How Much Does It Cost to Reline Dentures?

Last Updated on July 16, 2024
Written by CPA Alec Pow | Content Reviewed by CFA Alexander Popinker

Over time, even well-fitted dentures can loosen and become uncomfortable due to natural changes in the gums, bone, and oral tissues. Relining dentures helps re-customize and improve their fit, comfort, and function by adding new interior base material that conforms to the updated contours of the mouth. But what are the typical costs associated with denture relining services?

This guide examines the common denture relining procedures, associated price ranges, variables impacting costs, insurance particulars, at-home kit alternatives, and pro tips to keep your dentures feeling great years past initial placement. With insurance coverage and provider negotiations, necessary denture relines can often be obtained at significant cost savings compared to new dentures.

How Much Does It Cost to Reline Dentures?

On average, expect to budget $300 to $600 per denture for professional relining, whether for a full upper or lower denture set or partials. Cost varies substantially based on the specific relining method chosen, type of materials used, individual dental office fees and policies, any insurance coverage and negotiated rates, and other factors like location and provider expertise.

Hard Denture Relines – The gold standard for creating lasting stabilization and renewed fit by fully replacing the original pink base material with a fresh layer of dense, durable denture acrylic that is molded and processed for precision adhesion and comfort.

Hard relining provides 1-3 years of optimal performance but costs more upfront at $400-$600 per denture. Ideal for long-term solutions.

Soft Denture Relines – Offer an economical temporary rejuvenation layer by coating the interior pink base with a thin, soft lining material that quickly molds to tissues. Provides instant increased grip and cushioning for 2-6 months of relief per application at $150-$300 per denture.

Often used as an interim step before hard relining for more affordable incremental care.

Temporary Denture Relines – Apply a thin protective adhesive paste or gel layer that acts as a shock-absorbing buffer against sore spots for 1-3 months between more lasting relines or remakes.

Cost is $100-$250 per denture depending on materials and frequency needed. Helpful for transitioning through acute gum irritation flare-ups when immediate relief is needed.

The Denture Clinic website states that the typical cost to reline dentures is between $300 and $600 per arch. The article explains that the cost can be influenced by factors such as the type of material used, the dentist’s experience, and whether any additional procedures are required, such as tooth extractions or adjustments.

The Dental Implant Cost Guide website estimates the average cost of denture relining to be around $400 per arch. The website also mentions that the cost can range from $200 to $800 per arch, depending on the dentist, location, and the specific materials used.

Dental Depot provides a range of $300 to $500 for the cost of relining dentures. The article notes that this price typically covers the entire process, including the removal of the old lining, the creation of a new lining, and any necessary adjustments to ensure a proper fit.

While costs vary based on materials and dentist charges, hard acrylic denture relines generally provide the most lasting value and effective stabilization but come at a higher upfront price point compared to faster-wearing soft reline options.

What Is Denture Relining?

Denture relining refers to the process of resurfacing the interior pink base of an existing denture with new material customized to the current unique contours of an individual’s mouth.

This most commonly involves taking detailed new impressions of the gum ridges and bite alignment, then using these molds to add dense cushioning material that creates a renewed snug, suctioned fit against the soft tissues.

Relining becomes essential because the jawbone and gums gradually continue resorbing and changing shape over the years even after initial denture creation. As the oral foundation shifts, even well-fitted dentures become loose, unstable, and prone to uncomfortable rubbing and pressure points that make eating painful and compromise oral health.

You might also like our articles on the cost of dentures, snap-in dentures, or veneers.

Through periodic selective relining (usually every 1-2 years), older dentures can often be restored to renewed form, function, and comfort thereby delaying the need for more complex and expensive total remakes for many years. Benefits include:

• Restored stability and grip during chewing and speaking
• Elimination of rubbing and irritation that creates painful sores
• Corrects awkward chewing and occlusion by realigning bite
• Reduces loose shifting and clicking during use
• Restores effective chewing, digestion, and nutrition
• Creates a renewed suction seal for secure feel
• Greatly improves wearer confidence and quality of life

For optimal denture performance and oral health over the long run, most dentists recommend at least evaluating relining needs every 12-24 months even for well-fitted prosthetics. Catching deterioration early better protects the vulnerable gum tissues against damage from ill-fitting dentures over time through affordable periodic relining renewals.

