Techniques in the Dental Lab

Technicians in dental labs are responsible for filling prescriptions from dentists for prosthetics such as dentures, bridges and crowns, which allow patients to replace their missing teeth. An individual who is interested in learning techniques in the dental lab can learn on the job or through a dental laboratory technology training program that leads to a two-year associate degree. Completing a wide range of dental lab techniques requires strong manual dexterity.

Alginate Model

• When dental laboratory technicians receive an alginate impression of a patient's teeth and mouth, they must know how to pour plaster into the impression and allow the mix to set so as to create a model of the patient's teeth. A model trimmer then is used to grind away excess plaster. By placing this newly poured model on a device called an articulator, technicians can get an idea of how the patient's bite and jaw movement are. They then create a wax teeth model using wax carvers and spatulas so they can accurately produce a metal framework for the prosthesis.

Porcelain Work

• Following the technique of creating wax teeth, dental lab technicians pour the cast and form the metal framework. When they apply the porcelain to the metal framework, they do this in layers to ensure the porcelain tooth looks like a real tooth. They then must prepare the surface to let the porcelain and metal bond. Technicians put the tooth in a porcelain furnace so that it bakes onto the metal, and they add porcelain to seal the product.

Specific Prosthetics

• Dental lab techniques often include the fabrication of both full dentures and partial dentures. The technique for creating new dentures involves creating base plates, mounting prosthetics and curing ceramic teeth. Baseplate wax is used to record the occlusal --- or the biting rims --- for the initial arch form when setting denture teeth. Designing a wire framework for orthodontic patients who need braces or retainers and performing soldering is yet another dental lab technique. Crown and bridge creation using impressions and plaster models also is a vital skill in the dental lab.

Polishing

• An important dental lab technique also includes polishing or trimming devices such as dentures and crowns. A dental lathe is used with an abrasive grinding wheel or rag wheel to help smooth dental restorations. In addition, pumice and other similar agents are used during polishing. A laboratory handpiece is helpful for adjusting dentures and polishing temporary crowns and permanent crowns as well.