Denture clinics and denturists provide some of the most valuable services in the world of oral health today — but not many people really understand what this specific industry is all about:
What are denturists? Denturists aren’t the same as normal dentists; although they care for teeth and offer treatment options for oral health problems like gum disease and tooth loss, they don’t focus on regular cleanings or other health issues that might be related to your teeth and jaw. Denturists primarily focus on fitting cosmetic dentures, including traditional dentures that can be removed easily, and dentures that are anchored down by implants. They also handle all the repairs and maintenance that go along with dentures and implants.
Do denturists only treat people who are missing teeth? Nope! Since they’re often considered to be dental specialists, denturists often provide other cosmetic dental procedures like safe teeth whitening. Many will also help patients who need professional protective mouth guards for sports, and custom mouth guards for sufferers of nighttime bruxism (teeth grinding).
Do you need a referral to see a denturist? In most cases, you don’t — you can call up your local denture clinic and schedule an appointment, just like you would with a regular dentist. Most of these clinics are independently-owned and operated, so it’s important to make sure that you find a denturist who offers the service you need (since they don’t always offer the same services), and that your dental insurance plan (if you have one) will be accepted.
What sort of training or education does a denturist have? Unlike dental technicians, denturists have a special advantage as far as training goes; because they work specifically with dental prosthetics (artificial replacements), they have a lot of training in lab work and the mechanics behind dental care. Denturists usually have two to three years of education at a specialized denturist school — minimum — and many also have experience working in other areas of the dental industry.
