VTA Dental Lab: Dental crown manufacturer in the U.S.
Dental crown manufacturer is a complex process that involves several steps, from design to the completion of the final restoration product. As a dental crown manufacturer, this process requires a combination of advanced technology and precise techniques to create crowns that are well-fitting, durable, and natural-looking.
The following article will share the process of a dental crown manufacturer and the key steps to ensure perfect, natural results for your patients.
What Is a Dental Crown?
A dental crown (also known as a tooth cap) is a type of dental restoration designed to cover the surface of a damaged or weakened tooth, restoring its function and aesthetics. Crowns can be made from various materials, including metal, porcelain, or other composite materials. This is a common dental solution to protect teeth and improve a patient’s smile.
Dental restorations are performed in a dental laboratory with a team of professional technicians and modern machinery, requiring a meticulous production process.
How Are Dental Crowns Made?
In cases where a tooth is broken or decayed, it needs to be reshaped by removing part of the enamel to create a smaller size so that the crown can fit precisely. In the next stage, there are two options:
The conventional method involves using a silicone impression tray, which the patient bites down on. After a short time, the silicone material hardens and can be removed, forming a 3D mold of the tooth that needs restoration. This impression is then used to create a harder cast model in a positive form for measurement and scanning. The scanned information helps technicians determine the shape of the new tooth to be fabricated.
A more advanced method involves using an intraoral digital scanner to scan the prepared tooth, eliminating the need for traditional impressions. This scanning device has a handheld head similar to a toothbrush and an internal miniature imaging system. The device is connected to a hardware module that powers the scanner and receives the generated digital images. The scanned file can then be used in the laboratory to fabricate the crown.
At the dental lab, the STL file is used in computer-aided design (CAD) software to create the appropriate crown shape, which will be placed over the damaged tooth or used as a replacement for a missing tooth. Once the design is complete, the software converts the CAD file into a CAM (computer-aided manufacturing) file, which is sent to a specialized 5-axis CNC machine.
Crown Manufacturing Process
During the manufacturing process, various machines from different manufacturers are used, each with distinct features that affect the shape of the raw material, cutting tool size, and machining parameters such as cutting speed, feed rate, and material removal rate.
After shaping, the crown undergoes sintering at high temperatures to enhance the material’s strength. This step is particularly important for zirconia and metal crowns, as they need to be fired in a furnace at temperatures exceeding 1,500°C. The sintering process enables crowns to withstand daily chewing forces while minimizing the risk of cracking over time. For porcelain crowns, this stage also helps achieve the desired color and translucency.
To ensure the crown blends with the patient’s natural teeth, technicians proceed with staining and glazing. This step enhances the natural appearance of the crown by adding various shades, creating texture, and polishing the surface. Some high-end manufacturers also use digital shade-matching systems to ensure the crown color is nearly perfect.
Reputable Dental Crown Manufacturer in the U.S.
At VTA Dental Lab, we are a trusted dental crown manufacturer providing full-service dental restorations, making us a reliable partner for clinics across the United States. Our team’s expertise begins with rigorous training and a commitment to utilizing the latest advancements.
Digital crown design offers significant advantages over traditional manufacturing methods by improving accuracy and efficiency. With CAD/CAM technology, uncertainties in the process are eliminated, and the digital workflow minimizes human error. This ensures that inconsistencies and defects do not affect the final restoration.
For professional service and exclusive promotions, contact VTA Dental Lab, a leading dental crown manufacturer, or leave your information in the inquiry form below.