A dental lab technician works behind the scenes to help people have healthy and beautiful smiles. Dentists are responsible for creating and maintaining the dental appliances that they use to treat their patients. These experts create crowns, bridges, dentures, braces, and other dental appliances like mouthguards, nightguards, and more. Now you may be wondering what a day of a dental lab technician might look like.
Discover a day in the life of a dental lab technician to gain insight into their process and the crucial role the dental lab plays in dentistry. Let’s get started!
Understanding Dental Lab Technician
A dental technician, also called a dental laboratory technician, works with dentists and dental prosthetists to improve patients’ oral health. They mainly work in a lab, making, fixing, and adjusting different dental devices.
They use special tools and materials to make these prosthetics based on the dentist’s instructions. Their work makes sure dental patients get well-fitting and strong dental devices. Dental lab technicians need to have good hand-eye coordination and pay close attention to details.
What Do Dental Lab Technicians Do Every Day?
A day in the life of a dental lab technician generally involves a mix of precision work, creativity, and collaboration. Here’s an overview of what their day may include:
Collaborating With Dental Professionals
Dental technicians help dentists by making the dental devices they need. They often talk with dentists by email, phone, or in person to discuss what is needed and how to make the devices properly.
Creating Models From Impression
When a patient needs braces or dental repairs, their dentist makes a mold of their mouth. This mould is sent to a dental lab, where a technician fills it with a special material to create an accurate model of the patient’s teeth.
Once the material is set, they shape it as required. This model helps in orthodontic check-ups or in creating a dental device that fits the patient’s mouth, teeth, and bite perfectly.
Crafting Appliances
After they plan the design, they use various materials, such as metal, ceramic, or plastic, to make the appliances. This part needs a lot of careful work and skill because the appliances must fit perfectly and be comfortable for the patient.
Finishing touches
After appliances are created, dental lab technicians, also known as dental technologists, meticulously smooth and polish them. They ensure the appliances are shiny and smooth, so they appear natural and feel comfortable when worn by the patient.
Quality Check
As each prosthetic nears completion, it goes through strict checks to make sure it’s perfect. Technicians closely inspect how well it fits, its color, and its texture. They compare it with dental molds and digital scans to ensure it looks natural and works well in the patient’s mouth. This step is crucial to ensuring the prosthetic is both realistic and functions smoothly.
Key Takeaways
In the ever-changing field of dental technology, continuous learning is crucial. Dental lab technicians regularly attend workshops and seminars or get certifications to stay current with the newest methods and technologies. Innovations like digital impressions and CAD/CAM have transformed the industry by making prosthetic production more accurate and faster.
Dental lab technicians play an important role in the dental industry. They implement technology, and artistry with dental technician equipment to create dental appliances that fit well and look natural. Without them, dentists couldn’t treat their patients properly.
Transform Your Smile Today!
At SynrG Lab, we pride ourselves on delivering exceptional dental prosthetics crafted with precision and care. Meet our skilled technician, Brian Lindke, CDT, and other specialists who are pillars of our dental lab in Bufford, known for their expertise and dedication to quality.
Trust SynrG Lab for your dental needs and experience the difference precision makes.