Factors Influencing Denture Relining Expenses

Several variables beyond the basic reline procedure itself impact the total costs incurred for denture relining services:

• Hard versus soft relining – Hard relines using durable acrylics cost more but last 1-3 years compared to soft reline materials lasting around 6 months.
• Upper, lower, or both – Relining both the upper and lower dentures together at the same appointment typically incurs about 20% savings versus individual separate appointments.
• Dental office fees – More affordable community clinics offer lower pricing than private boutique practices, with cost variation between different providers.
• Dentist technique and time – Highly experienced dentists with lab partnerships complete relines quicker with ideal accuracy to control costs.
• Insurance coverage – What percentage and annual maximums apply varies widely between dental insurance plans and impacts out-of-pocket fees paid.
• Location costs – Urban and suburban practices may charge higher rates than rural areas based on rent and operational expenses.
• Lab contracting – Some relines require outsourcing to dental labs which adds costs unless dentists have negotiated discount arrangements.

When budgeting and comparing denture relining costs, carefully consider the options and these influential variables for potentially significant savings.

Insurance Coverage on Dentures

Most dental insurance policies provide some level of coverage for denture relining procedures, especially within annual policy maximums for prosthetic care. However, the percentage covered and limits vary tremendously between different carriers and specific plans.

Some insurers classify relining as a general denture repair and cover it the same as adjustments or repairs at about 50% reimbursement. But relining could be deemed a specialized or elective treatment excluded from coverage depending on the policy fine print. Reputable dentists know how to accurately code procedures for maximum coverage.

Additionally, insurance may refuse coverage for relining services deemed performed too soon before normal replacement intervals or conducted too frequently. Approvals may require dentists submitting evidence of medical necessity. As always, carefully reviewing your plan details is imperative.

DIY At-Home Denture Relining Kits

Rather than visiting the dentist’s office for professional relines, another option to reduce costs involves utilizing DIY impression kits and relining materials available through pharmacies, dental supply distributors, and online retailers.

These at-home kits typically run just $20-$60 total and include impression putty, reline resins, and instructions for self-application in the convenience of home. With some practice, they can extend the life of dentures for simpler scenarios.

However, achieving accurate professional-grade fit and durability without gaps or over-trimming often proves challenging for DIYers. Home relining also carries risks of complications.

For quick temporary smoothing of a sore spot or prolonging adjustment intervals between thorough professional relines, at-home kits offer a low-cost bridge. But dentists do not recommend relying upon home relining alone long-term as a replacement for periodic in-office care and lab work for proper denture health. Utilize dentist-supervised relining to ensure optimal fit and function.

Professional Relining Tips

While keeping dentures properly relined is important for oral health and eating ability, the out-of-pocket costs even with insurance coverage can still strain limited budgets. Consider these pro tips for economizing on necessary relines without sacrificing quality and longevity of results:

• Time relining around insurance annual maximum reset dates for optimal coverage
• Inquire about discounted cash pricing or membership plans at dental practices
• Have upper and lower done together to save chair time and lab fees
• Use soft relines judiciously to prolong interval between hard relines
• Opt for long-life premium acrylics on hard relining worth the investment
• Ask about warranty on hard relines should repairs be needed
• Get multiple quotes to compare costs across local reputable dentists
• Utilize dental schools or community clinics for more affordable care options

Is Relining Dentures Worth It?

Given the choice between paying routine relining costs every 1-2 years for existing dentures versus extensive new dentures requiring much higher upfront expenses approximately every 5-7 years, regular affordable relining generally provides the better overall value and savings for many denture wearers.

The typical cost of a new set of custom fabricated upper and lower dentures usually ranges $1500-$4000 depending on materials and clinic fees. Plus new dentures often require several post-placement adjustment appointments for ideal comfort and fit as the mouth adapts.

In contrast, periodic selective professional relining helps extend the original service life of well-crafted dentures often to 10 years or longer. For only a few hundred dollars each time, relining enables getting additional years of functional service from existing prosthetics compared to starting completely over with remakes. The choice becomes clear for economical ongoing care.

Final Words

As dentures incrementally lose their ideal fit and grip over years of use and oral tissue changes, periodic selective professional relining provides the most durable and effective means of restoring tightness, comfort, and performance at reasonable costs compared to totally new dentures.

With some insurance coverage, good provider negotiations, and budgeting, this essential maintenance can be managed without breaking the bank.

While surprise dental costs are never welcome, proactively planning for incremental denture relining every 12-24 months protects vulnerable gum tissues, oral function, and nutrition that deteriorating ill-fitting dentures threaten to compromise otherwise.

Compared to purchasing expensive new sets, regularly caring for existing dentures through expert material renewal retains a secure fit for worry-free eating and an attractive confident smile.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long will a denture reline last?

On average, a quality hard reline procedure performed by a dental professional will last approximately 1-2 years before requiring replacement, depending on your mouth’s structure and how you care for your dentures. Proper daily cleaning extends a hard reline’s durability.

What is the disadvantage of relining a denture?

Potential drawbacks include mild added thickness and slightly different chewing sensation from the new interior lining. Occasional biting of the cheeks may occur temporarily as the mouth adjusts. Proper dental adjustments eliminate any rubbing or discomfort.