Tissue conditioners are essential tools in prosthodontics, particularly when managing temporary dentures during the healing phase following multiple extractions. As clinicians, we often encounter patients who need immediate dentures to restore function and aesthetics after extractions. However, as their oral tissues begin to heal, these temporary dentures can quickly become unstable due to soft tissue remodelling and bone resorption.
This is where tissue conditioners, and their alternatives, come into play. In this article, we explore a more patient-friendly and efficient alternative: using a soft lining material chairside that functions like a tissue conditioner but delivers superior comfort, aesthetics, and ease of use.
The Purpose of a Tissue Conditioner
Tissue conditioners are soft, adaptable materials applied to the fitting surface of a denture to improve fit and comfort. As the patient wears the denture, the material cushions the oral tissues and adjusts to the healing ridges, gradually hardening to provide short-term stability.
These are especially useful in cases where the bone and soft tissues are undergoing rapid changes post-extraction. The goal is to temporarily reline the denture, filling the voids created by resorption, and provide a better-fitting prosthesis while avoiding the discomfort of a loose denture.
Why I Use a Soft Lining Material Instead
While traditional tissue conditioners are widely used, I personally prefer a soft lining material such as MetraSoft by Metra Dent. It serves the same purpose but is more palatable for patients and more practical for clinicians.
The issue with many traditional tissue conditioners is that they are typically white and have a chalky, unpleasant taste. While they do work, they can be unappealing in the mouth. Patients often report dissatisfaction due to their appearance and taste, especially when the denture is in place for several weeks.
MetraSoft offers an alternative that overcomes these concerns. It is a soft pink material, visually blending better with the denture base and causing far fewer complaints about taste. It behaves in much the same way as a tissue conditioner: soft when applied, it gradually sets as the patient wears it, improving the fit of a temporary denture.
Temporary Use, Not a Permanent Fix
It’s important to note that these chairside materials are not intended for long-term use. While I rarely do soft linings as permanent solutions, if I do, I opt for a heat-cured soft lining material that is processed in the laboratory. These offer far greater longevity and durability.
Chairside soft linings like MetraSoft are best reserved for short-term applications, such as temporary dentures worn during the healing phase post-extraction. They provide a practical, time-efficient solution that can be applied within the clinic.
Warming the Material for Better Results
One practical challenge with using MetraSoft is its slow setting time, especially in cooler environments, as it is packaged in a glass bottle that retains cold. However, this can easily be resolved.
Before use, I place the bottle in a bottle warmer for a minute or two, typically set between 50–53°C. This simple step significantly speeds up the setting process and makes the material much easier to work with. If a bottle warmer isn’t available, running the bottle under a hot tap for a few minutes is a perfectly acceptable alternative.
Just remember to slightly loosen the lid before warming to avoid pressure build-up, which could cause the bottle to crack or explode.
To Seal or Not to Seal?
MetraSoft is supplied with a sealer designed to prevent discoloration and improve longevity. However, in my experience, this is unnecessary for short-term use. The sealer can alter the taste of the material, making it unpleasant for patients. Since the aim is to provide temporary comfort, skipping the sealer is often the best approach.
Final Thoughts
For clinicians regularly providing temporary dentures, soft lining materials like MetraSoft offer a better alternative to traditional tissue conditioners. They are simple to use, aesthetically pleasing, and more acceptable to patients in both taste and appearance.
By warming the material beforehand and using it without the sealer, you can streamline the procedure and significantly improve the patient’s experience. While it is not a replacement for permanent linings, it is an excellent option for the interim period following extractions.
Ultimately, it’s about finding what works best for both the clinician and the patient, and for many, a better tissue conditioner starts with choosing a more effective soft lining material.
Watch the full video to gain insights and recommendations from our experience!
