Techdentals, dental laboratories are specialized facilities that assist dentists in creating prosthetics, crowns, bridges, implant-supported prosthetics, orthodontic devices, and other dental restorations. These laboratories produce custom-made products that help dentists provide better care to their patients.
Activities of a Dental Laboratory
Dental laboratories carry out various tasks:
- Production of Dental Prosthetics:
- Crowns and Bridges: Used to replace damaged or missing teeth.
- Complete and Partial Dentures: Complete dentures are used when all teeth are missing, while partial dentures are used when only some teeth are missing.
- Implant-Supported Prosthetics: Prosthetics placed on top of dental implants.
- Orthodontic Devices:
- Braces and Wires: Used to align teeth properly.
- Removable Orthodontic Devices: Devices like night guards are used to position the teeth or jaw as desired.
- Digital Dentistry:
- CAD/CAM Technology: Computer-aided design and manufacturing technology is used to produce dental prosthetics more accurately and quickly.
- 3D Printing: Started being used in the production of dental models and prosthetics.
- Material Knowledge:
- Ceramics: A material that closely resembles natural teeth aesthetically.
- Zirconium: Often preferred for its high durability and aesthetic properties.
- Metal Alloys: Used in bridges and prosthetics that require durability.
- Composite Resins: Used in aesthetic fillings and some prosthetics.
Staff in Dental Laboratories
Dental laboratories typically employ dental technicians who create the prosthetics and devices according to the measurements and instructions provided by dentists. These technicians are skilled in tasks that require manual dexterity, attention to detail, and technical knowledge.
The Dental Laboratory Process
- Taking Impressions: The dentist takes an impression of the patient’s mouth and sends it to the laboratory.
- Model Making: The laboratory creates an exact replica (model) of the patient’s teeth from this impression.
- Prosthetic Fabrication: The appropriate prosthetic or device is made on the model.
- Finishing and Delivery: The completed prosthetics or devices are thoroughly checked and delivered to the dentist.
Dental laboratories are an integral part of modern dentistry, providing patients with quality solutions that are both aesthetically pleasing and functionally effective.