Dental labs use a variety of alloys, metals, and other materials to create dental restorations. Mabel Dental uses high-quality materials to make crowns, bridges, partials, and other fixed and removable appliances. When dentists work with a high-quality dental lab, they have the option to select materials that are appropriate for their patients’ needs. Here is more information about the types of materials dental labs use:
Zirconia
Zirconia is one of the materials dental labs use to create dental crowns. It is a strong chemical compound, and zirconia dental crowns are often milled from a single block. Zirconia’s strength allows it to be used for crowns over anterior and posterior teeth. The strong material is resistant to chips and cracks, allowing crowns to withstand activities such as chewing. This reduces the need for frequent crown replacements.
The type of zirconia we use at Mabel Dental has a translucency level that helps it match the luster of natural teeth. Zirconia’s opacity hides metal cores and implant abutments while offering a smooth surface. This allows the crown to blend in with the patient’s other teeth. Zirconia is also a biocompatible material, which encourages the body to accept the new crown.
Full-contour and layered zirconia crowns are suitable for specific health concerns and appearance preferences. A full-contour crown provides additional durability, making it a beneficial option for patients who experience bruxism. Layered crowns blend zirconia with a porcelain overlay to create a more natural-looking result.
Titanium
A dental lab may use titanium to create metal frameworks for partial dentures and other appliances. Titanium frameworks are biocompatible, meaning they are non-reactive to oral tissues. This helps prevent metallic odors, black tooth edges, and gingival infections. Our 3D-printed titanium frames are lightweight while offering high strength and corrosion resistance. They also offer flexibility, as they retain the ability to bend slightly, which helps prevent removable appliances from breaking.
Titanium can be used for implant abutments, or the screws that anchor crowns to the jawbone. Titanium acts as the base for zirconia crowns and bridges. The zirconia offers a more natural appearance while the titanium provides the strength necessary to hold the new tooth in place.
Ceramics
Ceramics are biocompatible materials that can be utilized for crowns, dental veneers, inlays, onlays, and three-unit bridges. Ceramic material is wear-resistant and offers low-heat conduction, protecting the sensitive dental nerve from temperature changes. A ceramic appliance does not require a metal core, allowing light to shine through the material and produce an effect similar to natural teeth.
The type of ceramic we use in our dental lab is monolithic lithium disilicate ceramic. This kind of ceramic offers high strength and flexibility, making oral appliances durable and comfortable. It also allows dentists to achieve high-quality occlusion and contacts for restorations.
Gold
Lab technicians can make full-cast gold dental crowns. Gold is also used for inlays, onlays, and bridges. Its sealing ability helps prevent tooth decay and tissue exposure. Gold options at our lab include:
- Non-precious gold: This full-cast option is a strong nickel-chromium alloy. Colors include silver and yellow.
- 2% yellow gold: 2% yellow gold offers a high luster when polished. It can be used for crowns and short-span bridges.
- 40% white or yellow gold: This alloy can be used for a range of applications, and the yellow color provides natural tooth shades for dental restorations.
- 60% yellow gold: A 60% gold alloy can be used for all types of bridges and crowns. The bright gold color polishes to a bright shine.
Gold crowns have high wear and corrosion resistance. The strength of the material allows it to resist fractures. Gold crowns are also gentle to the surrounding teeth and are compatible with gum tissue.
Thermoplastic Resin
Dental labs use thermoplastic resin and nylon materials to create alternatives for or in combination with metal frameworks. Thermoplastic nylon and resin are used to form frameworks for partials. We offer TCS and DurAcetal flexible partials made with these materials. TCS flexible partials are made out of thermoplastic nylon. This material is resilient and flexible, offering a lightweight, comfortable fit. It is also stain-resistant, and patients can choose from four tissue colors to match the partial blend with their gums. Clear partials are also available.
Thermoplastic resin is used to make DurAcetal partials. The resin is tooth-colored, and patients choose a shade from five available options: A1, A2, A3, A 3.5, and B1. Thermoplastic resin is durable and creates a bacteria-resistant partial with elastic memory.
Work With Dental Labs
Technicians at dental labs may recommend restoration materials based on their intended uses and properties. Dentists can select their preferred dental restoration material on a restoration prescription form and send it to our lab with the physical case. Mabel Dental provides lab-to-lab support and creates orthodontic products, dentures, mouth guards, and sleep apnea devices. To learn more about our dental restorations, you can call, email, or submit our online contact form.
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