Dental appliances are sometimes required for cosmetic and restorative dental work. When your dentist decides that you can benefit from a dental appliance, they will first gather the necessary information by taking impressions, performing x-rays, and taking photos of your teeth. This information will then be sent to a dental laboratory where materials such as porcelain, titanium, and zirconia will be used to create permanent or removable dental appliances that are custom-fitted to your mouth. These are four things that can be fabricated for you in a dental laboratory:
1. Dental Crowns
Dental crowns are some of the most commonly used dental appliances made in laboratories. Crowns can be used to stabilize teeth, repair large cavities, and protect teeth after root canal therapy. Dental crowns are also used as prosthetics when attached to dental implants. Dental crowns can be made of solid porcelain or porcelain fused to metal. Crowns made from pure ceramics are often more beautiful and realistic than those made from combination materials, but crowns with a metal core may be more durable.
2. Dental Bridges
Dental labs can also create dental bridges for patients who require tooth replacement prosthetics. Dental bridges are partial dentures that are attached to the teeth using one or two dental crowns. They are manufactured in a single piece, which your dentist will cement to your teeth using strong dental bonding agents. Like traditional dental crowns, dental bridges can be made from a variety of materials. According to WebMD, a dental bridge can last for over a decade with proper care.
3. Dental Abutments
When a person undergoes a dental implant procedure, a metal rod is introduced into their jawbone. An abutment is then needed to attach a prosthetic tooth to the implant. An abutment will be kept in place throughout the healing process following dental implant surgery. Like other dental appliances, dental abutments are commonly manufactured in dental laboratories.
4. Dentures
Dental labs can also manufacture dentures for use with or without dental implants. Many people prefer dentures to implant-based restorative solutions due to their non-invasive nature and lower cost. Dental labs can manufacture full and partial dentures for the upper and lower jaws. Most dentures are designed to be removable for easy cleaning. Acrylic is commonly used in the manufacture of dentures. This material may be used to form both the prosthetic teeth and the base of the dental appliance. Porcelain can also be used in the manufacture of dentures for a realistic, tooth-like appearance.
Share24 April 2023
If you are someone who hesitates to open your mouth when you smile because you are embarrassed about your teeth, you should know that there are a number of cosmetic techniques that can give you a beautiful smile you will be proud to show to the world. As a cosmetic dentist, I have seen many clients transform their lives simply by fixing their smiles. This blog is meant to encourage people to find out about the possibilities in cosmetic dentistry so they can feel good about their smiles. A beautiful, confident smile really can change your life. I would love to show you how.
