Lou Sheeler, Keith Sheeler and Sindie Sheeler, left to right, greet customers with Bandit, the office pet, at Sheeler Denture Clinic in Sequim. Sequim Gazette photo by Ashley Miller

Washington Plaza Denture clinic focuses on comfort, fit and function

by ASHLEY MILLER

It’s been said that a smile increases a person’s “face value.”

But a healthy grin is important for more than just aesthetic reasons. Teeth are critical to chewing and digesting food, pronouncing words and a person’s self-esteem.

Tooth decay and loss can happen as a result of poor hygiene, disease, malnutrition, genetic defects, drug use and trauma. But no matter what the problem or cause, it’s likely a denturist can help.

Keith Sheeler, owner of the recently opened Sheeler Denture Clinic in the Washington Plaza, has more than 30 years experience. His wife, Lou Sheeler, serves as an office manager and his daughter Sindie Sheeler is completing schooling to follow in her father’s footsteps and eventually take over the business.

Keith Sheeler opened his first clinic in Grants Pass, Ore., in 1979, shortly after graduating from the first denturist class at Oregon State University. After 20 successful years in business, he promised his eldest son he could buy the practice if he obtained his denturist license.

“He got his license a lot faster than I wanted,” Keith Sheeler said with a chuckle. “I wasn’t quite ready to retire yet, but a promise is a promise.”

So, the loving father of three sold his business to his son and moved 300 miles away to Kelso to open a new clinic. After the clinic became established in the community, the Sheeler’s youngest daughter expressed interest in becoming a denturist and buying the family business just like her big brother. Three years later, the deal was done and Sheeler retired.

A few years down the road, the Sheeler’s middle child Sindie Sheeler called and asked if her parents would help her start a denture clinic in Sequim.

“What else could we say,” Keith Sheeler said. “Fair is fair.”

Sheeler Denture Clinic offers full and partial dentures, re-alignments, repairs, attachments and implants.

Keith Sheeler has fitted dentures to clients of all ages — from a 5-year-old actress who lost a couple baby teeth while filming a movie and needed partial dentures to a 104-year-old patient in need of a brand new smile. The goal is always the same though, he said, no matter what the age or circumstance of the client: to create dentures that fit well, look good and function properly.

With an onsite lab, clients can expect quicker and cheaper service than through a dentist, Keith Sheeler said, because all the work is completed in-house.

For more information, stop by 680 W. Washington St., Suite E106 during business hours, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday-Thursday and by appointment Friday and Saturday, or call 681-7999.