On the laboratory – this is how a crown is made
From impression and model to finished replacement
Your work begins where the dentist leaves off. You receive either a physical impression or a digital scan and must convert it into a replacement that fits precisely, lasts and looks natural. Even a small inaccuracy can mean the crown doesn't fit – so precision is your trademark.
§From impression to model
Classical prosthesis production starts with an impression that you cast a plaster model from — an exact copy of the patient's teeth and jaw. In the modern workflow you instead receive a digital scan that you work with on the computer. In both cases, the model is your foundation: everything you build must fit precisely to it.
§Structure and design
Hereafter the crown itself is shaped. In the classical method you build up the crown's shape in wax (wax-up), which is later replaced by the final material. In the digital method you design the crown in CAD software on the screen. Regardless of method you must understand bite function – how upper and lower jaw meet – so the restoration does not irritate or wear incorrectly.
§Production in the material
When the mold is ready, the replacement is made in the chosen material. It can be cast metal, pressed or layered ceramic, or a crown milled or printed via CAD/CAM. Ceramic crowns are fired in a kiln to get the right strength and surface. Temperature, times, and material choices are critical here—you follow the manufacturer's instructions carefully.
§Color theory and color management.
One of the most demanding aspects is getting the restoration to match the patient's own teeth. A natural tooth is not a single colour — it has depth, colour shifts and subtle transparencies. You work with colour scales and layer-by-layer build-up to hit the right shade. This is where the difference between a good and an excellent dental technician really shows.
- 01Match base colour with a colour scale.
- 02Build depth and transparency in layers.
- 03Adapt the surface gloss and texture.
- 04Assess the result in different light.
§Adjustment and finishing
Finally the replacement is fitted, sanded and polished so it fits the model and has a smooth, natural surface. A smooth surface is not only prettier – it collects less buildup and is better for the patient's oral hygiene. The replacement is checked against bite and opposing teeth before being sent back to the dentist.
§Many types of work
A crown is just one of your products. You also make bridges that replace multiple teeth full and partial dentures implant-supported replacements and splints for grinding or straightening. Each work has its own process and materials but they're all built on the same basic sequence from model to finished polish.