A Direct Relining Method Using a Tissue Conditioner as the Spacer

Purpose: This report describes a direct relining method using tissue conditioning material as the spacer.Materials and Methods: Tissue conditioning material is applied to the denture base at the first visit, and the occlusion is adjusted. When the patient returns for the second visit, the denture base fit, function, and patient comfort are reexamined. The location of the tissue stoppers is determined to maintain the space for the relining material; possibilities for these tissue stoppers are the rests on the anterior abutments as well as the distal end area of the distal extension base. The tissue conditioning material is removed from the denture base except for the distal end stopper areas. The denture base surface is ground to expose the non-contaminated resin surface and the relining surface is treated with a primer for relining resin. The mixed new resin material is applied to the denture base, and then the denture is returned to the patient's mouth and pressed down with the operator's fingers at the most stable position until the initial curing stage. The remaining spacer area is removed and the above-mentioned procedure is repeated.Discussion: Although the indirect method is predictable and precise, this approach requires a certain amount of lab procedure time and a relining device. Also there are some situations in which a direct relining method such as that described in this report is preferable, especially for removable partial dentures.Conclusion: By utilizing tissue conditioner material as the stopper during the procedure, simple direct relining of removable partial dentures is possible.