Dental restoration is a fundamental aspect of modern dentistry that ensures patients can regain both the function and aesthetics of their teeth. Crown and bridge plays a critical role in this area. Crowns strengthen damaged or weakened teeth, while bridges fill gaps caused by missing teeth, improving chewing ability, dental alignment, and overall oral function.
Beyond cosmetic enhancement, these restorations help maintain proper bite alignment and prevent nearby teeth from shifting. Dental labs employ advanced technology and skilled craftsmanship to produce crowns and bridges for dental practices and patients. In our guide on crowns and bridges below, we’ll explain how dental labs create these restorative measures, taking you from the initial consultation to the final product delivery.
Creating a bridge or crown begins with the initial patient-dentist consultation, in which the dentist recommends one of these restorations to strengthen weakened teeth or fill a gap in the patient’s teeth. During this visit, the dentist will take an impression or perform a digital scan of the patient’s teeth. This initial impression is crucial because it will serve as a mold, capturing the intricate details of the teeth and surrounding oral structures. No two sets of teeth are the same, and a precise mold ensures that the restoration will fit seamlessly within the patient’s mouth.
After completing the impression or scan of the patient’s teeth, the dentist will then send the information to a crown dental lab. Here, dental technicians carefully review the molds or digital files for quality and accuracy. Any inconsistencies can lead to ill-fitting restorations, whether the impressions are physical models or digital scans. The lab team works closely with the dental office to address potential issues before proceeding to guarantee that the vital foundation for the crown or bridge is as accurate as possible.
Upon reviewing and approving the impressions of the patient’s teeth, the dental lab can move on to the design stage of the restoration. Dental lab technicians use advanced technology, such as computer-aided design (CAD) or computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) software, to create an accurate and comprehensive design of the crown or bridge. This stage is where accurate molds or scans are key to ensure the restorative measures align with the patient’s unique tooth shape, color, alignment, and overall bite.
Color and material selection are decisive factors in the process that ensure the crown or bridge seamlessly fits and blends with the patient’s natural teeth. Of course, functionality is also a major consideration, as the crown or bridge must offer long-lasting durability and properly support adjacent teeth. The lab takes every factor into account to create a custom solution that restores dental functionality and provides a natural appearance.
With the design of the crown or bridge complete, we can now examine how dental labs create crowns and bridges for patients. Labs may utilize various techniques depending on the type of restoration and the material selected, including milling, casting, or 3D printing.
Milling utilizes computer-controlled equipment to carve dental restorations from solid blocks of material like zirconia or ceramic. This process ensures high precision by following digital designs and creating restorations that fit perfectly. Milling is ideal for producing strong, durable crowns and bridges that meet the functional demands of a patient’s bite while maintaining a natural appearance.
The casting method is used for metal-based restorations and involves creating a mold that will be used to shape the material into the desired form. Skilled technicians carefully craft molds and pour the material, ensuring accuracy in fit and function. Casting remains a trusted technique for creating durable and aesthetically pleasing dental crowns and bridges.
Dental labs are always striving to be on the cutting edge of technology, including when it comes to the use of 3D printing. This process builds restorations layer by layer using resin, metal, or other materials, allowing for complex geometries that would be challenging with traditional methods. 3D printing ensures precise tolerances and exceptional detail, delivering crowns and bridges that look and feel natural while meeting the highest quality standards.
When the dentist first places the restoration in the patient’s mouth, they will examine how it aligns with the bite and ensure it feels comfortable for the patient. If the restoration requires adjustment to refine the fit or improve its appearance, the dentist will coordinate with the lab to tweak and finetune the crown or bridge.
The goal is to achieve a restoration that feels natural to the patient and is a seamless integration into their smile.
Creating high-quality crown and bridge restorations is a collaborative process that combines the precision of dental professionals with the expertise of skilled lab technicians. From consultation to final delivery, every step relies on accuracy, teamwork, and advanced technology to produce high-quality restorations. Crowns and bridges play a vital role in restoring function and enhancing smiles, offering reliable, long-term solutions for patients.
At DDS Lab, we’re committed to delivering exceptional crown and bridge restorations that meet the highest standards. Partner with us today for expertly crafted restorations that you and your patients can trust.