Dental Laboratory

The laboratory provides a high quality crown, bridge and implant service both in-house and to external practices. This means that technical support is available on-site, reducing waiting times for patient treatment.

The presence of an on-site laboratory allows the clinicians and technicians to work closely alongside each other. Technicians may meet the patient at an early stage in treatment planning and be involved in the discussion on how to meet the patient's requirements and expectations. Communication continues through the diagnostic process and may involve the production of a diagnostic wax-up or a matrix for the production of a temporary restoration. Once a plan has been made, the technician and clinician will discuss and plan the preparation design. Crucially, the communication continues throughout the manufacture of the restoration so that on delivery the product of team working and good communication can be seen.

The laboratory also regularly uses Denar articulators in their work. Use of a Denar articulator allows the jaw movements to be replicated in the laboratory and the restorations manufactured to the correct occlusal scheme, avoiding interferences and building in the necessary guidance as appropriate. Microscopes are also regularly used in the laboratory, and are used to trim die margins and to check manufacture of the restoration at different stages from wax-up to finishing.

The laboratory often receives visits from patients for on-site shade matching, enabling the teeth to be viewed in a variety of lighting conditions. Digital shade taking is used in conjunction with the trained eye to produce the best possible results. Meeting the patients allows the technician to discuss the various features of the restorations with them. And of course it allows an extremely accurate reproduction of the unique character of their teeth.

Colin, Kerstin and their colleagues also provide an independent service to external dental practices, several of whom they have worked with for many years.

For further information on in-house or external lab work please contact Colin Dale or Kerstin Kaufmann on 01329 226471.