Losing a tooth can be painful and traumatizing. But if it happens, thankfully there are dental lab techs out there who can build us new ones, or at least repair the ones we have.
Dental lab techs provide support for dentists. Following dentists’ instructions, techs build and repair dental appliances such as crowns, bridges, and dentures. They should not be confused with dental hygienists, who clean teeth and treat gum disease.
A dental lab tech’s job begins when he or she gets a set of orders and a digital impression or a mould of a patient’s mouth or teeth from the dentist.
A tech who receives digital impressions (3-D images of a patient’s mouth that the dentist has taken with scanning equipment) uses special software and machines to prepare plaster or resin models of a patient’s mouth. The tech can then make the prescribed dental appliances or send the model to another lab where bridges, crowns, and replacement teeth are crafted.
A tech who receives a physical mould from the dentist starts by pouring plaster into the mould. Once the plaster is dried, the tech removes it and it becomes a model of the patient’s mouth. With the help of special equipment, the tech notes the size, shape, and structure of the model, and tests its performance.
When the tech and the dentist are satisfied with the performance of the model, the tech can then use special instruments to build a wax model of the tooth or teeth that need to be replaced.
Using the wax model, the tech creates a metal framework, and carefully applies layer upon layer of porcelain to it until it takes the shape of a tooth. Once this is done, it is baked so that the porcelain hardens and bonds with the metal frame.
Finally, after a few colour and shape adjustments, an exact replica of the lost tooth is ready.
In some labs, techs make all types of dental appliances, from start to finish. In most labs, however, they specialize.
Crowns, inlays, onlays, and dental bridges are typically made and repaired by crown and bridge techs. Denture techs manufacture full and partial dentures. Porcelain jacket crowns and teeth, and some bridges are crafted by ceramists. Orthodontic techs design, make, and adjust bands, retainers, and other appliances used to straighten teeth.
Some techs have additional duties, including managing and supervising others. They may also have administrative duties.
NOC Code: 3223