrylic due to bony ridges. They are not as permanent as hard relines, requiring replacement after two years.

A denture may need relining if:

- The denture no longer fits and sometimes slips or falls down.

- The denture is an Immediate Denture.

A reline does not:

- Improve the condition of the denture itself.

- Change the teeth or its' surface.