When the Lights Went Out, Our Team Shined Bright
After a 18+ hour power outage, our lab should have been days behind… but thanks to incredible teamwork and understanding clients, we didn’t miss a beat. From running extension cords to working late into the night, our crew went above and beyond to keep patients smiling.
On July 28th and 29th, we experienced something every business dreads: a complete power outage. For over 18 hours, our lab sat in the dark … literally. As a dental laboratory, our work depends heavily on electricity. Without power, our equipment can’t run, our software can’t be accessed, and our ability to serve our clients comes to a halt.
Or at least… that’s what you might expect.
While our generator kept a few essentials running, it couldn’t support our heavy equipment or even a quarter of the lab. But instead of letting that stop them, our incredible team rallied. Staff showed up, rolled up their sleeves, and began running extension cords, relocating workstations, and setting up in our CE room, one of the only spaces that still had power.
Meanwhile, our clients showed such patience and understanding as we scrambled to check case statuses without our usual systems. Their kindness reminded us why we value the relationships we’ve built over the years.
When the power finally returned at 3:00 p.m., something amazing happened. One by one, team members came rushing back — not because we asked, not because we expected it, but because they cared. Many of them had storm damage and messes at home, yet they chose to spend their evening catching up on work to ensure our cases would be delivered on time.
They worked into the night so patients could receive their restorations and keep their appointments … because here at Renstrom, smiles matter, and so do the people behind them.
We often say we have the best team in the industry, but in those 18 hours, they proved it. When the lights went out, their dedication, teamwork, and heart shined brighter than ever.
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!