Dental labs are responsible for creating precise, custom-made dental prosthetics and orthopedic appliances. These laboratories also offer implantology support and work closely with dental technicians to deliver patient needs. Dentists and dental clinics should choose reputable labs with trusted teams, technical expertise, and access to advanced technology and modern equipment. Here’s an overview of the role of dental laboratories in oral healthcare:
Fabricating Prosthetics
One of the primary roles of dental laboratoriesis to fabricate dental prosthetics for patients of dentists and orthodontists. If you serve patients who have missing, broken, or damaged teeth,they needhigh-quality, custom-made dental prosthetics. A dental lab can help you fabricate crown caps for a damaged tooth or bridges to replace missing teeth. Dental labs also fabricate partial and full dentures used to provide temporary removable solutions for missing teeth. The custom prosthetics are made based on the instructions you provide.
Prosthetic fabrication instructions may feature impressions and molds of your patient’s teeth and details, such as color, size, shape, and desired material. Establishing an in-house lab is not always feasible, so dentists usually rely on partnerships with external laboratories to deliver prosthetics. External dental labs frequently use advanced digital technologies like 3D scanning and printing, titanium milling, and CAD and CAM systems to craft prosthetics. They also have skilled lab technicians who have the knowledge and training to know what’s needed to design and manufacture precise, lifelike prosthetics. Dental labs also invest in modern equipment that increases fabrication speed, accuracy, precision, and quality.
Manufacturing Orthodontic Devices
Dental services like teeth whitening, missing teeth restoration, and smile alignment use various devices manufactured in specialized labs. A dental laboratory can help you produce high-quality orthodontic appliances, including smile-shaping aligners and snap-on smiles. Whether you need traditional metal braces or modern clear aligners, dental labs can produce custom fits for your patients. Dental labs also manufacture mouthguards and splints used to treat patients with temporomandibular joint disorders and teeth grinding.
Other orthodontic devices you can request from a dental lab include custom and cast abutments, veneers, whitening trays, and implant overdentures. Trusted dental labs source high-quality materials from reputable suppliers and comply with strict industry standards to produce safe appliances. You can rely on the expert manufacturing support provided by labs from the initial consultation to the final delivery of orthodontic appliances.
Collaborating With Dentists and Orthodontists
Whether you provide functional or cosmetic dentistry, a trusted lab can help you meet your patients’ needs through quality prosthetics and appliances. Labs also have qualified technicians ready to provide technical support regarding various aspects and stages of dental restoration. Since labs work with ceramics, porcelain, composite resins, and metal alloys, you can get practical advice regarding appropriate materials. These collaborations allow you to provide safe, functional, and durable prosthetics and devices without sacrificing aesthetics.
Dental labs also offer support regarding dental techniques and procedures. You can receive accurate timelines, view 3D images of how the final appliances will look, and observe the distinctions between different material choices. Working with a dental laboratory also gives you access to clean fabrication facilities with state-of-the-art technology and equipment. You have professional insight from the initial consultation to impression molding and final touches. Dental labs also provide reliable customer service and respond to emerging concerns quickly to protect your dentist-patient trust and relationships.
Find Trusted Dental Laboratories Today
Working with a dental laboratory can help you maintain positive relationships and trust with patients due to the high-quality prosthetics and appliances. Sound dental products help to improve functions like chewing and speaking while enhancing smiles. Contact dental laboratories today to learn more about how they can help your practice and your patients.
