We are coming up shortly to the end of the second year of the introduction of the Preference Soft Denture Liner, so I thought it would be appropriate to cover some of the things we have learned along the way.

1. It’s a versatile material

We have learned that it is a very versatile material and should be considered for use in other applications on top of a regular soft reline. The softness and the resiliency of the material have lent it to use in saving a 30-year-old Ramus Blade implant case, an Obturator case where the surgical defect extended over both the hard and soft palate, a lower long extension to the floor of the mouth to engage an undercut and a case on a custom appliance for a 4-year-old patient suffering from Dentogenesis Imperfecta. It is also being used in Gasket cases and of course, as a soft, long-term reline.

2. Sometimes more is better

We’ve noted that in thin areas it is best to find 2 millimeters of thickness for the liner and where extra thickness occurs (like the obturator) it is best to support as much as possible with acrylic and then allow for some extra curing time.

3. Sharp acrylic junction edges should be softened/free Monomer avoided

Sharp acrylic junction edges should be softened as the liner material can be cut as it stretches across these spots, and excess or free Monomer inhibits the set of this material. If you have just done an acrylic repair, especially when using the ‘Salt and Pepper’ technique, be sure that you scrub the denture surfaces and the model with DAWN Dish Washing Soap (Regular Blue…no additives) and clean all surfaces thoroughly with Acetone (100%, no additives) before the application of the liner.

4. Take advantage of undercuts, bony extensions and flabby tissue

As you inspect the impression and the model, find any and all undercuts, bony extensions and flabby tissue and use them to help keep this denture in place. The Preference liner material will flow into, around and under these spots and contribute to the retention. Also don’t be afraid to do extensions of the lingual borders clear to the floor of the mouth. Use acrylic as far as possible and then let the Preference go the remainder of the way. We have extended as much as 1.5 centimeters of unsupported Preference to engage an undercut with great success in stabilizing a lower denture.

Many of these procedures could not have been accomplished with standard chairside soft liners and many of the lab liners on the market and still expect any extended length of service.

5. A custom tray impression may be needed

The impression you need may require a custom tray and not the current denture as the tray. If this is the case, have the Doctor take that custom tray impression of the current oral condition, then also do a quick chairside in the existing denture. Pour the model of the custom, then place the chairside with the denture on the custom model prior to doing the “Feet”. This will get you your vertical dimension with the denture in place.

As we continue to experiment with Preference Denture Soft Liner we will report our findings. But as I have said in the past, don’t limit your thinking on the application of this material. Find a way, by being creative and inventive, to help your Doctor accounts help their patients. Even patients who are edentulous deserve a great smile and a great experience. You, along with Preference Soft Denture Liner, can be their path to both.