In relation to dental occlusion, what should be checked before relining a denture?

Before relining a denture, it is crucial to check the posterior occlusion. This aspect ensures that the occlusal surfaces of the posterior teeth are properly aligned and meet appropriately when the patient bites down. Proper posterior occlusion is essential for a functional bite, as it contributes to the stability of the denture during chewing and helps prevent excessive wear or movement of the denture under functional load.

Checking posterior occlusion also helps identify any premature contacts or interferences that could lead to discomfort or masticatory issues for the patient. This assessment is typically essential before making any adjustments or modifications to the denture, such as relining, to ensure optimal function and comfort.

The other factors, while important in different contexts, do not directly relate to the immediate concerns of denture relining. Midline alignment focuses on the symmetry of the dental arch and how it relates to facial aesthetics but does not directly affect how well the denture performs functionally. Incisal edges are significant for anterior esthetics and function but are less relevant when considering the relining process. Vertical dimension refers to the space between the upper and lower jaws during occlusion and is important for overall facial posture and appearance but should similarly be assessed before making broad changes rather than just rel