Smilecrafters - News & Blog

Denture Clinic - Staffordshire

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Behind the mask, let’s get talking and smiling!

At this time of year I normally use this space to remind you to consider having your dentures professionally cleaned and inspected prior to going on holiday. Plus of course to always take your spare dentures away with you. But this year is different and many of us have a little extra time on our hands. So how can we use that time wisely?

Questions or concerns? - call, we want to hear from you.

Smilecrafters are open and here for you, but naturally we are working with some added precautions. So if you are a denture wearer why not give us a call with any questions or queries that you may have about your dentures. Our ‘new normal’ always starts with a smile in our voices and a friendly chat on the phone to advise you of the added precautions that we are taking and to see how we can best help you.

Visiting: Appointments only

If you do need to visit, please call us first as we will be unable to see you without an appointment. We now space our appointments further apart and for your safety have no more than one visitor in the building at any one time. The reception area and clinic both have air purifiers installed and we have also improved ventilation. We observe social distancing as much as is possible and wear more PPE than previously. Surfaces and door handles are cleaned before and after every visitor and of course hand sanitiser and masks are ready and waiting for you at the front door.

There is no doubt that masks do make communication more difficult, but at the moment they are an absolute necessity unless you are from one of the groups that is exempt from wearing one. This information is available on the www.gov.uk website.

Keeping things friendly in the age of masks

So, here are a few tips and tricks! Firstly, it is amazing how much we are able to communicate with our eyes without even thinking about it! So use your eyes and the top third of your face to be expressive. Your voice will also be muffled slightly, so bear in mind that in combination with social distancing others may struggle to hear your voice. So try and speak clearly and emphasise your tone to help express your feelings.

Always clean your hands before and after putting the mask on and again before and after  taking the mask off. If you wear spectacles you may find that they have a tendency to steam up. So put the mask on first covering the bridge of your nose. then put your spectacles on over the mask. Remember that the mask is not a neckerchief, it will only work if it covers the mouth and nose!

But above all else wearing a mask is no reason not to smile and prepare for happy times ahead. In fact those happy times are exactly the reason for wearing it!

Smilecrafters is a modern friendly denture clinic in Burntwood run by Adrian and Jacquelyn Rollings. Offering a full range of denture solutions, ranging from an emergency repair to a new set of dentures. So why not book for a FREE initial consultation with Smilecrafters denture clinic?

Free Close Parking & Easy Access

The clinic is on the ground floor with parking literally right outside the front door

We look forward to welcoming you!.

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Let’s get tongues wagging!

These are difficult times and at the time of writing Smilecrafters can only offer a skeleton service. However, even if that is still the situation now it doesn’t mean that we can’t talk to you? In fact, it may the ideal time to give you a different topic to think and talk about. So, if you are a Denture wearer or indeed an existing patient why not give us a call? We would love to hear from you and just say hello!

Now is the ideal time to call us!

Being socially isolated is no fun, whatever your age, but if you are alone it is that much harder. So, please if you are struggling do give us a call. Now is a time of crisis and we must come together for the greater good.

Even if we are still in ‘lockdown’ we can discuss all things Dentures and get planning for later in the year when the world wakes up! But for now, just a few reminders on how to look after your dentures. 

The Oral Health Foundation recently published a White Paper on Optimal Care and Maintenance of Full Dentures for Oral and General Health. It also published global guidelines for denture care, which made interesting reading.

Denture Cleanliness & General Health

The report highlighted that poor denture cleanliness could affect both oral and general health. This included conditions such as fungal infections, MRSA and aspirational pneumonia. It is suggested that brushing and soaking in a cleanser is the most effective method of cleaning dentures and that dentures should not be worn overnight unless you have been specifically advised to do so. The full report can be found at https://www.dentalhealth.org/denturecareguidelines

 Smart Cleaning Tips

We recommend that when brushing your dentures, you do so over a half full sink to avoid the risk of them dropping and fracturing on the bowl. Also, whenever they are out of your mouth and not in the denture cleanser keep them in water.

We’ve got time to talk - so please do get in touch!

As said at the outset, these are things that we are very willing to discuss with you, so why not give us a call? We are in difficult and unprecedented times, but if there is an upside it is that there is time to talk and perhaps more importantly listen. The team at Smilecrafters are here for you through thick and thin.

