Direct Relining of Complete Dentures: Permanent, Temporary, Rigid, and Resilient Materials Including Tissue Conditioning
Direct (chairside) relining of complete dentures is one of the most clinically relevant procedures in removable prosthodontics. Over time, residual alveolar ridge resorption causes progressive loss of denture fit, leading to reduced retention, instability, mucosal trauma, and impaired masticatory function. Direct relining restores the intimate contact between the denture base and the supporting tissues without the need for a new prosthesis, offering a cost-effective and time-efficient solution for both patients and clinicians. This article provides a comprehensive overview of direct relining materials and techniques, covering the full spectrum from rigid permanent hard reline resins (autopolymerizing PMMA) to resilient long-term soft liners (silicone- and acrylic-based) and short-term temporary materials including tissue conditioners. Each category is characterized by its chemical composition, mechanical properties, clinical indications, contraindications, and limitations. Special attention is given to tissue conditioning — the use of viscoelastic PEMA-based materials to rehabilitate traumatized or inflamed denture-bearing mucosa prior to definitive relining or new denture fabrication. The article synthesizes current evidence on material selection, clinical protocols, and common complications such as Candida biofilm colonization, plasticizer leaching, and bond failure. Practical recommendations guide clinicians in choosing the appropriate relining strategy based on patient-specific factors including mucosal health, residual ridge morphology, and prosthetic goals.
By Radek Mounajjed
Free course on Cicero dental education platform.
Topics: complete denture relining, direct reline, tissue conditioning, soft liner, resilient liner, PMMA reline, denture fit, tissue conditioner, denture stomatitis, chairside relining