A dental restoration may look like a small piece of ceramic, metal or acrylic, but several steps can take place before it reaches your mouth. A crown, bridge, denture or other restoration usually involves communication between the dental clinic and the dental laboratory.
The process may begin with a physical impression or digital scan of your teeth and mouth. This information provides a record of the area that needs treatment. The dental laboratory may then use these records, along with the dentist’s prescription, to create the restoration.
For patients, understanding this process can make dental treatment easier to follow. The dentist and dental technician have different roles, but they work together as part of the same treatment process.
What Happens After a Dental Impression?
After a dentist takes a physical impression, it needs to be handled carefully before it reaches the dental laboratory. The impression records the shape and position of the teeth and nearby oral structures.
Some clinics use digital scanners instead. A digital scanner captures images of the teeth and creates a three-dimensional digital record. The file may then be sent electronically to a dental laboratory.
For patients researching dental labs nz, it is useful to understand that the laboratory usually works from information supplied by the dental professional. The technician does not usually examine the patient directly or decide independently what type of restoration is required.
The dentist provides a prescription explaining the type of restoration required, the material to be used and other details that the technician needs.
How Dental Labs Turn Impressions Into a Working Model
Physical Dental Impressions
With a traditional impression, a dental material is placed in a tray and positioned in the patient’s mouth. Once the material sets, it records the shape of the teeth and surrounding areas.
The laboratory may use this impression to create a physical model. Dental stone or another suitable material can be used to reproduce the patient’s teeth.
The resulting model gives the dental technician a physical representation of the area being treated.
Digital Scans
Digital technology is now used in some dental restoration workflows.
Instead of sending a physical impression, the dental clinic may send a digital scan to the laboratory. The technician can view the digital model on a computer and use it as part of the restoration process.
Digital files can also be used with computer-aided design and manufacturing systems. Depending on the restoration, the design may be sent to milling or printing equipment for production.
Both physical and digital workflows may be used in modern dental care. The choice depends on the clinic, laboratory, restoration and equipment available.
Planning the Restoration
Once the laboratory receives the required information, the dental technician reviews the dentist’s prescription and the records provided.
The restoration may need to take account of the shape, size and colour of the patient’s existing teeth. The bite also needs to be considered because the restoration needs to work with the surrounding teeth.
Shade Selection
For restorations that are visible when a patient smiles, shade can be an important part of the planning process.
The dentist may record a tooth shade using a shade guide or another method. In some cases, photographs or digital information may also be provided to give the technician additional information about the colour and appearance of the surrounding teeth.
The final appearance can be affected by lighting, the material used and the natural characteristics of the patient’s teeth.
Shape and Size
The technician also considers the shape and size requested by the dentist.
For example, a front tooth restoration may need to follow the general shape of nearby teeth. A back tooth restoration needs to take account of the biting surfaces and how the teeth meet.
The technician works from the available records and prescription rather than making assumptions about what the patient needs.
Material Selection
Different restorations can be made from different materials.
Crowns may be produced using materials such as ceramic, zirconia or metal alloys. Dentures may use acrylic and other materials. The appropriate choice depends on the type of restoration, its location, clinical requirements and the dentist’s treatment plan.
Patients can ask their dentist why a particular material has been recommended for their restoration.
Creating the Dental Restoration
The laboratory process depends on the type of restoration being made.
Crowns
A crown is used to cover and restore a prepared tooth or, in some cases, an implant-supported structure.
The laboratory uses the impression or digital scan to understand the required shape. A digital design may then be created before the restoration is manufactured.
Depending on the material, the crown may be milled from a block, produced through another manufacturing method or made using a combination of digital and traditional techniques.
Bridges
A dental bridge can replace one or more missing teeth by connecting an artificial tooth to supporting structures.
The laboratory needs information about the teeth or implants supporting the bridge. The shape, contacts and bite are considered during the design and production process.
Dentures
Dentures are removable prostheses used to replace missing teeth and surrounding oral structures.
The laboratory may create several stages during denture production. These can include models, trial arrangements and the final denture.
The dentist checks each stage where required and provides information back to the technician.
Implant Restorations
Implant restorations involve communication between the dentist and laboratory because the restoration needs to connect with the implant system being used.
The laboratory may receive information about the implant position, components and required restoration. Accurate records are important throughout the process.
Quality Checks Before the Restoration Reaches the Dentist
Before a restoration is returned to the dental clinic, the laboratory carries out checks based on the type of work and the dentist’s prescription.
The technician may check areas such as:
- Overall shape.
- Dimensions.
- Contact points.
- Occlusion, meaning how the teeth meet.
- Surface finish.
- Shade where relevant.
- Fit on the working model.
The exact checks vary depending on the restoration.
A laboratory check does not replace the dentist’s clinical assessment. The dentist still needs to examine the restoration in the patient’s mouth before deciding whether it is suitable for placement.
What Happens at the Final Dental Appointment?
When the restoration arrives at the dental clinic, the dentist checks it before fitting it.
The dentist may assess the fit, appearance, contacts and bite. The restoration is also checked against the patient’s mouth and surrounding teeth.
Minor adjustments may sometimes be required during the clinical fitting process.
The dentist makes the final decision about whether the restoration is suitable for placement.
If further laboratory work is needed, the dentist may send the restoration back with additional information or request a modification.
Why Communication Between Dentist and Dental Lab Matters
A dental restoration involves several connected steps, so clear communication is important.
The dentist provides the clinical information and prescription. The dental technician uses that information to produce the restoration.
For clinics working with dental labs nz, clear instructions and accurate patient records can help the laboratory understand the clinical requirements for each case.
Accurate Records
Accurate impressions, scans, photographs, shade information and other records can provide useful information for the laboratory.
If important information is missing or unclear, the dentist and technician may need to communicate before the restoration can be completed.
Digital Communication
Digital workflows can allow scans, photographs and design files to be transferred electronically.
This can make communication between the clinic and laboratory more direct. However, digital technology does not remove the need for clinical assessment and professional decision-making.
Feedback and Adjustments
If the dentist identifies an issue during the fitting appointment, feedback can be sent to the laboratory.
The technician can then review the information and make changes where appropriate. The dentist can reassess the restoration after any required laboratory work.
What Can Patients Ask About Their Dental Restoration?
Patients do not need to understand every laboratory process, but asking questions can help them understand their treatment.
You can ask your dentist:
- What type of restoration am I receiving?
- What material is being used?
- Is the restoration made locally or sent to another laboratory?
- How is the shade selected?
- What happens if the restoration does not fit as expected?
- Will I need an adjustment appointment?
- How should I care for the finished restoration?
If you are interested in the laboratory side of treatment, you can also ask your dentist how the laboratory works with the clinic.
Conclusion
A dental restoration involves several connected steps. The process may begin with a physical impression or digital scan and continue through planning, laboratory production, checks and clinical fitting.
The dentist provides the clinical prescription and assesses the restoration in the patient’s mouth. The dental technician uses the supplied information to create the restoration according to that prescription.
The final restoration is assessed by the dental professional, who can make adjustments or request further laboratory work when needed. If you have questions about a planned crown, bridge, denture or implant restoration, speak with your dentist about the materials, laboratory process and care instructions that apply to your treatment.
