The J & L Dental Laboratory
Dental laboratory technology is the art and science of fabricating corrective devices and replacements for natural teeth. The patient’s dentist plan the treatment and place the restoration or corrective device in the patient’s mouth and the laboratory technician, following the written orders or prescription of the dentist, fabricates the restoration or device. The technician’s great challenge is to capture and recreate both the perfection and the imperfection of natural teeth.
The Dental Technicians
Since each dental patient’s specific needs are different, the duties of a dental laboratory technician are comprehensive and varied. Although dental technicians seldom work directly with patients, except under the direction of a licensed dentist, they are valuable members of the dental care team. They work directly with dentists by following detailed written instructions and using impressions (moulds) of the patient’s teeth or oral soft tissues to create:
- Crowns, which are caps for teeth that are designed to restore their original size and shape.
- Bridges.
- Veneers, that enhance the aesthetics and function of the patient.
- Orthodontic appliances and splints to help straighten and protect teeth.
Dental technicians work with a variety of materials in replacing damaged or missing tooth structure. These include waxes, plastics, precious and non-precious alloys, stainless steel, a variety of porcelains and composites or polymer glass combinations. Additionally, many technicians acquire skill in the use of sophisticated instruments and equipment while performing laboratory procedures. It is important for the technician to help create tooth replacements that are both aesthetic and functional in order to improve a patients appearance.
