Relining
The procedure of resurfacing the tissue-bearing side of a denture with new base material to improve its fit following alveolar resorption or soft-tissue changes.
Full Definition
Relining is a clinical or laboratory procedure in which the intaglio (tissue-contacting) surface of an existing denture is augmented with fresh denture base resin or resilient material to re-establish intimate contact with the underlying mucosa. It is indicated when progressive bone resorption or soft-tissue change renders the prosthesis ill-fitting. Relining may be performed chairside using autopolymerising acrylic or in the laboratory using heat-processed resin. Editors should distinguish 'relining' (addition of base material to the tissue surface) from 'rebasing' (complete replacement of the denture base while retaining the original teeth) and from 'repairing' (correction of a fracture or other damage).
Usage
Usage note: Distinguish from 'rebasing' (which replaces the entire base) and from 'tissue conditioning' (using soft, temporary material rather than permanent resin).
In Context
- "The patient's lower complete denture required relining after significant residual ridge resorption had occurred over two years." — Prosthodontic recall note
- "The report described a 'rebasing' procedure, but the author's description of retaining the existing teeth indicated relining was the correct term." — Editorial correction note