Dental laboratories offer different types of products, including snoring and sleep apnea appliances, to help dentists care for their patients. Depending on your patient’s needs and preferences, these labs can customize appliances to improve oral health. Here are four services a dental lab offers:
1. Dentures
A qualified dental lab provides various dentures designed to restore speech and chewing for patients with missing teeth. Whether you need complete or partial dentures, laboratories can customize these oral devices to suit gum alignment and bite structure. Partial dentures also help prevent remaining teeth from shifting. For added comfort and durability, some experts provide heat-cured dentures, which are gentler on soft tissues and less prone to breakage. These dentures come in many tones to match gum color, making them suitable for individuals who prioritize aesthetics.
2. Dental Implants
Labs work with dentists to create implants that offer a permanent, natural-looking solution for missing teeth. These specialists produce crown-over implants made from durable materials such as zirconia, porcelain, or metal alloys. To create dental appliances that fit a patient’s mouth properly, these laboratories use digital impressions or physical molds provided by the dentist. These experts also fabricate overdentures, which are more stable than traditional dentures, reducing movement. Depending on a patient’s bone density and gum health, the right implants are made to boost comfort and support proper chewing.
3. Crowns
Dental laboratories can create crowns for individuals with damaged or weakened teeth. These professionals use a variety of materials, including porcelain fused to metal, which offers enhanced durability and visual appeal. The crowns are carefully shaped to match the size and appearance of the surrounding teeth, promoting a seamless and natural look. They work well with screw-retained implants, attachments, and partial dentures, providing a secure fit. After making these oral devices, a lab sends them to a dentist so that they can test them for proper fit and bite alignment. If any adjustments are needed, the lab fine-tunes the crowns, making sure they look natural and function properly with the patient’s bite.
4. Orthodontics
Some dental laboratories manufacture orthodontic appliances, such as retainers, expanders, and spacers. Whether fixed or removable retainers are required, these specialists fabricate them to help patients maintain teeth alignment after braces. To correct crossbites and create space for crowded teeth, labs produce expanders based on detailed molds or digital impressions. For spacers or separators, these professionals choose the right size so that they can minimize potential discomfort during use. Patients who grind their teeth can benefit from mouthguards that help prevent tooth damage and reduce jaw tension. To help athletes protect their mouths while playing, labs make custom-fit mouthguards that fit properly and offer increased comfort.
Work With an Experienced Dental Lab
Dentists can partner with an experienced dental lab to create high-quality oral appliances for patients, including implants and aligners. These labs use digital and printed models to create comfortable and well-fitting orthodontics for various dental conditions. For comprehensive lab services, call a professional facility today to learn more about their offerings.
