The behind-the-scenes support network of restorative dentistry, Dental Laboratories design and fabricate a majority of both fixed and removable dental prostheses. Based on a prescription along with anatomical and shade information provided by a dentist, a dental laboratory technician can create an esthetic and functional replacement for a patient’s missing or damaged teeth. A wide range of specialized dental laboratory materials, supplies, equipment and technologies are used to fabricate theses crowns, bridges, implant-borne restorations, full dentures, removable partials and more.
A mix of artistic skill, anatomical expertise and technological know-how, the work of a trained dental lab technician is designed to fit seamlessly into a patient’s mouth to restore both function and esthetics. While some dental lab techniques have evolved little over time, new technologies and materials are rapidly changing what a dental lab looks like, and these changes are impacting the dental laboratory products needed to operate a successful lab business. CAD/CAM systems have revolutionized the industry and have opened up new business models for a range of dental laboratories.
What products are needed in a dental laboratory?
The products needed to run a dental lab vary greatly depending on what type of dental restorations the lab specializes in. A lab focused on fixed dental restorations will look very differently than one focused on removables, and a full-service dental lab will need products, materials and technologies to power the creation of all types of restorations. Some basics will likely be needed in any dental lab, and these include:
Dental laboratories working on fixed restorations will want to look at:
Dental laboratories focused on removables will need to have:
Should I add digital technologies to my dental lab?
The shift from hand crafted dental restorations to crowns, bridges and even dentures designed in a computer and produced via milling and 3D printing has happened rapidly and is changing the dental laboratory industry and the dental industry as a whole. These cutting edge technologies are making it possible for dental labs to incorporate industrial efficiencies into the fabrication of patient specific prostheses.
While no single system is going to be a perfect fit for every dental lab, just about every lab today is likely to benefit from the integration of some dental lab CAD/CAM technology.
Smaller labs might be interested in a
3D scanner
to digitize impressions and
software
for the design of the restorations. Larger labs might look to invest in a production system as well with a
dental milling unit
for carving crowns out of the latest
CAD/CAM materials or a
3D printer
for the production of models, implant guides and more.
These technologies are opening up the industry to new ways to run a dental lab and allowing dentists and patients to have access to new materials and faster results. It makes sense to keep yourself up to date on the technologies and materials available today, with an eye open to those on the way. But as with any investment into a new technology or product for your dental laboratory, make sure you have solid support and training so you can maximize the return on your investment.
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