Many people think that the dentist's office is the only place involved in creating crowns, dentures, and other dental restorations. However, there's another important player in the game: the dental lab.
What is a Dental Lab?
A dental lab is a facility where skilled technicians create dental restorations, such as crowns, bridges, dentures, and implants. These restorations are made based on the dentist's instructions and specifications.
Think of it like this: the dentist is the architect who designs your smile makeover, and the dental lab is the contractor who builds it.
What Happens in a Dental Lab?
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The dentist takes an impression of your teeth. This impression is a mold of your teeth that the dental lab uses to create a precise model of your mouth.
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The dentist sends the impression and any other necessary information to the dental lab. This information may include the shade of your teeth, the type of restoration you need, and any specific instructions the dentist has.
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The dental technician creates your restoration. They use a variety of materials and techniques to create a restoration that is both functional and aesthetically pleasing.
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The dental lab sends the finished restoration to the dentist.
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The dentist places the restoration in your mouth.
Why are Dental Labs Important?
Dental labs play a vital role in restoration dentistry. They allow dentists to offer their patients a wide range of treatment options, from simple fillings to complex implants.
Without dental labs, dentists would have to create all of the restorations themselves, which would be time-consuming and expensive. Additionally, dental labs have the specialized equipment and expertise needed to create high-quality restorations.
How to Choose a Dental Lab
When choosing a dental lab, it is important to consider the following factors:
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Experience: The lab should have experience in creating the type of restoration you need.
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Reputation: The lab should have a good reputation for quality and customer service.
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Location: The lab should be conveniently located, especially if you need multiple appointments.
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Cost: The lab should be affordable, but not at the expense of quality.
Conclusion
Dental labs are an essential part of oral care. They work behind the scenes to create the restorations that help patients achieve healthy, beautiful smiles. When choosing a dental lab, it is important to consider the lab's experience, reputation, location, and cost.
Dental Blog - San Antonio • Aesthetic Periodontal & Implant Specialists We post dental blogs to pique your interest and educate our San Antonio community about topics related to dentistry, dental implants, and oral health. Aesthetic Periodontal & Implant Specialists, 1130 E Sonterra Blvd, Suite 120, San Antonio, TX 78258 • (210) 614-4700 • aestheticperiodontist.com • 3/27/2025 • Related Terms: Dental Implants San Antonio TX •
Many people think that the dentist's office is the only place involved in creating crowns, dentures, and other dental restorations. However, there's another important player in the game: the dental lab.