Denturists are a thing, and here’s what you should know about them
When it comes to fixing a missing tooth or teeth with dental prostheses, Quebecers can count on denturists. In Quebec, their practice is given its proper due. The Ordre des denturologistes du Québec (ODQ) provides expertise in dentures and sets standards of practice to protect the public, but there are also a lot of other things about the order that you might not know. Here are six facts about them and the denturist profession that might surprise you.
DENTURISTS DON’T DO DENTAL EXAMS
Denturists — or denturologists, as they’re called in Quebec — are experts who are able to determine if it’s possible for a patient to receive a partial or full prosthesis. So don’t expect a denturist to help you fight tartar build-up or check to see if you have any cavities. That’s what makes them different from dentists. One thing a denturist will do is give a special exam that determines whether a patient is able to receive dentures.
EVEN IF YOU’RE MISSING JUST ONE TOOTH, CONSIDER SEEING A DENTURIST
A full smile is the best kind. There are consequences to missing even just one tooth: it could affect the way you chew, it could potentially displace other teeth, and it could cause serious gum problems down the line. It could even result in muscular tension or digestive problems. Your entire facial structure is built on a full set of teeth and, as years go by, lost posterior teeth could cause your cheeks to sink in and your lower jaw to protrude. So even one dental prosthesis can prevent future damage, from premature aging to speech impediments. Regularly consulting your denturist can also ensure your dentures are doing their job.
TODAY’S DENTURES LOOK EXACTLY LIKE THE REAL DEAL
A denturist uses different technologies to create a dental prosthesis tailored specifically for the person using it. Denturists can also use facial features, like your hair and eye colour, to create the right dentures. A denturist can even use old photos to help recreate a lost tooth and provide a visual preview so you know what to expect. Dentures are primarily made from either porcelain, plastic, acrylic or a composite of plastic and acrylic. These days, plastic and acrylic options are the most commonly used types, because they can be colour-adjusted to match your existing teeth. Today’s dentures are so natural-looking, no one will be able to tell you have them.
DENTURES DON’T LAST FOREVER
Dentures should be checked every five years. This is because, over time, gums change and your dentures wear. Dentures are doing a lot of work in your mouth, absorbing saliva and bacteria, and they’ll often become a little discoloured over time. One thing a person should never do is clean dentures with a product like bleach (don’t laugh, it happens more than you think). Bleach can burn and damage the colour of a prosthesis.
DENTURISTS CAN HELP MAKE MOUTH GUARDS
If you’re an athlete playing a contact sport, you know that an errant slap shot or an inopportune elbow can knock out a few teeth. It comes with the territory. If you play a sport or have a career where losing teeth is a possibility, a denturist can custom-make a mouth guard that fits your teeth perfectly. The additional safety and added comfort of a welldesigned mouth guard can make all the difference when you’re a dedicated athlete. It’ll help pro and amateur athletes alike perform better on the ice or pitch, and you won’t even notice you’re wearing one.
ALL DENTURISTS IN QUEBEC ARE MEMBERS OF THE ODQ
In Quebec, being a denturist is considered an exclusive expertise, and only denturists in the order are allowed to practice. The order’s missions are to protect the public by setting standards for the practice, guarantee a high level of quality among its members, and to ensure that a denturist can handle all your needs. The order also strives to constantly improve how denturists do their jobs. That means any denturist you consult in Quebec is part of the order and has the proper qualifications. You can trust them with your prostheses.
For more information, visit www.odq.com.