GoDigital Dental Laboratory craft custom designed dental appliances to meet individual patient needs.
The collaboration between skilled RDTs (Registered Dental Technicians), dentists, and the wider dental team blends artistry with advanced technology. The goal remains the same for all: go the extra mile to provide patients with superior-quality dental products.
In the UK, the demand for high standards from the dental industry is ever-growing. These days, patients expect excellent results and a personalised experience. Here’s how a dental laboratory works closely with dental practices to help deliver specifically designed care for each patient.
What is a dental laboratory?
A dental laboratory is a specialised facility where skilled GDC registered dental technicians craft custom dental appliances and restorations based on a prescription provided by dentists.
Dental laboratory services are integral to patient care, with each restoration designed to meet the exact needs of the patient. Technology and precision materials, combined with the technicians’ knowledge, are essential to ensure a perfect fit and functionality.
Dental laboratories craft a wide range of restorations, from crown and bridge work to the latest in dental implants and implant planning. Restorations are made using digital dentistry techniques, including intraoral scanners, which capture precise digital impressions for accuracy.
The process of collaboration: from practice to laboratory
Making restorations takes a multi-step process to achieve the very best results for patients. By embracing a digital workflow, the process has become more efficient, streamlined, and precise, delivering faster and more accurate results.
Initial consultation
This unique personalised service and collaboration begins with the dentist consulting with the patient to determine their needs. They will assess the patient’s requirements, whether it’s for implants, crowns, or bridges, and create a treatment plan for an individual patient which will then be prescribed for and delivered to the dental laboratory.
Plan and specification from the dentist
The dentist provides a detailed prescription , ensuring that the dental laboratory is given all the necessary information to create the restoration or appliance. This includes details such as shade, material preferences, and specific functional requirements for the restoration.
Digital and physical impressions: How they are used
In embracing modern digital dentistry, many practices use intraoral scanners to take digital impressions. These highly accurate impressions are sent directly to the dental lab. This method ensures greater precision and enhances the fit of dental appliances. It also doesn’t need moulds or putty, which many people find uncomfortable.
Creating custom dental restorations
The dental laboratory is responsible for crafting restorations that are both functional and aesthetic. The use of advanced technology and high-quality materials during lab work ensures that each restoration fits the unique needs of the patient.
The process of crafting crowns, bridges, and implants
Design: Dental technicians use CAD/CAM systems to design the restoration based on the provided impressions and plans.
Material selection: What the restorations are made of matters. High-grade ceramics, zirconia, and metal alloys are chosen for their strength and appearance. The precision with which the dental technicians work ensures that the restorations provide the best possible function and appearance.
Crafting the restoration: The dental laboratory fabricates the crown, bridge, or implant using advanced technology, precision equipment, and skilled craftsmanship.
How laboratories ensure a perfect fit for the patient
Dental laboratories rely on a quality management system that ensures every product meets high standards. The use of the latest technology and careful attention to detail by GDC registered dental technicians guarantees a precise fit for the patient’s dental restoration.
Final steps and patient care
Once the restorations are complete, the dental laboratory sends them to the dental practice for fitting. The final step involves the dentist ensuring the patient is fully satisfied with the restoration and making any necessary adjustments for comfort and fit.
The delivery and fitting process in the dental practice
The dentist receives the completed restoration from the dental lab and schedules a fitting appointment. At the appointment, the dentist ensures that the crown, bridge, or implant fits and functions as intended, and that the patient is happy with its appearance.
Adjustments and follow-ups for patient comfort
After fitting, there may be a need for slight adjustments to ensure patient comfort and function. The dentist and dental technician work together to make any necessary modifications, ensuring the patient’s satisfaction with the final result.
Ensuring long-term success with patient feedback
After the restoration is delivered, the dentist follows up with the patient to ensure the restoration is working well and is still comfortable. This feedback helps both the dental laboratory and the practice to continuously improve services, ensuring long-term success for the patient.
GoDigital Dental: Digital dentistry for forward-thinking practices
Why choose digital dentistry?
Digital dentistry has revolutionised the way dental professionals approach patient care. With GoDigital Dental, practices can access the latest technology to improve accuracy, efficiency, and patient experience.
Digital impressions, crafted with intraoral scanners, eliminate the need for traditional impressions, offering a more comfortable experience for patients.
The use of digital workflow ensures more precision for your restorations, and collaborative, real-time support from GDC registered dental technicians helps ensure precision at every step.
Working with GoDigital Dental
At GoDigital Dental, we provide a unique personalised service that supports dentists with digital solutions for crowns, bridges, and implants. Whether you’re interested in digital impressions or exploring implant-based solutions, we offer continuous support through each stage of the process.
With our advanced digital workflow, you’ll benefit from faster production times, improved quality, and a smoother experience for both you and your patients.
Explore our services and see how GoDigital Dental can assist your practice today!
