You’re Never Fully Dressed Without a Smile

When Colne Life visited Skipton Road Dental Practice in 2023, we put practice owner Dr Thomas Friar in the hot seat—the dentist’s chair—to talk teeth. Since then, the practice has undergone a remarkable transformation.

The practice has continued to expand and now boasts a fully modernised wing that expands private, cosmetic, and NHS teaching commitments. An extensive set of treatments is now available, including tooth straightening with discreet braces, smile makeovers, implant work, and bespoke on-site denture production, and that’s where Pete comes in.

Peter Livesey, C.D.T. joined the team last August to meet the growing demand for advanced, personalised dentures, bringing his expertise to the practice’s ever-evolving offerings.

A denturist who has honed his craft to master intricate denture design and fitting, so much so that he readily admits to being able to recognise his clients just by their dentures alone!

“While NHS dentures are available, you don’t tend to get the same level of service, which is often down to time restraints and budgets,” explains Pete, “If you’ve had an extraction followed by an immediate denture, then I know what will happen in six months time, and we plan and accommodate that. Unfortunately, these resources tend to be lacking in the NHS.”

Pete’s philosophy on creating the perfect denture is first to understand your client, their needs, and, more importantly, their personality. “It’s not just about the look and functionality; it’s also about the person, and I aim to capture the client’s nature in their smile.

“The majority of my clients are at the age where they don’t have pearly white teeth,” he says, so tailoring dentures to resemble natural, aged teeth is a key aspect of his prosthetic mission. With a clear focus on aesthetics and comfort, his customisation process ensures that his dentures not only restore functionality but also provide a visually pleasing result that closely mimics the appearance of his client’s original teeth by creating unique characteristics in the denture teeth, such as subtle wear patterns, chips, or irregularities that mimic the look of natural teeth.

“The shape and contour of the teeth are significant factors in mirroring natural ageing,” says Pete. “As people age, teeth become more worn or exhibit different shapes. Older teeth often exhibit a more subdued hue, with varying shades and translucency, so shade matching is critical.

“There are many considerations when it comes to deciding on the right look. In spite of a dazzling white, ‘Turkey teeth’ smile being in high demand, the majority of my clients prefer a much more natural, life-like and age-appropriate appearance, which is a key aspect of prosthetic dentistry.”

Pete goes on to say, “By promoting a natural look and feel, well-crafted dentures play a crucial role in restoring confidence and improving overall well-being. Visible gaps, ill-fitting materials, or noticeable adjustments can negatively impact a person’s self-esteem.”

On the day of my visit, I bumped into Geraldine, one of Pete’s clients, who told me:

“I was in so much discomfort with my previous dentures,” says Geraldine. “I was referred here by my previous dentist after suffering from months of pain due to a poorly made denture; it was making life difficult. Pete has been brilliant; he’s very caring and has listened to my concerns, reassuring me every step of the way. I feel like I have a new lease of life!”

Ill-fitting dentures can lead to sore spots, irritation, and inflammation of the gums. A lack of proper alignment can also result in difficulties chewing food effectively and place undue stress on remaining natural teeth, causing further dental complications—enough to wipe the smile off anyone’s face!

“Bespoke dentures help enhance facial aesthetics by supporting facial structures and preventing sagging,” says Pete. “They not only improve the appearance of one’s smile but also facilitate better speech and chewing.”

Pete has always been passionate about crafting smiles, but his speciality in denture-making has set him apart in the dental arena. With over 20 years of experience under his ‘prosthodontic belt,’ he has developed a reputation not just for his technical skills but also for his empathetic approach to his clients.

If your dentures are making life intolerable and you’d like to ‘bite off more than you can chew’ call Pete at Skipton Road Dental Practice on 01282 862244 – guaranteed he’ll make a lasting impression.

ColneLife March/April/May 25