Who Can Benefit From Dental Lab Services?
Dental laboratory services consist of the manufacture of custom dental prosthetics and appliances that restore both function and aesthetics. Skilled technicians in these laboratories use different materials to make precise dental restorations according to dentists’ prescriptions. The services are usually related to creating crowns, bridges, dentures, implant components, orthodontic appliances, and other dental devices. Modern laboratories rely on the latest technology, such as CAD/CAM systems and 3D printing, in addition to traditional methods of handcrafting. Here are some examples of who can benefit from dental lab services:
General Dentistry Practices
General dentistry practices are the primary point of dental care for the majority of people who require routine treatments. A wide range of procedures are done in these offices from basic cleanings to more complex restorative work. They often work with dental laboratories to create necessary prosthetics such as crowns, bridges, and dentures, which restore patient oral function. Because general dentists see the most prosthetic cases, their relationship with the labs should be positive and strong. Quality control and consistent communication between the practice and laboratory assure optimal patient outcomes.
Prosthodontic Specialty Practices
Prosthodontic practices are dedicated solely to the complex art and science of dental prosthetics and reconstructive procedures. These specialists collaborate with oral laboratories to make complex prosthetics that restore both function and aesthetics. Most of the cases they handle are full-mouth rehabilitation, and they require precise articulation and extensive planning with the lab technicians. Custom implant components, precision attachments, and aesthetic restorations are dependent on the laboratory partner for the prosthodontist. They have demanding specifications, and dental lab services have advanced technical capabilities and experience with complex cases.
Orthodontic Clinics
Orthodontic clinics deal with correcting teeth alignment and jaw relationship through different treatment modalities and appliances. Dental laboratories fabricate custom orthodontic appliances, retainers, and clear aligner systems. They can also create specialized devices to manage growth modification and bite correction in their laboratories. Modern orthodontic practices employ digital scanning and 3D printing services from specialized labs at an increasing rate. With the advancement in technology in clear aligner therapy, the collaboration between orthodontists and laboratories continues to evolve.
Multi-Specialty Dental Centers
Multi-specialty dental centers generally employ many dental specialists working under one roof. To meet the diverse treatment plans involving multiple specialists, these centers require extensive laboratory support. They need surgical guides for implant placement to aesthetic restorations for cosmetic cases. Cases in these centers are complex, requiring sophisticated laboratory services that can work in tandem with multiple specialists. These facilities often keep relationships with many laboratories to have specialized expertise for each type of case.
Cosmetic Dentistry Practices
The main focus of cosmetic dentistry practices is to improve the aesthetic appearance of patients’ smiles through several procedures. Cosmetic offices are exacting in their standards for laboratory work, especially in shade matching and material selection. The cases they deal with are usually treated with high-end ceramic restorations, veneers, and complex smile design requirements. Boutique laboratories that are dedicated to aesthetic cases and provide advanced services are often the cosmeticians’ partners. Success of these practices is directly related to achieving consistently natural-looking, beautiful results through laboratory collaboration.
Working With a Dental Lab
A dental laboratory supports different types of dental practices, ranging from general dentistry to specialized facilities. Different needs exist for each type of practice, and their laboratory partners should meet those needs. With the advancement of digital technology and materials science, the capabilities of these laboratories continue to advance. Contact a laboratory today to learn more about how they contribute to modern dental care.
