The aim of this in vitro study was to investigate changes in occlusion as a consequence of direct and indirect relining for distal extension removable partial dentures RPDs . 20 interim RPDs in the maxilla group 1 , 20 interim RPDs group 2 and 20 definitive RPDs group 3 in the mandible were relined with a light curing relining material. Each group included ten times the indirect technique, 5 times the direct mouth open technique and 5 times the direct mouth closed technique. Occlusal contacts were documented before and after relining 0= no contact, 1= contact .The indirect procedure showed for each denture design an ideal occlusal stability. The results of the direct, mouth open procedure revealed for interim dentures in the maxilla a loss of all occlusal contacts on natural teeth 0.0 and only reduced contact on the artificial teeth 0.6 . Similarities were found for interim and definitive RPDs in the mandible definitive RPD: natural/artificial teeth: 0.1/0.3; interim RPDS: natural/artificial teeth: 0.2/0.5 . The direct, mouth closed relining revealed good occlusal stability for all RPDS and artificial teeth 1.0 .The indirect relining is a reliable procedure for the preservation of occlusion in any of the tested RPDs. The direct relining technique revealed specific limitations not related to the material. Schlagwörter: occlusal accuracy, removable partial denture, relining