Call us now on: 01543 448 992

Smilecrafters is a modern friendly denture clinic in Burntwood run by Adrian and Jacquelyn Rollings. Offering a full range of denture solutions, ranging from an emergency repair to a new set of dentures. So why not book in for a FREE initial consultation at Smilecrafters denture clinic? The clinic is on the ground floor with parking right outside the front door.

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Off on holiday, should you carry a spare?

We are finally entering the summer holiday season! So, whether you are lucky enough to be jetting off to somewhere exotic or staying closer to home in our beautiful country, it is a good idea to be prepared and take your spare denture.

Breaking or losing dentures on holiday

Adrian Rollings, Clinical Dental Technician at Smilecrafters comments: ‘We hear stories of patients breaking or even losing their dentures whilst on holiday. After all, when away on holiday you may try different foods or participate in adventurous activities that you would never dream of at home. So, taking a spare denture just makes good sense.’

Protective Boxes, ‘Second’ Pairs and Cleaning

In fact, to encourage you to travel prepared Smilecrafters offer a full range of protective denture boxes and even lower cost ‘second dentures’ for patients having new dentures. Plus of course a complete range of denture services, including professional denture cleaning. Something very simple that can really make a difference if you are going away or even attending a special occasion.

Free No-obligation consultation

So why not click here to book your FREE consultation?  Or if you’d prefer, give us a call us on 01543 448992 and speak with one of our friendly team at Smilecrafters denture clinic. 

The spacious clinic is conveniently located on the ground floor in the heart of Burntwood with FREE parking right outside the front door.

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Adrian and Jacque offer a genuine, friendly welcome at Smilecrafters

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Hand-Crafted in Staffordshire

Smilecrafters Denture Clinic and Laboratory is proud to be supporting British Crafts and Manufacturing.

When patients visit us for new dentures they are often intrigued to learn a little more about what goes into making their new dentures. In fact, they are often surprised at the number of processes that are involved and the creativity that goes on behind the scenes in the Dental Laboratory. Creativity that is a mixture of both science and art.

There is currently much talk in the media about robots taking over the jobs traditionally done by humans. Plus of course a lot of traditional manufacturing has shifted overseas.

Hand Crafted here in Staffordshire

Well at Smilecrafters our dentures are proudly made in Staffordshire, the creative county. Now that doesn’t mean that we ignore technology, far from it as we have computerised equipment onsite. But we don’t use technology for technology sake, only if it can make a useful improvement to the dentures we construct.

Some things can’t be automated

After all, creating the right set of teeth for you is all about getting to know the individual and understanding exactly what you are looking for. Where no question is ‘daft’, something that takes time to listen and time to explain the modern denture options without jargon or pressure.

Book a Free No Pressure, No Obligation Consultation

So, if your dentures are loose or you have any other denture problems why not book a FREE 20 minute initial consultation to discuss your exact needs? Smilecrafters is a friendly private denture clinic and dental laboratory in Burntwood offering a full range of denture services.

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All I want for Christmas is my two front teeth!

In the summer, I discussed the good sense of having a spare denture when going away on holiday. Well we are now rapidly approaching the Christmas holidays, a time when we eat different foods, party with friends and family and just the same is true. A sixpence in a Christmas pudding may be a rarity these days, but nuts, roast potatoes and crackling are probably as popular than ever. All hard foods that can stress a denture.

Avoid potential issues - get your dentures checked.

So, it’s a good idea to have a spare denture to avoid potential inconvenience. it’s also good sense to check your dentures over, have you noticed any small cracks or chips? Do they feel strange or different in any way? If yes to either of these questions why not book an appointment at Smilecrafters Denture Clinic to get them checked over and repaired or strengthened as needed.

Keeping dentures at their best - book a clean and polish.

It’s also worth reflecting and considering whether you can still enjoy all of the foods that you have enjoyed in the past or indeed if your dentures are still looking good. After all, something as simple as a professional denture clean and polish can really give you a boost. Or perhaps it’s even time to consider new dentures for the new year to improve your confidence and eating ability.

Helping you to make the right choice for you!

There are many modern denture options depending on your budget and individual requirements. Smilecrafters have a comprehensive range of choices and offer all new patients a free 20 minute initial consultation to explain the different types of denture and discuss your exact need. Choice after all is a great thing but making the right choice is the most important thing!

