Pros and Cons of Soft Liners for
Dentures
If dentures are uncomfortable, one solution is a
soft liner. A soft liner can be placed in new dentures, or when they are
relined.
If you have worn dentures for a long time, the
jaw bone will shrink, and the bony
ridge on which they rest can become sharp and can be a source of sores. In
some cases, it can be very difficult to get a comfortable denture. A soft
liner is one solution for that. In addition to being gentler to the
tissue, a soft liner can be fabricated to "grab" the ridge a little bit by
engaging undercuts.
Characteristics of Soft Liners for Dentures
These soft liners are made from a special
medical grade silicone-type compound. Placing them
involves either one or two appointments, depending on the material used.
The original soft liners had to be made in a dental laboratory. There are
new materials, however, that can be mixed right in the dentist's office
and hardened on the spot, meaning that it can be made in one appointment
and you don't have go for any period of time without your dentures.
Picture of a soft liner in a
denture,
courtesy of Eliason dental laboratory,
Portland, Maine |
A certain thickness of the material is required for
it to function properly, meaning that plastic has to be ground out from
the inside of the denture to make room for the new liner. If there isn't
enough space for a soft liner, this creates a problem, possibly requiring
the use of a reinforcing metal framework for the dentures. |
Soft liners are slightly
porous. This means that they will attract
microorganisms, and it will be more important to keep them clean.
Advantages of Soft Liners
