Dentures Plus are a friendly bunch...
When not seeing patients or sculpting attractive, ultra-realistic dentures, Ryan Carlton can often be found tearing around a racetrack on his motorbike.
The owner of Dentures Plus, Ryan is a key figure in this month’s Sound of Thunder racing meet, being held February 22-23 at Mike Pero Motorsport Park, Ruapuna.
He has sponsored the event through his clinic for the past four years while also competing at speeds sure to test even the steadiest pair of hands in the lab.
The change of pace is a welcome chance to blow off steam, he says.
It also shows the modern face of an industry that, while often supporting older patients, is filled with professionals who in many cases are robust, down-to-earth characters with a knack for taking the pressure out of denture consultations.
Bearded, tattooed and with a ready smile, Ryan also has a young family to cheer him on from the sidelines.
“I’ve really got three passions,” he says. “My family, racing and making dentures. The last one surprises some of my racing friends but I really enjoy helping people get dentures. It makes such a difference to a person’s quality of life so being able to be part of that by giving them a beautiful new smile again is really rewarding. Of course, some people think it’s the racing that’s a little incongruous.”
Ryan hasn’t always been a biker. It wasn’t until 2016 that he took up the pastime – two years after becoming owner of Dentures Plus and almost 20 years since he became a qualified denture clinician.
"I mainly focus on BEARS racing but I also love street racing, especially the Greymouth Street Race held over Labour weekend,” he says.
“This month’s Sound of Thunder is going to be huge. It’s the fourth year Dentures Plus has been sponsoring it and it keeps getting better. You get the motorbike enthusiasts out there but also lots of families. Some of the kids have an absolute blast.”
Ryan will be competing on his American-built 2010 Buell, hoping for a repeat of last year when he won all four of his races in the Milwaukee Iron 4v class.
The event is only a short break for Ryan, though, as strong demand for services from Dentures Plus keeps the whole team busy year-round at the Innes Rd clinic.
Dentures Plus is one of the South Island’s most advanced denture makers, with an array of high-tech equipment including a 3D printer and the city’s only welder designed specifically for repairing partial dentures.
“We’re a friendly bunch who work hard and play hard. Well, I do, at least,” Ryan says with a laugh.
New patients are always welcome, he adds, and new fans at the racetrack even more so.
The Sound of Thunder is being held February 22-23 at Mike Pero Motorsport Park, Ruapuna. Tickets cost $20 per day with free entry for kids.
To get in touch about dentures, call Dentures Plus on 03 385 5517
You might also like
Book a Service Today
Free No Obligation Consultation
Our team is here to help you find the right dental solution
Christchurch
396 Innes Road,
St Albans,
Chch 8052
Kaiapoi
123 Williams Street,
Kaiapoi 7630
Call
(03) 385 5517
Dentures Plus has grown to become one of the most experienced dental labs in the country
Quick Links
Follow Us
Working hours
- Mon - Thu
- -
- Friday
- -
- Sat - Sun
- Closed