Smilecrafters is a private denture clinic and dental laboratory in Burntwood (see directions & map) run by friendly husband and wife team Adrian and Jacque Rollings, who always aim to provide a professional and discreet denture service for local people.

Both Adrian and Jacque are fully qualified Dental Technicians registered with the General Dental Council. Adrian has also undergone extensive further training to gain a Clinical Diploma that enables him to use the title Clinical Dental Technician.  This means that he can make full dentures for you directly without the need for you to see a dentist and partial dentures if you obtain a prescription from a dentist.

So why not book your FREE 20 minute consultation now? Click Here

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Why it’s a good idea to get your dentures cleaned!

In August the Oral Health Foundation published a White Paper on Optimal Care and Maintenance of Full Dentures for Oral and General Health. It also published global guidelines for denture care.

The report highlighted that poor denture cleanliness could affect both oral and general health. This included conditions such as fungal infections, MRSA and aspirational pneumonia. It is suggested that brushing and soaking is the most effective method of cleaning dentures and that dentures should not be worn overnight unless you have been specifically advised to do so.

Professional Denture Cleaning

Adrian Rollings Clinical Dental Technician at Smilecrafters Denture Clinic comments: ‘We are grateful to the Oral Health Foundation for highlighting this important topic. At Smilecrafters we offer a range of professional cleaning options for dentures. This includes home sonic denture cleaning units and professional denture cleaning at our clinic.’

The full report can be found at: https://www.dentalhealth.org/denturecareguidelines

Smilecrafters is a modern friendly denture clinic in Burntwood run by Adrian and Jacquelyn Rollings. Offering a full range of denture solutions, ranging from an emergency repair to a new set of dentures.  

Why not book in for a FREE initial consultation at Smilecrafters denture clinic?

The clinic is on the ground floor with parking right outside the front door.

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Do denture fixatives work?

Adverts for denture fixative on the television are a relatively common sight, often showing denture wearers enjoying foods that would otherwise be a struggle to eat. But do these products actually work?

Adrian Rollings, Clinical Dental Technician at Smilecrafters comments: ‘There is no doubt that if used according the manufacturer’s instructions these products can work extremely well, particularly if they are used beneath a well fitting denture. This is because only a thin layer of fixative needs to be used to ‘stick’ the denture into place. However all too often fixative is used to compensate for an ill fitting denture, meaning that a very thick layer is used. This can reduce the efficiency of the fixative, particularly when eating or drinking hot foods or beverages.

Better solutions

If this is the case the situation can often be improved by having the dentures relined to make them fit better. There are also various new denture solutions, some of which can eliminate the need to use fixative at all.’

FREE consultation 

Smilecrafters is a modern friendly denture clinic in Burntwood run by Adrian and Jacquelyn Rollings. Offering a full range of denture solutions, ranging from an emergency repair to a new set of dentures. So why not book in for a FREE initial consultation at Smilecrafters denture clinic? 

Free, Easy Parking

The clinic is on the ground floor and there is parking right outside the front door.

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Off on holiday, should you carry a spare denture?

We are now well into summer holiday season and at the time of writing have some fantastic weather. So, if you are lucky enough to be jetting off or staying closer to home in our beautiful country the Smilecrafters team recommend that you always take your spare denture.

Adrian Rollings,  Clinical Dental Technician at Smilecrafters comments. ‘We hear stories of patients breaking or even losing their dentures whilst on holiday. After all, when away on holiday you may try different foods or participate in adventurous activities that you would never dream of at home. So, taking a spare denture just makes good sense.’’

In fact to encourage you to travel prepared Smilecrafters offer a full range of denture cases and even low cost spare dentures for complete denture wearers. Plus of course a complete range of denture services, including professional denture cleaning. Something very simple that can really make a difference if you are going away or even attending a special occasion.

So why not book in for a FREE initial consultation at Smilecrafters denture clinic? The clinic is on the ground floor and there is parking right outside the front door.

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Why are your dentures loose?

Dentures may not be a natural part of your body but they are an important part of you. Just think how many essential functions they have, allowing you to smile, eat and speak!

Our job at Smilecrafters Denture Clinic is to make you feel comfortable and relaxed to ask any Denture related questions you may have. Common things that we are asked about include; looseness, discomfort, appearance and general hygiene. But looseness is probably the number one topic area. So let’s discuss some of the common causes.

Loose Dentures - what’s the cause?

