Cast Metal Restorations
Consistent quality in less time
As a third-generation dental technician and laboratory owner, I pride myself on being a part of the ever-changing dental laboratory industry. Technological changes occur daily in our field and keeping up with the advancements proves to be difficult at times for smaller laboratories. Our six-person laboratory began its digital journey almost 10 years ago. Since then, we have produced thousands of successful removable cast partials and crown and bridge pieces, all using digital technology from design to production. While we are not limited to only castable restorations, my focus here is on just that.
Our most recent endeavor was a partnership with Keystone Industries, which introduced the KeyPrint 3D printable resins. We design both fixed and removable restorations digitally, but by using these resins, we are able to cast in a shorter amount of time. One of the greatest advantages to this resin system is the ability to use the same investment for both cast partials and cast crowns. By adjusting the special liquid formulation, chrome cobalt, gold, and silver alloys are produced with consistent accuracy and quality.
Once the intraoral scan file is received in our laboratory, our skilled technicians digitally design the case. If a case is received with a traditional impression or model, our technician will scan the case using our systems and begin the design at that point. Typically, design is finished within 20 minutes for a partial and 10 minutes for a crown
After the design is approved and saved, it is brought into our Omega 3D nesting software and released to the Ackurreta Diplo printer. Here is where the time savings really take shape. We nest and print up to 12 partial frames that take less than 40 minutes to complete, on average. The post-cleaning process in isopropyl alcohol is approximately 4 minutes, and the post-light curing stage takes another 4 minutes. At that point, we cut off the supports and check the fit on the 3D printed model. Spruing and investing follow, but they take only a few more minutes.
This 4-hour process yields a finished product that used to take a full day or more. Did you ever imagine such a thing? By utilizing advanced technology, we produce high-quality products with consistent results, every time.
Key Takeaways
› This resin system offers the ability to use the same investment for both cast partials and cast crowns in a shorter amount of time
› With the special liquid formulation, chrome cobalt, gold, and silver alloys are produced with consistent accuracy and quality
› 4-hour process from case design to finished product
Disclaimer: The statements and opinions contained in the preceding material are not of the editors, publisher, or the Editorial Board of Inside Dental Technology.
About the Author
Ken Kincaid, CDT, RG, TE
President
Bismarck Mandan Dental Laboratory, Inc.
Bismarck, ND
Manufacturer Information
Keystone Industries
keystoneindustries.com
800-333-3131
