If you're a denture wearer in Surrey, BC, you know that comfortable, well-fitting dentures are essential for speaking, eating, and simply living your life. But over time, even the best-fitting dentures can start to feel a bit off. That's where denture relining and rebasing come in. These procedures, expertly performed at Sullivan Denture Centre, are vital for maintaining the comfort, fit, and effectiveness of your dentures. Let's dive into what you need to know about each. The Ever-Changing Mouth: Why Dentures Need Adjusting Your mouth is a dynamic environment. The bone and gum tissues that support your dentures naturally change over time. This process, known as alveolar bone resorption, occurs as your jawbone gradually shrinks when teeth are no longer present to stimulate it. Weight loss, medications, and even the aging process can also contribute to these changes. As your oral landscape shifts, your dentures, which were custom-made to fit your original contours, can become loose. This can potentially lead to a variety of challenges: Discomfort and Sore Spots: Loose dentures can rub against your gums, causing irritation, sores, and even infections. Difficulty Eating: Chewing can become a challenge, limiting your diet and potentially impacting your nutrition. Speech Issues: Ill-fitting dentures can affect your ability to speak clearly, leading to slurred words or clicking sounds. Reduced Confidence: Feeling self-conscious about your dentures can impact your social interactions and overall quality of life. This is where relining and rebasing, provided with precision at Sullivan Denture Centre, become your best friends. Denture Relining: A Quick Comfort Boost Think of denture relining as a "freshen up" for your dentures. It's a procedure that refits the inside surface of your existing denture to conform to the current shape of your gums. The outer, polished surface and the teeth remain untouched. How it works at Sullivan Denture Centre: Our experienced denturists will apply a new layer of acrylic material to the fitting surface of your denture. This material will then mold to the exact contours of your gums. We offer both: Soft Reline: This uses a more pliable, rubbery material. It's often recommended for patients with very sensitive gums, recent extractions, or for a temporary solution while gums heal. Soft relines generally last for a few months to a year. Hard Reline: This uses a durable, rigid acrylic material, similar to the original denture base. It provides a more permanent solution and typically lasts for several years. Hard relines are usually performed in our lab after an impression is taken of your mouth. Benefits of Relining: Improved Comfort: Eliminates rubbing and sore spots. Enhanced Stability: Your dentures will stay in place better. Better Chewing Efficiency : Enjoy your favorite foods again. Clearer Speech: Speak with confidence. Relining is a relatively quick and cost-effective way to restore the fit and comfort of your dentures without needing to replace them entirely. It's often recommended as part of routine denture maintenance, typically every one to two years, or whenever you start to notice looseness. Learn more about our relining services on our website: Denture Relines & Repairs . Denture Rebasing: A Complete Foundation Overhaul While relining addresses the fitting surface, denture rebasing is a more comprehensive procedure that replaces the entire base of your denture while keeping the original teeth. It's essentially building a new foundation for your existing teeth. When is Rebasing Recommended? Rebasing at Sullivan Denture Centre is typically considered when: The denture base is significantly worn, cracked, or damaged. There have been substantial changes in your gum and bone structure, making a reline insufficient. The original denture base material has become discolored or porous, affecting hygiene. You need a more significant fit adjustment than a reline can provide, but your denture teeth are still in good condition. How it works at Sullivan Denture Centre: Our denturists will take a new impression of your mouth. This impression, along with your existing denture teeth, is worked on in our in-house, state-of-the-art dental lab. We carefully remove the old acrylic base from around your teeth and replace it with a completely new, custom-fabricated base that perfectly fits your current oral contours. Benefits of Rebasing: Superior Fit and Stability: Provides the most precise and stable fit possible without making a brand-new denture. Increased Durability: A new, strong base extends the lifespan of your denture. Improved Oral Health: A smooth, non-porous new base is easier to clean, reducing the risk of bacterial buildup and oral infections. Restored Aesthetics: A fresh, clean base can improve the overall appearance of your denture. Maximized Comfort: Eliminates persistent discomfort and sore spots caused by a severely ill-fitting base. The Takeaway Both denture relining and rebasing are invaluable procedures that can significantly improve your quality of life as a denture wearer. Regular dental check-ups at Sullivan Denture Centre are crucial so our denturists can assess the fit of your dentures and recommend the appropriate procedure when needed. Don't wait until discomfort becomes unbearable. Proactive care ensures your dentures remain comfortable, functional, and help you maintain your confident smile for years to come. If you're experiencing any issues with your dentures, don't hesitate to contact us at Sullivan Denture Centre in Surrey, BC. We can help you determine whether relining or rebasing is the right solution for you.

The team at Sullivan Denture Centre is thrilled to introduce the newest addition to our practice, Jimmy Phan, Denturist/Associate. Jimmy brings a fresh perspective and a wealth of expertise to our Surrey clinic. A Local with a Family Legacy While Jimmy spent his formative years in Nanaimo, his roots are firmly planted in the Lower Mainland. "I was actually originally from the mainland," Jimmy shares, explaining his return after an internship and a few years of practice in Parksville. It was the pull of family that ultimately brought him back to his true home. Even more interesting, Jimmy isn't the first in his family to enter the field of dentures. With relatives practicing in Nanaimo, he was introduced to the profession early on. This family connection, combined with his initial interest in health and dental through biochemistry courses at UBC, paved the way for his career. We're excited to have a denturist with such a strong lineage in the field. Six Years of Experience and a Digital Edge Despite his youthful demeanor, Jimmy is no newcomer to the world of dentures. "I've been in the field for six years now," he reveals, surprising those who might assume he's fresh out of school. In that time, he's witnessed significant advancements, particularly in the shift towards digital dentistry. "In school, we were very conventional," Jimmy explains, "... But as the industry is evolving, we are transitioning to digital dentures." This is where Jimmy truly shines. He's incredibly familiar with digital technology from his previous practice and is excited to bring that expertise to Sullivan Denture Centre. This makes for a fantastic partnership, as Jimmy's modern, tech-forward approach complements Trish's extensive experience and foundational knowledge in methods. Beyond the Clinic: A Life of Activity and Entertainment When Jimmy isn't crafting perfect smiles, he's staying active and enjoying his downtime. He's a regular on the volleyball court, hosting intramural games twice a week. You might also find him out sport fishing or indulging his love for movies. "I prefer the theatre," he states, making an effort to catch a new film in theaters every few weeks. We are incredibly excited to have Jimmy join the Sullivan Denture Centre family. His dedication, modern skills, and friendly demeanor are already proving to be a huge asset to our team and our clients. Welcome aboard, Jimmy! We're looking forward to many successful years together.