Step 3: Ceramic Dental Laboratory Services
by GoDigital Dental
Taking you behind the scenes of crafting dental restorations of the highest level in our ceramic dental laboratory.
We are now going to take a closer look at what happens when the digital cases move to the ceramics department.
By the time a case reaches the ceramic department, it should have everything that we need to finish the job. This includes a set of digitally printed models, the restoration returned from the company in charge of the milling machines, any implant components if needed, and all case details with notes on where to find more information and photos.
When the ceramic returns, it is marked as “back from manufacture” on the ticket and Labtrac so we can clearly track where the case is.
The work box is then moved to the area where all cases ready for the ceramic finish are kept.
Within the dental industry, ceramists work closely with dentists, using their artistic and technical skills to create dental products, including dental implants and crown and bridge restorations, that look like the patient’s natural teeth and meet all their needs.
The dental technicians' morning huddle
The ceramic dental laboratory team has daily meetings to organise the work and decide which cases each team member will do. This is also when they find out if they need extra help from the CAD team, if CAD has spare capacity.
Liaising with CAD
The ceramic team leader will also talk with the CAD team leader to check if there’s anything important she needs to know. They go over large or complex cases, including ones where the dentist might need to be contacted from a ceramic point of view, or full arch implant cases or long span rehabilitation cases that are going to the final stages.
They also point out any cases with odd-shaped preps that caused problems during design. If a tooth prep is discoloured, the ceramic team leader will help decide on the right material before the case is sent to the milling centre. This is where we can use a block-out liquid with the zirconia framework to block out dark stumps or select an Ivoclar Emax block that will aid the translucencies or block out darker stump shades.
Starting the day's work
When a ceramist picks up a case in the lab, they first read the ticket and IOS sheet. They make sure they have everything they need to begin, including all the correct model parts and implant components (if needed). They also check that everything fits together properly and know where to find any extra information if required.
Polishing and adjustments
All margins are worked on under magnification. The ceramist checks the fit on the model die and polishes the margins to ensure a seamless junction around the prepped margin.
Adjacent contact areas are smoothed over and checked with an 8 micron thickness shimstock. We also use this thickness shimstock to check the occlusal contact points, which will have been designed to keep all excursive movements to a minimum, where the natural bite allows.
Where possible, we will allow for a very slight movement on the biting area, as this will compensate for any scan discrepancies, as well as swelling that happens whilst the patient undergoes any procedure in preparation for their new restoration.
For dental bridges, the ceramist will adjust the soft tissue area on the model to ensure the right amount of pressure has been added from the CAD side. This is to give a little bit of pressure on the soft tissue area, which, in turn, prevents debris from collecting underneath the pontic and causing issues down the line.
Once they are happy with the fit, they check the occlusion and excursive movements to make sure everything functions correctly. The case will have been digitally articulated in CAD, so there are very few cases (if any) where we would need to articulate using an analogue method.
Equipment and digital dentistry technology to complete work
The ceramics department in our dental laboratory uses a range of tools and equipment to help deliver high-quality, accurate, and aesthetically pleasing restorations.
Each item supports a different part of the process, from communication and planning to fine detail work, all to achieve consistent results for dentists and their patients. Key equipment used includes:
Labtrac
Used by technicians for tracking cases, accessing case information, and updating progress throughout the digital workflow.
Small magnifier
Helps when fitting down work, allowing the ceramist to check fine details and margins more precisely.
Large magnifier
Used during the staining, glazing, and build-up process to allow for detailed and accurate work, especially when matching natural tooth features for the best aesthetic results.
Large screen display
Shows shade photos clearly and is used for checking WhatsApp and email messages related to case details, dentist communication, and patient information. When a dentist sends photos for shade-matching, the team needs to have high-definition screens to replicate the fine detail and shade effects.
MIYO nano ceramic system
A specialised nano ceramic system used to achieve lifelike features, colour matching, and surface texture in restorations using ceramic materials. It is also used for micro-layering to achieve the ultimate in translucency on anterior cases.
Other ceramic systems
99% of cases are designed and finished as full contour zirconia and Emax however on the occasions where a case needs to be fully layered we use one of 2 ceramic systems. Ivoclar Emax ceramic or the Noritake CZR ceramic. Both of these ceramics give a superior result.
A detail-oriented job
While much of the smile design work is done earlier in the lab process using the digital impressions provided by the dentist, the ceramists add the final bespoke touches, especially for anterior teeth. They carefully shape and contour the restoration, adding line angles and fine details to make sure it blends in naturally with the patient’s existing teeth. They take great care in their work to ensure the result looks seamless and lifelike.
