A dental laboratory is a specialized workplace. Skilled technicians create dental devices and restorations. These include crowns, bridges, dentures, implants, and orthodontic appliances. They work under the supervision of a dentist. They rely on dentist instructions and patient data such as impressions, scans, models, and bite records.
These labs are places where art and science come together. Technicians use their skills to match the color, shape, and function of each patient. Dental laboratories also utilize advanced tools, including CADCAM machines, scanners, and 3D printers.
Why dental laboratories matter
Dental laboratories are essential to modern dentistry. Dentists may examine and prepare a patient, but they depend on labs to make the actual devices. Labs bring expertise in materials, fit, and visuals. This includes customizing devices to ensure a precise match for each patient. Quality work from a lab makes the dentist look good, and the patient feels confident.
Dental labs also help optimize costs and reduce turnaround times. They utilize digital tools to minimize manual work and reduce errors. They adhere to quality systems established by agencies such as the FDA and ISO.
The work at PM KJB Dental Lab
PM KJB Dental Lab is located in Canton, Massachusetts, and serves dentists across the nation. The company has over 25 years of experience and has crafted over one million crowns and dentures. It offers a full range of services and materials.
We craft alloy-based PFM crowns and bridges with metal frameworks in cobalt-chromium, platinum, titanium, gold, and more. We also manufacture full ceramic crowns, such as those made from zirconia and Emax. Our removable appliance range includes acrylic and flexible dentures, night guards, and telescopic dentures. We also handle implants and implant-guided full-mouth restoration. We utilize digital scanners, CADCAM milling, 3D printing, and advanced finishing equipment, including laser printers and porcelain ovens.
A dedicated technician handles each case. Quality checks are done at each step. We use direct pricing, eliminating intermediaries, to offer affordable rates.
Common dental lab products
Here is a list of products commonly made in a dental lab:
- Crowns and bridges: These restore damaged or missing teeth. They may be made of metal, porcelain, or a combination.
- Complete dentures and partial dentures: Made to replace many or all teeth. They must fit accurately.
- Implant restorations: Crowns, bridges, and overdentures supported by implants.
- Orthodontic appliances such as retainers and space maintainers.
- Night guards, dental guards, and mouth guards.
- Surgical guides for implant placement.
Dental labs support a full range of restorative and therapeutic devices.
The dental laboratory process
The journey from dentist to finished device involves many steps.
Prescription and patient data
The dentist sends a written order, which includes impressions or digital scans with photos, bite registrations, and detailed instructions.
Model and design
The technician creates a physical or digital model of the patient’s jaw and teeth. They may use articulators that mimic jaw movements.
Fabrication
The team designs the restoration using CAD software or wax-up swing wax-ups. The device is then milled or printed. This may involve sintering, scanning, layering, or milling, depending on the material.
Finishing
The technician matches the color, shape, texture, and polish. Details are refined for comfort and appearance.
Quality control
Every restoration is measured and tested. Fit shade and fit are key. Any issue is corrected before release.
Delivery and fitting
The finished device is sent to the dentist, ready for patient fitting. If there is a problem, labs offer adjustments.
Digital dentistry and technology
Modern dental labs rely heavily on digital tools and equipment.
Intraoral scanners
Dentists use scanners instead of traditional gooey impressions. Scanners capture accurate 3D images. Data is sent directly to the lab via computer. Digital scans reduce distortion and improve fit accuracy.
CADCAM milling
Computer-aided design and manufacturing enable the precise creation of devices. Milling from material blocks reduces labor and improves consistency. It also reduces shrinkage from heating ceramics.
3D printing
Dental labs use 3D printing to create models of surgical guides, temporary crowns, and dentures. Printing helps speed production and enhance quality.
Integrations
Digital workflows enable the seamless sharing of scans, photos, and material choices. This improves communication between the dentist and the lab. Real-time case review reduces delays and errors.
These technologies help lower costs, improve accuracy, and speed up delivery.
The Science and Art of Dental Laboratory Work
Dental laboratory work combines both. It is critically based on science in materials. This includes ceramics, metals, plastics, and biocompatible substances.
Technicians require expertise in color and shape matching to blend devices seamlessly with natural teeth. High craftsmanship ensures realistic results. Modern labs also follow strict safety guidelines, such as FDA good Manufacturing Practices.
Guided implant surgery and lab involvement
Guided implant surgery is a modern standard of care. Dental labs play a significant role in this process.
- Labs design and print surgical guides that direct implant placement.
- Labs choose safe materials for guides and rebuilds.
- After surgery, labs create final crowns, bridges, or dentures that are custom-fit implants. Labs collaborate closely with dentists to plan and make adjustments.
This integration provides better accuracy, faster healing, and more secure results.
How dentists can get the best results from labs
To ensure quality outcomes, dentists should:
- Use clean, accurate impressions or scans.
- Provide clear photos for shade matching.
- Communicate thoroughly about bite timing and special requests.
- Use lab portals or direct contact for case updates.
- Share real-time feedback for adjustments.
Strong communication between the dentist and lab benefits both parties.
Quality control in dental laboratories
Quality control is crucial to ensure that devices are durable and comfortable. Labs perform measurements, scans, and test fittings to verify that every item meets specifications.
Machine systems track data. Human experts inspect color, shape, and fit. This reduces the risk of irritation, decay, or failure after fitting.
The future of dental laboratories
Dental informatics will play a bigger role. Intelligent systems will connect the EHR, CBCT scans workflow and lab equipment. This boosts planning accuracy and lab efficiency.
3D and 4D printing may allow dynamic materials to adjust in the mouth. AI-assisted cameras and scanners may improve shade matching and fit.
Digital and eco-friendly tools will help reduce waste and energy use.
Labs that stay on top of trends and maintain strong quality control will be most successful.
Final thoughts
Dental laboratories are a vital link in modern dentistry. They combine science, art, technology, and teamwork.
At PM KJB Dental Lab, we take pride in providing expert craftsmanship, digital workflow, high-quality materials, and affordable costs. We aim to build strong relationships with dentists and dentists patients by offering reliable and personalized service.
