This Card Is Our Why

At Renstrom Dental Studio, we know that what we do is about so much more than restorations. We don’t just make teeth—we help people reclaim the parts of life that pain, embarrassment, or loss have taken away.

Through our partnership with the Dental Lifeline Network and their Donated Dental Services (DDS) program, we’ve been able to contribute to life-changing transformations by creating crowns, partials, and dentures for patients in need. These are individuals who often have no other access to care—people who have lived for years in discomfort, isolation, or silence because of the condition of their teeth.

Recently, we received a handwritten card from one of the patients we had the privilege of helping, and her words stopped us in our tracks:

“For 13 years, I had nothing but pain in my mouth. But now I’m pain-free. I can chew and smile thanks to you and your staff in the lab. Thank you for everything you have done for me. Your kindness has truly touched my life in a very meaningful way.”

This card is our why.

This is the reason we do what we do. Behind every crown or partial we create is a human being whose life may be forever changed. To someone outside the industry, it might seem like “just a restoration.” But for the person receiving it, it can mean everything:

• The freedom to eat without pain

• The confidence to smile again

• The joy of feeling whole

The DDS program connects patients who are elderly, medically compromised, or living with disabilities to dental professionals and labs who donate their services. We are proud to be part of this mission of dignity and restoration.

If you’ve ever wondered what kind of impact dental labs can have beyond the bench—this is it. This is the kind of work that reminds us how powerful our profession truly is.

Interested in learning more about the Donated Dental Services program? Reach out. We’re happy to share more about how it works and how you can get involved.

From all of us at Renstrom Dental Studio, thank you for supporting a culture of care, community, and compassion.

Because at the end of the day…
We don’t just make teeth.
We help people live better lives.

When Shade Tabs Tell a Different Story

In restorative dentistry, matching the right tooth shade is a key part of creating a beautiful, natural-looking restoration. One of the most commonly used tools in this process is the shade guide a standard across dental offices and labs alike.

Lately, we’ve been noticing something interesting:
Occasionally, the shade tabs used in the office don't quite match the ones we have in the lab…even when they’re labeled the same. This can lead to slight variations in the final restoration, especially in the anterior zone where precision matters most.

What’s causing the shift?
Over time, shade tabs can experience subtle changes. Exposure to natural sunlight, overhead fluorescent lighting, and routine disinfecting are all part of everyday use in a clinical setting, and naturally, these factors can affect the materials. None of this is unusual or a sign of improper care; it’s just part of the life cycle of any tool that gets used regularly.

What can we do about it?
If you ever find yourself second-guessing a shade, or if you’re working on a particularly visible restoration…feel free to send your shade tab in with the case. This gives us the chance to cross-check it with ours and make sure we’re perfectly aligned. It’s a simple way to eliminate any variables and ensure the most accurate result possible.

We love partnering with our doctors and teams to create restorations that exceed expectations. When in doubt, let’s verify together…your patients (and their smiles) will thank you!

The Power of a Team: Celebrating the Small Things

June is Dental Technician Month…a perfect time to pause and reflect on the incredible people who make our lab what it is. In the hustle and bustle of daily life, it’s easy to keep our heads down, pushing forward to meet deadlines and serve patients. But it’s in those busiest moments that the strength of a great team really shines.

At Renstrom, we’ve learned that one of the most powerful things you can do is simply stop and look around. Watch the way your teammate double-checks a shade. Notice someone lending a hand without being asked. Feel the quiet dedication in every restoration crafted. These aren’t grand gestures…but they’re the heartbeat of everything we do.

Every smile we help create is the result of many people working together with one shared goal: to help someone feel confident again. And that’s something pretty amazing.

This month, we shared a photo on Facebook of our “Thank You Board Drawing”, a simple board filled with handwritten notes of appreciation from teammates to one another. At the end of the month, we pull two names to receive a little surprise gift. It’s a tradition rooted in gratitude, and it means a lot to our team.

One comment on that post really struck a chord:
“Of all the cool stuff you guys do, this is my favorite. Recognizing the small things, as the big things is so important!”

That sentiment says it all. Anyone can applaud the major wins, but it’s the small, quiet moments of care, effort, and kindness that truly build a strong culture…and a great lab.

So this month, we’re extending a challenge to all of you:
Every day, find a small thing to recognize in someone around you.
Whether it's a co-worker, a client, or a patient, notice the details. Call out the kindness. Appreciate the effort. It doesn’t take much, but it makes all the difference.

Here’s to our technicians.
Here’s to your teams.
And here’s to the little things that add up to something really big.

Happy Dental Technician Month! 🦷💙