When you visit your dentist, have you ever wondered how your crowns, veneers, or dentures are made? The answer lies in dental labs! These specialized facilities produce various dental appliances that help restore, enhance, or replace teeth.
What are dental labs and what do they do?
Dental labs are facilities where skilled technicians craft dental appliances based on the specifications provided by dentists or orthodontists. The appliances can be simple, like mouthguards, or more complex, like dental implants. Dental labs use various materials, such as ceramics, metals, and resins, to create long-lasting, aesthetically pleasing, and functional dental restorations.
How do dental labs work with your dentist?
When requiring a dental appliance, your dentist will obtain impressions of your teeth and subsequently forward them to the dental lab. The impressions collected will be used by lab technicians to create a precise mold of your teeth. They will then apply the prescribed materials to craft the appliance, ensuring a perfect fit and functionality. Once the appliance is complete, it will be sent back to your dentist, who will then fit it into your mouth to ensure a proper fit and address any issues.
What are some common dental appliances made by dental labs?
Dental labs can produce various types of dental appliances, including:
- Crowns: tooth-shaped caps that cover damaged or weakened teeth
- Bridges: appliances that replace missing teeth by attaching to neighboring teeth
- Dentures: removable appliances that replace multiple missing teeth
- Veneers: thin shells placed on the front of teeth to improve their appearance
- Braces: orthodontic appliances that help align teeth
- Implants: surgically placed anchors that support a crown, bridge, or denture
How can you ensure the quality of dental appliances made by dental labs?
The quality of dental appliances made by dental labs depends on the expertise and technology used by the labs. It is essential to choose a dental lab that employs skilled and experienced technicians, uses high-quality materials, and maintains strict quality control standards. You can ask your dentist about the dental lab they work with and learn more about its reputation and certifications.
How can you take care of your dental appliances made by dental labs?
Dental appliances made by dental labs can last for many years if you take good care of them. Here are some tips:
- Brush and floss regularly and use an antibacterial mouthwash to prevent gum disease and decay
- Avoid biting hard objects or using your teeth as tools to prevent damage or fractures
- Protect your dental appliances during physical activities or sports by wearing a mouthguard
Visit your dentist regularly for check-ups and cleanings
Dental labs play a critical role in providing high-quality dental restorations that can improve the look, feel, and function of your teeth. By understanding how dental labs work and how to take care of your dental appliances, you can make informed decisions about your oral health and ensure long-lasting results. If you have any questions or concerns about certified dental labs, don't hesitate to talk to your dentist. Together, you can achieve a healthy and beautiful smile!
Our oral surgery and general dental website offers important information on how to prevent dry socket following a tooth extraction. After getting your tooth pulled, a protective blood clot develops over the extraction site. Many of our blog posts explain how this protective clot helps promote healing after an extraction.
You'll learn that if the clot is accidentally dislodged, dry socket may occur, which can raise your risk for infection and heavy bleeding. We'll provide you with important tips on how to prevent this by avoiding smoking and drinking through a straw. You'll also learn that swishing water around your mouth should be avoided for a couple of days following your extraction because doing so creates a suction that may dislodge your clot, leading to dry socket.