With full dentures it is generally, but not always the lower denture that causes most problems. This is because whilst in the upper jaw you have a palate which can usually provide suction, the lower jaw is horseshoe shaped with the tongue at its centre. The tongue contains a group of powerful muscles and as it moves the floor of the mouth also moves up and down creating the potential for instability.

Do your gums really shrink?

Also, you will doubtless have heard people say that their “gums have shrunk”, but this is not the whole story. In actual fact it is the jaw bone that shrinks because the body thinks that it no longer needs to hold any natural teeth in place. This means that there is less surface for a denture to grip to. This process of shrinkage carries on throughout life, it is rapid in the months following tooth loss but slows to an almost imperceptible level. However, over a number of years it can make a previously well fitting denture feel loose. In the upper jaw the shape of the roof of the mouth influences the amount of suction that can be achieved. If the roof of the mouth is an upside down ‘V’ shape, it is said to be vaulted and is inherently unstable. Whilst an upside down ‘U’ shape will be much more stable and retentive. This is because the flat bottom of the ‘U’ provides suction and the parallel sides provide stability by resisting side to side chewing movements. The type of gum can also have an influence, if the gum is very thin and stretched tightly over the jaw bone it can be sore making the dentures uncomfortable and difficult to tolerate. If the gum is thicker it can cushion the denture, but if it is very thick it can make a squashy unstable surface for the denture to sit on.

Many Possible Solutions

There are many potential ways to address this issue ranging from something as simple as having your existing dentures relined. 

FREE Consultation

So, if your dentures are loose why not book a FREE 20 minute consultation with Adrian Rollings, Clinical Dental Technician at Smilecrafters to discuss the modern treatment options that may be able to help you.

Make an Appointment: Give us a call :01543 448992 | Send us a Message

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What goes around...in B’ham

Presentation at the new Birmingham Dental School: Adrian provided a presentation on the role of the Clinical Dental Technician to a large group of Dentists at the new Birmingham Dental School. Adrian commented: “I began my career at the old Birmingham Dental School in 1980, so presenting at this fantastic new venue is a great honour and definitely a career highlight.” The presentation was a part of Dr Upen Patels post graduate course covering complete (full) dentures.

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Presentation: Kings College, London

Recently Adrian delivered a presentation to the ITI (International Team for Implantology) Waterloo Study Club at Kings College London. The topic of the lecture was ‘The Digital Dental Restoration, the hidden truth…..’ This considered the ‘big picture’ of digital denture and digital dental technology. The event ended with a lively debate on the digital dental future.

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Presentation: Tiger Teeth!

Adrian attended Leicester Tigers on a game day as a member of the referral team from High Street Dental Care in Melton Mowbray. 

Members of the referral team each gave a short presentation to a group of local dentists about their work, this included dental implants, endodontics, periodontics and orthodontics, along with Adrian’s area of removable prosthodontics.

Adrian commented: “We were all able to share our work and show the improvement that we can make for our patients. At the end of the session we all felt an added appreciation of what each other can do and the value of team work”

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Digital Dentures

Is digital technology really the answer to producing better dentures? Adrian comments:

We believe that a new denture is probably the most bespoke item that you will ever have. After all it won’t fit anybody else! But getting the fit right for you is an art in itself, as the denture must feel comfortable and be a part of you.

Feel is probably the hardest thing to communicate and there are many techniques that we utilise to assess and modify the feel of your dentures as your treatment progresses. We do use digital technology within our laboratory for certain procedures to enhance the quality of our products. However we never limit ourselves, as one size never fits all.

I have been making dentures for thirty five years and we have invested well over a hundred thousand pounds in digital technology within our laboratory. Nevertheless, for the most part we still use time proven materials and techniques. As with most things in life there is no substitute for getting the basic fundamentals right and that requires human skill and experience.

So above all else we take the time to listen to what you actually want and try and meet that need in the way that is best for you. Using the technology that is most appropriate for you. That’s why we offer a free initial consultation and promise to carefully explain your options without jargon!

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Practical Course for Nurses

Adrian and Jacque were pleased to welcome a group of dental nurses to Smilecrafter’s for a daylong practical course about various aspects of dental implants and the Clinical Dental Technicians role. Jacque says: ‘it is important for all members of the dental team to work collaboratively and always put the patients interest first. Hosting an event such as this allows a greater appreciation of each other’s roles and is also highly enjoyable.’