One of the first things we notice about people is their smile, but it’s an asset that is sometimes taken for granted. For individuals who lose their smile — whether from injury, tooth decay or gum disease — dentures are a valuable tool that can restore their confidence and make it easier to eat and speak.

That’s why Heidi van Giffen, L.D. became a licensed denturist in 2006. A denturist is a licensed dental specialist who creates, fits, and repairs removable dentures. Heidi started her career in Oregon, where she ran successful offices in Klamath Falls and Ontario before getting her Idaho license in 2015.

Since the inception of her Boise-based company, 1st Class Dentures, in 2019, she and her team have crafted functional, comfortable and natural-looking dentures to help patients in the Treasure Valley.  

A leader in her industry, van Giffen has served in the Idaho, Oregon and National Denturist Associations. She shares insights on her profession and what patients should know when looking for a denture specialist.

What do you want people to know about your small business?

Our vision is to create a community where individuals without natural teeth can live confidently, joyfully and healthily. We accomplish this by delivering the highest quality dentures, each of them crafted with precision and care for our clients. 

We want each patient who walks through our doors to leave with a sense of satisfaction and a renewed smile. We’re proud of our outstanding Google reviews from clients who are grateful for the professionalism, patient care and friendliness from our team.

Can you explain how you create dentures for your patients?

We use advanced technology to craft dentures that ensure a precise and comfortable fit, closely mimicking natural teeth. When a new patient comes in, we use equipment that takes detailed impressions of their mouth, bite, and jaw and creates a highly accurate digital profile.

As a denturist, I’ve learned that good first impressions are important…in more ways than one! Obtaining accurate and high-quality dental impressions allows us to craft well-fitting dentures using advanced materials, making them extremely durable and resistant to breakage. Additionally, we keep a lifetime digital file of the denture design for easy replacement or creation of spare dentures.

What should patients look for when selecting a denturist office to work with?

First, evaluate a clinician’s experience, qualifications, and credentials. Then, ensure their office environment is clean and comfortable, with employees who are caring and attentive. It’s helpful to also review feedback on platforms like Google and Yelp to assess patient satisfaction and the provider’s quality of care.

Finally, look for a denturist who offers a comprehensive range of services for maintenance and care under one roof. Because your oral structure will naturally change over time, you want a team that can help you maintain your dentures and ensure they will continue to fit perfectly and feel comfortable.

Why did you choose to work with Zions Bank and how has the bank helped your small business?

Zions Bank helped us obtain a U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) loan that allowed us to purchase our own building. This provided additional space for our equipment and new employees, positioning us for growth.

I’m grateful that Zions Bank shares our passion for providing a quality client experience.

Are you looking for a bank that’s invested in your small business’ success and future? Zions Bank’s team of relationship managers can provide small business success strategies as well as funding options, including SBA loans. Visit a local Zions Bank branch to learn more.