Most people are confused about whether to visit a dental or dentures clinic when it comes to issues related to their mouth and teeth. While it’s encouraged to always visit your dentist because the need to maintain dental health cannot be overemphasized. However, this may leave people wondering or confused about what professional to see when they need to wear dentures. In this article, we aim to educate you about the roles of the professionals and the importance of dentures clinic.
Understanding the dental & dentures clinic
A dentures clinic is a clinic that assists and replaces patients’ missing teeth with dentures. That is, patients with tooth loss or even a mouth full of lost teeth can have that tooth or teeth replaced at the clinic. The professional who does this is called a denturist.
On the other hand, the dental clinic is where dental services are offered and your dental health is cared for.
Now, that you’ve known what each of these clinics does, let’s discuss the dentures clinic.
What type of professionals works in a dentures clinic?
The following is a list of professionals you can find in such a clinic.
Dental prosthetist.
These professionals, registered with the Dental Board of Australia, work with the patients to create custom-made dentures for them. They don’t just become dental prosthetists overnight, they must begin as dental technicians and spend time working in that field before they can qualify to apply to study dental prosthetics.
Also note that the board that registers the dental prosthetist is the same board that registers dentists, oral health specialists, etc.
Dental technician
A dental technician is a professional that works in the dental lab to create custom-made dentures or other related dental appliances for patients or customers. This is usually done at the instruction of the dental prosthetist or clinician.
When should you visit the dentures clinic?
There are a couple of reasons why you should see your dental prosthetist.
When you have tooth loss. Whether it’s just a tooth or a mouth full of teeth loss, you may need to see the denturist to have a custom-made tooth created for you.
When your dentures no longer fit well. As you grow older, your cells shrink, becoming smaller. This will make your mouth smaller than usual causing the dentures to fit loosely. This will require you to order a new denture or visit your dental prosthetist so eating and drinking don’t become harder for you.
When your dentures discomfort you. If your dentures discomfort you or cause you needless pain, you may need to visit the dentures clinic. This discomfort or pain may make it harder for you to talk properly, drink, eat, or even smoke. You should never try to deal with the issue yourself. A visit to the denturist will save you from unnecessary stress.
When the dentures have lasted seven years or more. Dentures have a long shelf life, but it doesn’t infer they must last decades in your mouth.
As a rule of the thumb, change your dentures every five to seven years!
We hoped you’ve learned a thing or two about the dentures clinic? We will be glad to hear you share your view!