A dental laboratory creates and adjusts dental devices. These laboratories collaborate with dentists and technicians to produce dental appliances that are as comfortably fitted as possible for patients. Here are some ways dental laboratories make adjustments to dentures and other appliances:
Prescription and Fabrication
To begin the process, a dentist sends the laboratory a prescription that includes impressions, bite records, and specific instructions for the appliance. Impressions show the shape of a patient’s mouth, while bite records display how the upper and lower teeth come together. A lab uses these details to create a model of the dentures by pouring plaster or resin into the impressions. This model resembles a patient’s mouth and helps the lab see how the final product should fit and look. For digital models, professionals use online scan data to form a 3D model.
Try-in and Assessment
During this phase, the lab makes a try-in model of the denture using resin or wax. The try-in model is placed in the patient’s mouth to check if it fits and aligns with existing teeth or oral structures. A dentist also evaluates how the upper and lower appliances meet when the patient bites down. To check if it matches aesthetically, a dentist assesses the appearance of the try-in, including tooth color and shape. The dentist evaluates how the try-in feels in the patient’s mouth, noting any areas of discomfort or pressure points. They might also ask a patient to speak with the dentures to assess how well the try-ins perform.
Adjustment Procedure
Based on the feedback from the dentist, dental laboratories add a new layer of material to the foundation of the denture to enhance its fit. These specialists might perform contouring, which entails grinding the appliance’s internal surface to improve comfort. If there are any bite or occlusion issues, the lab adjusts the contact points between the upper and lower appliances. For proper alignment, a dental lab may make changes to the design of a partial denture or alter the framework of an orthodontic appliance. To improve aesthetics, these professionals can change the tooth shape and shade to match a patient’s goals.
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Finalization and Quality Test
After completing the fabrication and adjustment, the lab polishes the final product to get rid of any rough spots. This step helps to make dentures more comfortable and visually appealing. Before delivering the dentures, the lab inspects them for fit against the model or the original impressions to determine if they match. As part of functional testing, these professionals also check how well a patient can chew when they’re wearing the dentures. A dental lab may use a model or simulate the appliance in the patient’s mouth to check for realistic appearance and fit. The appliance may also undergo stress tests to see if it can withstand regular use.
Work With Qualified Dental Laboratories
Dental laboratories use the latest technology to create devices that fit well and visually match the gums and any other teeth. Once they receive dentist impressions, they not only make the appliances but also adjust them to increase comfort. Call a qualified lab today to learn more about their adjustment process.
