Got Dental Lab Questions? We’ve Got Answers!
We are very deliberate about the materials, processing, and processes used inside our laboratory. Everything we do has been established through a series of trial and error over the years until finding the best way to do things and perfecting our craft. Because we are exclusively removable, we have more practical experience in this area than other full-service labs enabling us to rise above the competition in terms of quality and craftsmanship. This experience has transcended over the years into expertise and we are happy to share it with you. Below is a list of questions that we are frequently asked. We hope these will help you.
How do I send a scan?
We currently accept Trios, Medit and iTero IOS scans. You can connect with us directly through these options by selecting [email protected]. To send us an IOS scan outside of these options, please convert your file to an .STL and email to [email protected]. Click here for more info (click through to scan page).
How many times can you torque a screw into an implant?
The technical answer from Nobel Biocare is “5 times.” While the following explanation is based on the science of Nobel Biocare products, I consider the information a good baseline for all implant systems. Nobel Biocare screws have a coating called “Torque Tight” on the surface of the screw. This material lubricates the internal threads of the implant or abutment to achieve a more true torque. According to Nobel, the 2nd and 3rd torque actually achieve the most accurate torque. The 1st time a screw is torqued, the torque tight coating is just beginning to come off in the threads of the implant or abutment. By the 2nd and 3rd time, there is already some lubrication from the torque tight helping to achieve a more accurate torque. By the 5th torque, too much of the torque tight has come off the screw to be effective. The engineer from Nobel did go on to say that torqueing a screw more than 5 times will not break the screw, it just will not achieve as accurate of a torque. A screw will only break if it is over torqued, not torqued too many times.
Why should I use an exclusively removable lab?
Lab work is a direct reflection on the doctor. It can make the doctor shine or look bad in the eyes of the patient. In any full-service lab, dentures are always an afterthought. They don’t get the attention they deserve and require. We work hard every day to make doing dentures precise, predictable and profitable for our doctors on a consistent basis. We don’t skip steps and we get it right the first time. For combination cases, we are happy to work with any C&B lab of your choice.
Why should I use a technician for an immediate load conversion?
Due to our depth of expertise, our technician understands material limitations and the physics involved in successfully converting a denture that will not break lasting until the implants are healed and ready for final restoration. It is important to make sure that the provisional is contoured properly so it is comfortable for the patient and so it can be easily cleaned because it cannot be removed by the patient. When a patient invests in this complex treatment option, the last thing they want is a broken denture right out of the gate.
How can I speed up the process of making a precise denture?
We have multiple ways of streamlining denture fabrication to cut back on the number of appointments. We are happy to discuss the options with you on the phone in relation to the specific case details. But, one is the use of Staub™ Cranial Technology which allows for final delivery in three appointments. Read More About Staub™ Cranial Technology
What is the difference between a hard and thermoplastic nightguard?
A hard nightguard is fabricated with 100% hard acrylic. A thermoplastic nightguard has a flexible liner that enables the material to flex over the height of contour of the tooth but has a hard occlusal surface. Our feedback from our doctors is that the thermoplastic nightguard is a much more comfortable option for the patient and does not create a pulling sensation on the teeth.
How do I advise my patients to clean their night guards?
For a hard night-guard follow the denture instructions above. For a thermoplastic night guard, simply use a soft toothbrush and water.
How many days for a particular treatment option?
Click here to see our time schedule.
How often should a denture be relined?
Click here to see our time All full and partial dentures should be relined every 2-3 years. The reason is that every patient is different and that bone reabsorbs constantly. With a partial denture, we want to maintain tissue support. As you lose bone under a partial denture saddle, you are creating more torque on the abutment tooth. Rather than waiting until there is a visible gap under the saddle of a partial, we recommend relining every two years as preventative maintenance. As for a full denture, as you lose tissue support due to the bone absorbing, the patient is prone to more sore spots and denture base fractures. Relines also open the door to talking about implant options with your patients. Consider them an opportunity!.
What can the dentist do to help achieve predictable | accurate prosthetic results?
We get asked this a lot and the answer is two-fold. First, an accurate impression is a must. Taking the time upfront to take an accurate impression will save you time, money and frustration later in the treatment plan. We guarantee that our products will fit the model. But if the model is not accurate, it won’t fit the mouth. We recommend the use of a custom tray in conjunction with border molding using either PVS or rubber based material for edentulous cases or the Accu-Dent System II for partials.
