In order to provide a complete experience for our patients we have the services of a modern laboratory on the premises providing high quality work and using the most modern equipment available.
Following the practices policy of metal free dentistry all crown and bridge work is based on the revolutionary material Zirconium for the super-structures of crowns and bridges. This material allows the transition of light and results in an extremely natural looking appearance.
Before teeth are prepared for crowns technician is called in to take before photographs and a colour (or shade) analysis. These are loaded on to the computer for reference during the making of the crown.
The shade determination is done by means of a machine called a shade scan.
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This machine digitally photographs the adjacent teeth to determine the colour saturations and variation and any prevailing translucency present. These characteristics are then built into the crown for a perfect match to the adjacent teeth.
After the preparation of the teeth has been done and the impressions taken, models are cast and prepared for scanning. This too is a very modern CAD-CAM (Computer aided design – computer aided manufactured) technique. The model upon which the crown is to be made is scanned in a three-dimensional scanner and imported to a computer. The technician then designs the super-structure (base support) for the crown.
Once complete the design is then emailed to a CAM (computer aided manufacturing) company where the super-structure is milled out of raw Zirconium and then sintered at high temperature to form a very strong base which will support the porcelain that forms the crown. It is far stronger than metal previously used.
The super-structure is returned to the laboratory where the technician builds the crown. This is done using specially prepared fine grain porcelain powders of varying shades to form the required shading and texture to match the patient’s natural teeth and then fired in a furnace. |
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Using the shade scan pictures and photographs the crown is then shaped to match and then glazed using tints to complete the perfect crown. |
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Should there be any discrepancy in the colour then additional tinting can be done in the chair before the crown is cemented. This is done while the patient waits therefore saving the patient a further visit. |
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Having a laboratory on the premises provides a complete service to the patient whereby the technician is available for consultation in the surgery to assist with planning of all work to be undertaken by the laboratory.
By doing this, it is possible to limit inconvenience to the patient. |
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