Materials and equipment in the dental technician laboratory
Ceramic, alloys, acrylic and the machines that shape them
On the laboratory, material understanding is your most important knowledge. Each material has its strengths, weaknesses, and handling requirements, and the choice depends on what the restoration is to be used for. Knowing the materials is being able to deliver work that both holds and looks good.
§Ceramic (porcelain)
Dental ceramic is the material that best mimics a natural tooth because it has depth and a slight transparency like enamel. It is used for crowns and veneers where aesthetics matter. Ceramic is hard and wear-resistant but can be brittle and requires careful handling and correct firing in the oven. Modern high-strength ceramics are also used where great strength is required.
§Dental alloys
Metal alloys are used for crowns, bridges and as substructure under ceramics. Precious metal alloys with gold are traditional and well-suited because they are durable and machine well. There are also base metal alloys. Metal is very strong and is used where strength outweighs aesthetics or as a core with ceramic applied on top.
§Acrylic and plastic
Acrylic plastic (PMMA) is the main material in dentures. It can be colored like gum and teeth, is relatively easy to work with and can be repaired and adjusted. Plastic is also used for temporary replacements and splints. It is less wear-resistant than ceramics and metal, but essential for just dentures and temporary solutions.
| Material | Usually used for |
|---|---|
| Dental ceramic | Crowns and veneers where they should look natural. |
| High-strength ceramic | Crowns and bridges where strength and aesthetics are required. |
| Precious metal alloy | Crowns, bridges and core under ceramics. |
| Acrylic (PMMA) | Full and partial dentures, temporary solutions, splints. |
§Machines and equipment
The laboratory is filled with specialized equipment. Kiln ovens harden and glaze ceramics at high temperatures. Casting equipment melts and shapes metal. Milling machines and 3D printers are the heart of the digital workflow and produce parts from your CAD design. In addition, there are a range of hand tools for shaping, grinding and polishing.
- 01Kiln for ceramics.
- 02Casting equipment for metal alloys.
- 03CAD/CAM milling machine and 3D printer for digital work.
- 04Grinding, polishing and hand tools for finishing.
§The digital workstation
On the modern workstation, the computer is just as central a tool as the oven. Scanner, CAD software, and milling machine/printer work together in a digital chain. You must be able to use the software, understand the file formats, and know how your design is translated into a physical workpiece. The digital does not replace material knowledge – it requires that you understand both the screen and the material.