Before relining a complete denture, what is an important step to take?

Before relining a complete denture, performing a full wax try-in is a crucial step. This process involves inserting a wax version of the denture into the mouth to check for proper fit, aesthetics, and occlusion. It allows the dentist to make necessary adjustments to the upper and lower dentures before proceeding with the final relining procedure.

At this stage, any discrepancies in the occlusion can be identified, such as insufficient or excessive contact between the anterior and posterior teeth. This evaluation ensures that when the relining is done, the dentures will not only fit snugly but also allow for normal function and comfort for the patient.

The choice to adjust the anterior teeth or build up the posterior occlusion comes after understanding how the current denture fits and functions. Cleaning the denture thoroughly is also important but comes as a preparatory step rather than a fundamental adjustment phase necessary for relining. The full wax try-in ultimately provides a comprehensive inspection of how well the denture accommodates the patient's needs prior to any alterations.