Ceramists often use photos provided by the dentist to help match the shade and shape of the restoration. In some cases, these photos are essential for achieving an accurate result. All this detailed work is done under magnification, allowing them to focus on the smallest features and produce high-quality, precise results.
What about larger jobs?
A single technician handles large and layered cases, with dedicated time set aside to focus fully on the work. This ensures they can give the case their full attention without distractions, helping to maintain a high standard of quality and detail. We don’t have technicians working on set dentists; all of our technicians are trained to a high standard and produce consistent results throughout their work.
Jenna
Jenna is our Ceramic Team Leader at GoDigital Dental.
A talented ceramicist in her own right, she brings a combination of artistic flair and technical precision to every restoration she creates. With a meticulous approach to shading, layering, and surface characterisation, Jenna ensures that each crown or veneer is both functional and lifelike. Her skill allows us to provide patients with restorations that blend seamlessly with their natural teeth.
Jenna’s dedication goes beyond craftsmanship; she embraces digital workflows and integrates them with traditional ceramic artistry. By combining cutting-edge technology with her eye for aesthetics, she helps us deliver truly exceptional results.
A typical day for Jenna
Once she gets to the lab, Jenna’s tasks for the day will usually involve a combination of the following:
- Assign work to the team during the morning meeting
- Liase with head of CAD/CAM to discuss large or complicated cases
- Picking up her work, reading the ticket and IOS sheet, and double-checking to make sure she has the correct information before starting
- Fit checking and polishing work on a die, and under magnification
- Checking and trimming in contact areas near adjacent teeth
- Contour and add line angles to help restorations blend with natural teeth
- Once completed, checking (and then double checking) that prescription notes have been followed and the correct scan was used
Shade-taking services to provide natural-looking restorations for patients
The ceramic team welcomes clients from local practices into our ceramic dental lab for a shade take. This helps the team ensure that the restoration matches the patient’s natural dentition as closely as possible. We try our very best to mimic what is natural to the best of our ability.
During the visit, they use the Vita shade guide or Vita 3D master shade guide to take an accurate shade and also take a series of photos to assist with colour matching.
In-person visits during the process
When the restoration is nearly finished, the team may ask the patient to return to the lab to check the shade in person. This allows them to make any final adjustments needed to ensure the restoration looks natural and blends perfectly with the patient’s existing teeth.
If there are any small adjustments to be made, the patient is asked to sit with us whilst we make the amendments.
We will also ask the patient if they want to see where their restoration is being made. We often find that a patient won’t realise a dental lab exists until they have to visit one.
GoDigital ceramic dental laboratory: embracing digital dental technology for superior results
At GoDigital, we are committed to advancing digital dentistry by combining many years of expertise with the latest technology to offer a full range of services, allowing both dentists and patients to benefit from the innovative techniques and precise results we take pride in delivering.
As a member of the family of DAMAS-registered dental laboratories, we understand how important quality, aesthetics, and fit are in every restoration, whether it’s a simple crown or a complex dental implant case.
Only the latest technology in our dental lab
We use a full range of advanced dental technology, such as the 3shape TRIOS, one of the major scanners, to handle digital cases efficiently and accurately.
From digital impressions to complex crown and bridge restorations and dental implants, we ensure precision and quality at every step, using high-quality materials including porcelain.
By embracing the future of dentistry, we deliver consistent results that benefit both our clients and their patients.
Dental technicians with the knowledge and expertise to deliver beautiful restorations
Our team of skilled dental technicians brings many years of expertise. We understand the demands of the dental industry and pride ourselves on delivering exceptional service and support to dentists and clinics.
All of our technicians have the knowledge and experience required to craft crowns, bridges, and implant restorations with precision and care.
Start sending us your digital impressions today!
With a focus on continuing education and cutting-edge technology, GoDigital Dental is proud to be a trusted partner for dental practices across the UK and around the world.
If you need a trusted dental laboratory with a passion for excellence, contact us today to learn how we can support your practice and help you embrace digital dentistry and take your practice into the future.
When a technician finishes a piece of work, they carefully check and double-check that all the prescription notes have been followed and that the correct scan has been used.
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CAD/CAM
In CAD/CAM, we focus on the digital heart of laboratory services. Using the latest technology, we scan, design, and mill dental restorations
Next step
Quality Control
The final in the series, where we dive into the all-important quality control and what it entails.
By partnering with GoDigital Dental, you are gaining a team that’s invested in your successful move to digital dentistry. Let us help elevate your practice and deliver outstanding results for your patients.
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GoDigital Dental | Dental Lab
6 Millennium Way West
Nottingham
NG8 6AS