Smiles return with Dentures Plus
When you need dentures, going without is a struggle. Foods are limited, smiling brings embarrassment, and every day you retreat a little more from social situations.
Gradually, the physical and mental pressures take their toll.
So it was with relief that many Cantabrians welcomed the return of Dentures Plus at alert level 2, as one of Christchurch’s most popular and best-equipped denture practices resumed its full suite of services.
Full, partial, implant and immediate dentures, for fitting the same day as teeth are removed, are provided by the St Albans clinic.
Dentures Plus owner Ryan Carlton says all staff were retained during the lockdown, which allowed the business to hit the ground running as appointments were rebooked and new inquiries fielded.
‘‘Our normal cross-infection protocols are very helpful at this time so people should feel comfortable coming in and talking to us about their needs. Our hygiene standards are always very high,’’ he says.
Ryan notes that it is a good idea for people to visit the clinic before getting teeth removed because seeing the natural shape of a person’s face helps the denture makers shape the denture and place the teeth in an attractive, highly realistic way.
‘‘We often make dentures on behalf of dentists but it’s better if we can speak to the patient directly and hear what it is they’d really like. That’s the secret to a great set of dentures,’’ he says.
Dentures Plus makes dentures using the acrylic-injection method, which ensures durability as well as the snuggest fit possible.
Teeth come from Germany and are in good supply, as are other key items at the clinic, which has a 3D printer for impression trays and the city’s only welder designed to repair partial dentures.
Ryan spent time with his family during the shutdown; he and his wife Marion, a denture technician, have two young daughters, Linda, 7, and Holly, 5.
However, he says everyone at the clinic has enjoyed seeing patients again.
‘‘Helping people is what it’s all about so it’s great to be back. If you’re new to dentures and feel a bit unsure, or you’re a long-time wearer who’s due for a checkup, we’d love to help,’’ he says.
Checkups are advised every two years, or annually if you still have some natural teeth.
Considered a ‘‘warrant of fitness for your mouth’’, checkups allow issues to be identified and corrected before they become serious problems.
The focus is usually on the fit of the denture but wider issues, such as the risk of oral cancers, can also be monitored.
To support regular cleaning at home, Dentures Plus sells a variety of care products, including the Caldent cleaning solution, which Ryan says is far superior to anything found in supermarkets. Products can be purchased over the counter at Dentures Plus or through its website.
❚ Dentures Plus, 396 Innes Road, St Albans. For a free consultation or to find out more, phone 03 385-5517 or visit denturesplus.co.nz