Did you know that some dentists use labs who send their crowns to be made over seas to cut costs? They may also have a less experienced technician fabricate it to save money. This can have a huge impact on the final result and can end in a poor fitting and un-natural looking crown. One of the most important jobs of the lab is to read the margin (the area where the crown will seal the tooth) and then trim the model of the tooth so that the fit of the crown is precise. The technician must be able to do both of these to create a perfectly fitting crown.
The other important job of the lab is to make the restoration have natural contours, textures and colors so that it blends seamlessly with the rest of the teeth and ensures health of the gums. A tooth that is a single color will not look right when put in next to natural teeth which have saturated colors at the gum line and translucency at the edge.
The lab needs to know how to communicate effectively with the dentist to achieve the best result for the patient. This means listening to the dentist, and accurately interpreting the photographs of the patient.
I have been working with Smile Designs by Rego since 2010 and am now working exclusively with this lab. This lab is owned by brothers Nelson and Juan Rego in Santa Fe Springs, California, near Anaheim. Nelson is an accredited member of the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry and Juan is a Fellow member of the Academy, one of only eight lab technicians in the world to achieve this title. Both brothers have had their work approved by the Academy which has the highest judging standards in the world. This lab has proven to me time and time again that quality, fit, and a natural appearance are worth the time and the cost.
I warranty all of my crowns, onlays, and veneers for five years. These restorations typically last well over ten years and can last a lifetime. It is important for patients to understand that all crowns and veneers are not created equal. When my patients receive a crown, onlay, or veneer from Smile Designs by Rego, they are getting the best quality in the world.
You must be logged in to post a comment.