How long should you wait to do lab relines of an immediate complete denture?

For immediate complete dentures, the appropriate timing for relining is typically around six months after placement. This timeframe allows for the stabilization of healing in the alveolar ridges where teeth have been extracted. After the removal of teeth, the underlying bone and soft tissue undergo significant changes as they heal and reshape. During this healing period, the tissues can resorb or alter in size and shape, which can lead to an improper fit of the immediate denture.

Waiting for about six months ensures that the soft and hard tissues will have stabilized enough to provide an accurate impression for the relining process. This helps to avoid the need for frequent adjustments and ensures improved comfort and functionality of the denture for the patient.

Doing the relines too soon, such as after just one week or one month, could lead to an inaccurate fit due to ongoing tissue changes. On the other hand, waiting a year may be unnecessarily long, as by that point, additional adjustments might be needed due to further changes in the denture-bearing areas. Thus, the six-month interval is optimal for effective relines of immediate complete dentures.