Dental laboratories play an important role in creating custom-made dental restorations and appliances. These items must be carefully designed to fit each patient and work well in the mouth, so the choice of materials is a key part of the process. Dental technicians use a range of specialised materials to ensure strength, comfort, and a natural appearance.
Understanding what materials are used can help give a clearer picture of how dental restorations are made and why they perform the way they do. In this post, we will explore the different types of materials commonly used in dental labs and the purposes they serve.
Metals
Metals have been used by dental labs, including GoDigital Dental, for many years because of their strength and durability. They can withstand the pressure of biting and chewing, making them a reliable choice for long-lasting restorations. Metals are also resistant to wear and do not easily break or crack, which helps maintain their shape over time.
They are often used for restorations that need extra support, such as crowns, bridges, and frameworks for dental implants. In some cases, metals are used on their own, while in others they form a strong base that can be combined with other materials for a more natural look.
Gold, including gold alloys, is a well-known option in dental work. It is valued for its durability, resistance to corrosion, and the way it can be shaped with precision. Titanium is another commonly used metal, particularly in dental implants, as it is strong, lightweight, and works well with the body.
Ceramics
Ceramics are widely used in our work for their aesthetic appearance. They are especially popular for restorations in visible areas of the mouth, such as those replacing missing front teeth, as they are designed to closely match the shade and translucency of patients’ real teeth. As well as their natural look, ceramics are resistant to staining and hold their shape well over time, although they can be more brittle than metals, so careful design and placement are important.
Ceramic materials can be used for restorations like crowns, veneers, inlays, and onlays, where both the look and function matter. It’s also worth taking into account that different types of ceramics offer different benefits, so dental technicians will need to choose the most suitable option for each case.
Zirconia is known for its high strength and durability. It can withstand heavy biting forces, making it suitable for restorations in areas of the mouth that experience greater pressure. It also has a tooth-like colour, although it is often slightly less translucent than other ceramics.
Lithium disilicate is valued for its balance of strength and appearance. It offers a more natural translucency than zirconia, helping restorations blend in with surrounding teeth. At the same time, it is strong enough for many types of crowns and other fixed restorations.
Porcelain is a traditional ceramic material that has long been used for its realistic appearance, and it can be layered and shaped to closely match the appearance of natural enamel, including subtle colour variations. While it offers excellent aesthetics, it is generally weaker than some newer ceramic options.
Feldspar ceramics are often used where a high level of detail and natural appearance is needed. They can be carefully built up in layers to create very realistic results, particularly for front teeth. Although they are not as strong as some other ceramics, they are well-suited to cases where appearance is the main priority.
Hybrid ceramics
Hybrid ceramics are materials made by combining ceramic with a resin-based part. This mix creates a material that has both strength and some flexibility, helping it work differently from traditional ceramic options. Because of this structure, it is less likely to break under pressure and can give a smoother response to biting forces, while still looking natural.
They are often chosen when both durability and aesthetics are important, but a slightly more forgiving material is preferred. Hybrid ceramics can also be worked on with greater ease in some cases, allowing for adjustments during the final stages of production or fitting.
Common uses include crowns, inlays, onlays, and veneers, particularly where a natural look is needed alongside reliable everyday performance.
PMMA
PMMA (polymethyl methacrylate) is a type of acrylic material that is light, low-cost, and easy to shape. This makes it a useful option for a range of uses, especially in digital workflows. PMMA has a smooth surface finish and can be made in tooth-like shades, giving it a natural look when needed. Because it is fairly quick to work with, PMMA is often chosen when speed and flexibility are needed.
It is usually used for temporary restorations, trial smiles, and prototypes, as it allows both the dental professional and the patient to check fit, function, and appearance before a final restoration is made. PMMA can also be used in situations where a short-to medium-term solution is needed while longer-lasting work is being made.
What influences the choice of material for a restoration?
Choosing the right material for a dental restoration depends on several things. Each case is different, so dental professionals and our technicians need to think about both practical and patient-specific needs before making a choice.
One of the main factors is where the restoration is in the mouth. Areas that deal with stronger biting forces may need tougher materials, while more visible areas may need restorations where the focus is more on appearance. The size and type of restoration also matter, as some materials suit certain designs better.
Appearance is another important factor. The chosen material should match the colour and translucency of natural teeth as closely as possible, especially for front teeth. At the same time, strength and resistance to wear must be considered to make sure the restoration lasts.
Patient-related factors, which can include oral habits, bite patterns, and any sensitivities or allergies, can also affect the decision. In addition, the patient’s preferences and expectations, such as how the restoration should look and feel, can guide the final choice.
Finally, practical factors within our dental lab are considered. These include the available technology, the production process, and the time needed to make the restoration.
By balancing all of these factors, dental teams can choose the most suitable material for each individual case.
Making an informed decision about dental lab materials
Dental lab materials play a key role in how restorations look, feel, and perform over time. Each type of material offers its own advantages, and no single option is suitable for every situation. The final choice depends on a careful balance of strength, appearance, function, and the individual patient’s needs.
By understanding the different categories of materials and how they are used, it becomes easier to see why certain options are recommended in specific cases. Dental professionals and technicians at GoDigital Dental work together to select materials that will provide the best possible outcome, both in terms of durability and overall appearance.
Taking the time to consider these factors helps ensure that restorations are not only effective but also comfortable and long-lasting.
FAQs
Does the cost of materials affect which one is chosen?
The cost of materials can affect the choice of a dental restoration, as some materials are more costly than others. However, cost is not the only factor considered, as dental professionals also look at strength, appearance, durability, and the specific needs of each case before making a final decision.
Instead, the aim is to balance cost with clinical performance and long-term value. A lower-cost material may be suitable in some situations, while other cases need higher-cost options for better strength or appearance. The final choice is always based on what gives the most suitable result for the patient’s overall outcome.
How has technology changed dental lab materials over time?
Technology has changed dental lab materials by driving the development of stronger and more advanced options. Older materials have been improved over time to offer better durability, appearance, and performance in the mouth. This means restorations can now look more natural while also lasting longer and handling everyday use more effectively overall.
New research and innovation have also led to the creation of entirely new material types that were not previously available. These materials are designed to combine strength with aesthetics in better ways, giving dental professionals more choices. As a result, materials today are more reliable, versatile, and better suited to modern patient needs.
Will smoking or drinking affect the materials once they have been fitted?
Smoking and drinking can affect dental restoration materials over time, although the level of impact depends on the type of material used. Smoking may cause staining and discolouration, especially on lighter or more natural-looking surfaces. It can also affect the surrounding oral health, which may indirectly influence how well a restoration performs and lasts in the mouth overall.
Alcohol may also contribute to wear in some cases, particularly if it is consumed frequently. Some drinks can increase staining or affect surface shine over time. Good oral hygiene and regular dental check-ups help reduce these effects and support the long-term condition of the restoration.
