Skip the dentist and go straight to a dental prosthetist for your dentures - yes, you can do that in Australia! While some situations might require a dentist's involvement, particularly if you need teeth extracted, you don't necessarily need to see one first. Many people don't realise that dental prosthetists are fully qualified to provide denture services, and you can make an appointment directly with them, no referral needed. But how do you know which professional is right for your situation?
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So, what is a dental prosthetist?
If you haven’t had a denture before it’s possible you’ve never come across the term ‘dental prosthetist’. Dental prosthetists are a pivotal part of every denture clinic, highly qualified to see patients, to design, make, and fit dentures for them, to replace missing teeth. Denture clinics also have dental technicians. These are qualified people involved in the highly technical manufacturing of your denture, but they are not qualified to attend patients.
Why see a dental prosthetist first?
Firstly, seeing a dental prosthetist before a dentist can be more cost effective since most denture clinics do not charge for an initial denture consultation. This contrasts with your dentist who will charge you for the visit and probably refer you to a prosthetist anyway. Secondly, your prosthetist is the one who designs and manufactures your denture for you and will care for your denture into the future. They are trained experts in this field. An added advantage that comes with the first free, no-obligation consultation is an estimate of cost for your denture which can be helpful if you’re on a budget. They will spend time listening to any concerns you have including the look you wish to achieve. Armed with this insight they can then advise you of the best denture options to suit your lifestyle and budget.
Professional expertise and modern technologies
Designing, making and fitting dentures is a highly skilled and specialised field. Australian denture clinics have advanced technologies and expertise to create individualised custom dentures that fit and function well.
Your oral health providers have distinct areas of expertise:
- Your dentist is trained to oversee your general oral health care, monitoring for disease and infection, filling or removing teeth if needed
- Your prosthetist specializes in dental prosthetics, focusing on designing and creating custom dentures
- Your prosthetist will provide ongoing care for you and your denture, undertaking regular adjustments and maintenance to ensure your continuing comfort and fit
Because this is their area of focus, more time is likely to be dedicated to getting you the best denture result.
Building trust with your denture professional
Therefore, it makes good sense to choose your prosthetist wisely ensuring they are someone you can have a rapport with, rather than trust that choice with your dentist. During your first free consultation your dental prosthetist will include an assessment of your needs and design a treatment plan for you to take home and consider. It’s much easier to assess what is being suggested in the treatment plan when it is in writing. Should your clinical needs change after you have seen your dentist, your prosthetist will adjust your treatment plan accordingly. Ideally, your prosthetist will work in collaboration with your dentist to give you the best denture outcome. At every point you should feel you are in control and included in the decision making.
Collaboration between your dental prosthetist and your dentist
If you still have natural teeth, it’s likely your prosthetist and your dentist will collaborate to get the best result. Your dentist will perform necessary extractions and look after your general oral health, checking for infection, oral disease or unstable teeth that may not support a partial denture. On the other hand, your prosthetist will ensure you have an aesthetically pleasing, well-designed and functioning denture that fits comfortably. They will offer valuable advice on denture care. Having oral health professionals that collaborate is an advantage especially should you need future fillings or extractions that may impact on the fit of your denture. Using both a dentist and a dental prosthetist allows you to have the best of both fields. The denture fitting process will be smoother with both professionals involved.
Immediate dentures: How dentists and prosthetists work together
Collaboration between the two oral health specialist is especially the case if you have decided on an ‘immediate’ or temporary denture. As the name suggests, an immediate denture is inserted immediately after having teeth extracted. The benefit of an immediate denture is you do not have to be without teeth until your mouth and gums heal. The immediate denture also helps stem bleeding and protects the wound while healing takes place.
Your prosthetist and dentist work closely together to ensure your denture is ready to insert immediately upon removal of your teeth. Once swelling subsides and your mouth heals, the immediate denture will no longer fit snugly because of shrinking tissue and gums. This is to be expected, and immediate denture cost typically includes some adjustments during this period. Applying a lining (known as a denture reline) between your immediate denture and the surface of your gums can delay having to get a permanent denture but eventually you will need a new denture to restore a perfect fit.
Your role in getting the best denture results
Developing a relationship with your oral health providers is crucial. To achieve an optimal denture result, some research will be necessary to find the best oral health provider to suit you. Online reviews and Facebook groups are a good place to start but face to face is even better.
As individuals we have different expectations of what comprises a ‘good result’, how health professionals should behave, what we should receive in services, are examples. A professional therapist that suits one person may not suit another.
Research suggests that perceptions between the patient and the health provider of what constitutes dental professionalism and professional behaviour may also vary, making clear communication between them essential.
By far the best way to avoid misunderstandings, disappointment and unpleasant interactions rests on opening good communication channels. This is why when selecting a health professional, being able to understand them and have them understand you should be top of your list. Ask yourself: ‘can I communicate clearly with this person? Will they listen to what I want? Will they stand by me if things don’t go as expected?’ Having the benefit of a free, no-obligation consultation with a dental prosthetist enables you to test these queries.
What if I want to use my regular dentist?
If you already have a relationship with a dentist and wish that to continue, you can ask for a referral to the prosthetist they use. This is an informal recommendation since a health referral is not required. This way you can take advantage of the free denture clinic consultation to check them out and see if they are a good fit for you. There is no obligation to use the prosthetist your dentist recommends if you feel no connection with them. The choice is always yours to make.
Alternatively, you can find a prosthetist that suits you and ask them to collaborate with your dentist.
A final word on choosing between a dentist and prosthetist for your dentures
You don’t necessarily need to see a dentist to get a denture. A dental prosthetist at your local denture clinic is well qualified to restore your beautiful smile. In some situations, where expertise from both fields is required, your dentist and dental prosthetist will collaborate to get the best results for you. The most important thing is choosing a dental prosthetist or any health provider for that matter, you can communicate clearly with.
Disclaimer – Always consult your oral health professional for expert advice about your unique personal situation. The information given here is of a general nature and for the purpose of education only. It is not meant to replace the advice of your oral health specialist
Northern Rivers Denture Clinic is located in the heart of Tweed Heads, southern Gold Coast. Finally have the smile you deserve with handcrafted, quality dentures.
