Restorative dental work often requires two or more dental specialists and dental laboratories. A prosthodontic practice generally works as the coordinator, engaging the Oral Surgeon, Dental Technician, Hygienist, Periodontist or other dental specialists needed to solve your unique issues. They work closely, and the Prosthodontist supervises your treatment needs from the beginning to the end of the process.
Five reasons for choosing a Prosthodontist
1. Training
In New Zealand it takes 5 years to complete a dental degree, but to become a Prosthodontist takes a further 3 years of specific training. While general dentists do offer aspects of this work, they do not have the same level of training required to be called a Specialist Prosthodontist.
2. Experience
A Prosthodontist spends the entire working day solving complex restoration issues. A general dentist can undertake this type of work as part of their scope of practice, but a specialist has a greater degree of experience with a wide range of cases and knowledge they can draw on to help them to solve your particular issues.
3. Function
Cosmetic dentistry likes to focus on the beautiful smile, but with prosthodontics, you get a practitioner who is thinking about aesthetics as well as ensuring the teeth will function as they should, for the long term. Bite, occlusion and appearance are all complex decisions that need to be worked through. A Prosthodontist is qualified to ensure your ability to eat is not compromised by a great smile.
4. Technology
There is a continual flood of new technologies and procedures in the dental market. Some are great tools, and others gimmicks. A craftsperson who knows their craft is able to make good choices as to which advance their workmanship. Not all technology is useful. Ever-increasing advancements in dental materials, implants and equipment such as cameras and scanners, can enhance the end result but an artisan selects technologies that help create a better end product.
5. Teamwork
Our Facilities
We are based in a restored 1930’s villa in Collingwood Street, in a quiet setting near the Collingwood St bridge and across the road from the river.
There is parking at the rear of the building, and also one hour free parks right out front.
You’ll enter through the blue door, right into our waiting ‘lounge’ - to our reception, where our staff will welcome you, check you in and fill out the paperwork if this is your first visit.
If you need any help finding us or any other matter, call for assistance on 03 539 4255.
Our Team
We have a great team that work together to create the best solution to the dental problems that come through the door.
Andrew Cautley | Lead Prosthodontist
Andrew set up Nelson Prosthodontics over 20 years ago, and has a wealth of experience as an expert in his field. Andrew set up Nelson Prosthodontics over 20 years ago, and has a wealth of experience as an expert in his field. He works Wednesdays in Nelson and most on Thursdays and some Fridays at his practice in Wellington.
Hamish Milmine | Associate Prosthodontist
Hamish joined the team over 5 years ago. He brings meticulous attention to detail that translates into beautiful work.
LISS KELLY | ORAL HEALTH THERAPIST
Liss graduated with a Bachelor in Oral Health from the University of Otago in 2016 and completed a Postgraduate Diploma in Public Health in 2018. Liss worked for the Southern Community Oral Health Service seeing children as well as Adolescents and Dental Hygiene at a busy private in Dunedin in her first three years out working. Liss has worked in Nelson, Dunedin and worked as a locum in Queenstown. Liss is passionate about providing preventative care to patients in a judgement free approach that empowers patients on their journey to improving their oral health. In her free time, Liss loves spending time in nature and with friends and family. Liss enjoys photography and cold water ocean swims.
Gerry Thyne | Oral Surgeon
While some dentists choose to do their own implant placement, we have a visiting oral surgeon, Gerry Thyne, who works closely with Andrew and Hamish. He visits a couple of times a month from his busy practice in Wellington.