5 Things To Know Before Visiting A Dental Lab For Crown & Bridge Work
Visiting a dental lab for crown and bridge work may seem daunting, but it doesn't have to be. In fact, with a little knowledge and preparation, you'll find the experience to be smooth and stress-free. Here are five things to know before visiting a dental lab for crown and bridge work.
1. Expectations.
Firstly, it's important to know what to expect when visiting a dental lab. The lab's technicians will be working on your crown or bridge, which means that they'll be taking impressions of your teeth, crafting the prosthetic, and ensuring that it fits properly. You'll also need to make sure the tooth is healthy and functional before the lab takes any further actions.
2. Communication.
Communication is key when it comes to dental lab work. You'll need to talk to your dentist about the specifics of your crown or bridge, such as the material, the color, and any other details that may be important. This information will then be relayed to the lab, so that they can craft a prosthetic that is tailored to your individual needs.
3. Timing.
When it comes to dental lab work, timing is everything. You'll need to discuss the timeline for your crown or bridge with your dentist, so that you can plan your visits to the lab accordingly. Generally, it takes a few weeks for a crown or bridge to be crafted and fitted, so you'll need to be patient and plan accordingly.
4. Maintenance.
It's important to know how to properly care for your crown or bridge once it's been fitted. Make sure to brush and floss regularly, and avoid chewing on hard foods or using your teeth to open packages. If you have any concerns about the durability of your prosthetic, don't hesitate to speak with your dentist.
5. Costs.
Lastly, it's important to discuss the costs associated with your crown or bridge with your dentist. Make sure you understand how much the procedure will cost, what your insurance will cover, and what your out-of-pocket expenses will be.
Dental technology has come a long way in recent years, and nowhere is this more evident than in crown and bridge procedures. Thanks to advances in dental lab technology, patients can now receive beautiful, long-lasting restorations that look and feel natural. Here's a closer look at some of the ways dental lab technology is improving crown and bridge procedures:
1. Digital Impression Scanners
In the past, dentists would take messy, uncomfortable impressions of a patient's teeth in order to create a crown or bridge. However, with the advent of digital impression scanners, this process has become much more streamlined and accurate. These scanners use lasers or optical sensors to create a 3D image of the patient's teeth, eliminating the need for gooey impressions altogether.
2. CAD/CAM Technology
Once the impression is taken, the next step is to create the restoration. In the past, this required the dental lab technician to sculpt the restoration by hand, a process that was time-consuming and potentially error-prone. However, with computer-aided design and manufacturing (CAD/CAM) technology, the restoration can be designed using specialized software and then milled with incredible precision. This results in a restoration that fits more accurately and requires less adjustment in the patient's mouth.
3. High-Quality Materials
With advances in materials science, dental restorations are now stronger and more lifelike than ever before. For example, zirconia is a popular material for crowns and bridges due to its strength, durability, and natural translucency. Additionally, ceramic materials are now available that closely mimic the look and feel of natural enamel. These advancements mean that patients can receive restorations that not only restore function but also blend seamlessly with their existing teeth.
4. Customization and Personalization
Finally, dental lab technology has also allowed for greater customization and personalization in crown and bridge procedures. With CAD/CAM software, dentists and technicians can create restorations that are precisely tailored to the patient's individual needs and preferences. For example, if a patient has a chipped tooth that they're self-conscious about, the restoration can be designed to perfectly match the shape and shade of their other teeth. This attention to detail not only improves the appearance of the restoration but also helps to ensure a more comfortable fit.
In conclusion
Overall, dental lab technology has revolutionized crown and bridge procedures, making them faster, more precise, and more aesthetic than ever before. If you're in need of a restoration, be sure to ask your dentist about the latest techniques and materials available. You may be surprised by just how advanced and personalized your restoration can be.