At a denture clinic

There’s one thing you won’t see at a denture clinic: anxious patients in the waiting room bracing for a dental procedure. And for a good reason. A denturist’s clinical work is non-invasive. This article sets some expectations for your next visit to a denturist.

Why people see a denturist

The reason is usually a simple one: I’m missing teeth and I need to replace them. Our digestive system starts in the mouth, and when one part of it stops working well, the whole body feels it. Having something to chew with makes a real difference to nutrition, and to enjoying the food this world has to offer. I doubt anyone needs convincing that they need teeth, so let’s move on.

The clinical room

At the office you’ll meet your denturist. You may have spoken with a receptionist first, but once you’re past the waiting room, your denturist takes care of you. The clinical room has a dental chair, the piece of equipment that gives the room away. This is where the first examination and the later try-in appointments happen. Surprisingly, most of the time here, especially at the first appointment, is spent talking and laying out your treatment options.

The lab

Nearly every business has a back room. In a restaurant it’s the kitchen, where the taste is created. At a denturist’s, it’s the lab, where dentures are made. It’s a curious place, especially for people like me who can’t walk past a strange device without wondering what it does.

Labs vary with the number of denturists, the workload and the kind of work they do. A typical denturist’s lab is equipped to make, repair and reline acrylic dentures, partial or complete. Some dentures also need cast metal parts, like clasps or a cast base. Those need equipment that can melt, cast and polish biocompatible metal alloys, and they are sometimes made in a separate lab that specializes in metal work.

Why the hours can look unusual

Some denture offices are open only a few days a week, or “by appointment only” on certain days. When I first noticed it, I thought: they must be doing well if they can afford to work three days a week. It turns out there’s a different reason. Denturists plan your treatment and guide you through it, and they are often the ones doing the lab work too: wax, acrylic, plaster of Paris, setting each tooth in place with obscure instruments only they understand. In fact, a denturist spends most of the time on a denture in the lab. That explains the hours: they need time in the lab doing technical work.

Choosing a denture practice

There’s no single right answer here, so here are a few tips.

Look at their reputation. Health professionals are usually well connected to their communities. Perhaps a friend or family member recommended someone. Many practices are also active online, which helps you compare.

Ask about their work. Most of the craft is in the lab, and the dentures are what you’ll walk out with. It can be hard to judge lab work, but it doesn’t hurt to ask to see samples or examples of past cases.

Check how easy they are to reach. Think about how easily you can get an appointment and travel to the office, and whether they can see you quickly if you need an adjustment or a repair.

Receiving your new dentures

Then comes the day you receive your dentures. Maybe you’ve already picked the restaurant for dinner. Your denturist will explain how to look after them and may mention that you’ll need to come back for an adjustment. That’s normal: everyone’s mouth takes some time to settle, usually two to four weeks, and it says nothing about the quality of the dentures. After that, see your denturist once a year to make sure your dentures still fit well, and to have them adjusted or relined when needed.

That concludes our visit to a denture clinic. Have a wonderful day, and smile freely.