Dental laboratories work to create prosthetics that provide patients with functional and esthetic dental restorations. These laboratories use a variety of materials that contribute to defining the quality, durability, and aesthetics of the final prosthetic.
Understanding these materials can provide you with valuable insights into the reasons why certain materials may work better over others. Here are materials used in dental laboratory prosthetics:
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Metals in Dental Prosthetics
Metals are frequently used due to their strength, durability, and biocompatibility. Gold is a frequently used metal in dental prosthetics because the body is receptive to it and because of its non-corrosive nature. Gold alloys mixed with other metals like platinum or palladium function as a building block for crowns and bridges. Dental laboratory technicians often choose these alloys because they are solid and easy to work with.
Another commonly used metal in dental laboratories is titanium, especially in the production of dental implants. Titanium is strong, low-weight, and has a healthy compatibility with bone tissue. This makes titanium implants longer-lasting and more effective in replacing lost teeth. Cobalt-chromium alloys are also utilized in dental fabrication for the construction of frameworks, especially for partial dentures, because of their high stability and wear resistance.
Ceramics in Dental Prosthetics
Ceramic materials are easier to form to resemble natural teeth. Porcelain, a type of ceramic, works well in dental prosthetic fabrication due to its translucency. This makes porcelain an appropriate material for veneers, crowns, and bridges, particularly for anterior teeth where aesthetics is a top priority.
When fused with metal frameworks, porcelain can help with areas that need strength and cosmetic appeal. Another ceramic material is zirconia, which is used due to its hardness and gum tissue compatibility. Zirconia crowns and bridges feature chewing and grinding force-resistant designs.
Polymers in Dental Prosthetics
Polymers, especially acrylic resins, find use in dental laboratories for the construction of dentures. Some of the benefits of using acrylic resins include flexibility, cost-effectiveness, and a natural appearance. Acrylic resin dentures are easier to easily adjust, reline, or repair. This makes them a convenient option for patients who require changes to their prosthetics over time.
Polymers can help create the pink gum component of dentures. Colored and molded acrylic resins can fit the natural color and shape of the gums. This allows the denture to blend with the mouth, making it comfortable to wear.
Although acrylic resin is a material used in removable dentures, it is also used in other prosthetic appliances like temporary crowns and bridges. These are short-term restorations that help patients have use of their teeth while they wait for their permanent prosthetics. Another application of polymers is the creation of flexible partial dentures made of nylon-based materials.
Partial dentures are sometimes more comfortable to wear compared to traditional rigid dentures. They are also versatile in the way they shape to the inside of the mouth, and they do not require a metal clasp to hold them in place.
Composite Resins in Dental Prosthetics
Composite resins are part of the construction of inlays, onlays, and veneers. These are a combination of glass or quartz filler and a resin matrix, which are cast and shaped into teeth. Composites like these are good choices for conservative restorations where there is little or no tooth tissue removal.
One factor that could make the restoration strong and last longer is that composite resin can usually be set directly onto the tooth structure. This characteristic not only increases the durability of the restoration but also contributes to the conservation of the remaining dental tissues. Besides the adhesive properties, composite resins should produce aesthetically pleasing results.
Consult With Certified Dental Laboratories
The materials used in dental laboratories play a significant role in the production of quality dental prosthetics. By knowing more about these materials and their uses, patients and dental practitioners can make the right choices for their dental needs. If you require dental prosthetics, turn to an experienced dental laboratory today.
