Soft lining materials--a review.

Soft linings are compliant, viscoelastic materials used to form all or part of the fit surface of a denture. Their complete function is debatable, but they serve to distribute the forces of mastication more evenly and to absorb energy. Other uses include obturators and maxillo-facial prostheses. This review will cover both the so-called 'permanent' soft-lining materials and temporary soft reline materials, often referred to as tissue conditioners.