What is a dental lab?
Dental laboratories manufacture or customize a variety of products that periodontists and dentists use for their patients – including crowns, bridges, dentures and many other dental products.
American Dental Association (ADA): What is a lab, what do they do there and how can you work in one
Wikipedia: Overview of dental labratories
From the ADA website
Dental labs (working with direction from dentists and periodontists) create:
- full dentures for patients who are missing all of their teeth
- removable partial dentures or fixed bridges for patients who are missing only one or a few teeth
- crowns, which are caps for teeth that are designed to restore their original size and shape
- veneers that enhance the esthetics and function of the patient
- orthodontic appliances and splints to help straighten and protect teeth
- Dental technicians work with a variety of materials including waxes, plastics, precious and non-precious alloys, stainless steel, a variety of porcelains and composites or polymer glass combinations. Many technicians acquire skill in the use of sophisticated instruments and equipment while performing laboratory procedures. It is important for the technician to help create tooth replacements that are both attractive and functional.
Why is the dental lab important to our practice?
To provide the highest level of quality procedures for our patients, we rely on dental labs to create or customize the implants, crown and other products we use during surgical procedures. We work closely with our partners to develop the right solution that is 100% custom made for our patient’s mouths.
Common questions you should ask your doctor about their dental labs
- Do they use ADA-approved materials?
- Do they use genuine manufacturer parts and hardware for implant restorations?
- How do you perform quality control checks on their work?
- Have you been to their lab to check it out?
- How long have you used the lab and the lab’s products?
Do you have questions about your smile?
If you have questions for a periodontist – please contact our offices. We’d be happy to talk more with you!
Deerfield Beach office: (954) 427-5700
