Dental laboratory and its equipment: tables, materials, instruments

The importance of arrangement in such a matter as opening a dental laboratory is simply impossible to overestimate.

In principle, there can be no petty questions here. Everything - from licensing a dental laboratory to filling with technological equipment will require not only material investments, but also serious, corrosive and detailed study.

The minimum set of tools and equipment required to obtain a license is not only due to the requirements of the Ministry of Health, but also the range of services offered.

Ceramic kilns

The sintering procedure for a porcelain mass with a metal frame is impossible without a special oven.

Dental equipment stores offer devices of various functionalities.

Furnaces of the following manufacturers enjoy a positive reputation on the Russian market: Ugina dentaire (France), Zirkonzahn (Italy), Zubler, Dekema, Mihm Vogt, Vita and Nabertherm - all from Germany, Ivoclar Vivadent (Liechtenstein), Forum (Israel).

It should be noted right away that, perhaps, it is the furnaces that will be included in the line of the most significant costs of all purchased equipment. Their price ranges from 200 to 900 thousand rubles.

What should be considered when choosing such equipment?

The process of creating quality prosthesis very, very complex, ceramics is applied to the frame in layers. Therefore, it is extremely important that at each technological stage the required temperature is strictly maintained, a vacuum is created and switched off, and the degree of rarefaction of the air is controlled.

Decision criteria when purchasing a ceramic kiln:

1. Material to work with. Despite the high cost, the most preferable option is a universal oven, "sharpened" for all types of veneering ceramics used in dentistry, including the latest developments.
2. The presence of a large number of technological programs. The latest models have up to 500 programmable cycles.
3. The presence of a vacuum pump.
4. Built-in device for prolonging the process after a minor power failure.
5. Possibility of compaction (pressing) of inorganic material.
6. Physical dimensions and power consumption of the unit.

Vacuum mixer and vibrating tables

The technological process of manufacturing orthopedic structures involves the use of vacuum mixers and vibrating tables.

The latter serves to compact the investment material and remove (displace) air from it.

A mixer is required to quickly create a uniform molding mass from a variety of materials:

• investment;
• duplicate;
• gypsum;
• stamping;
• silicone.

To form a monostructure, a vacuum is created in the container, due to which microbubbles are not formed and do not get into the base material. The resulting surface is free of pores, sagging, shells and outgrowths.

The average price of a vacuum mixer ranges from 70 to 150 thousand rubles. It all depends on the functional content and placement options (floor, wall).

When choosing a model, it is important to take into account that the devices work in at least three automatic modes:

1. Pre-connection.
2. Mixing.
3. Temporary maintenance of mass in a vacuum environment.

In addition, the following characteristics are important:

1. Programmable timer.
2. Digital display and diagnostics system (type and weight of loaded components).
3. At least two sizes of containers. This is necessary to save expensive materials.
4. Automatic control of the level of rarefaction.
5. A device that allows you to use different mixing modes.
6. Sound indication of the technological process.

These characteristics are possessed by devices from the following manufacturers: Renfert, Bego - Germany, Omec and Saratoga (Italy).

When choosing devices, please note:

1. The vibrating table must have a smooth adjustment of the vibration frequency and amplitude and be securely attached to the surface. For this, powerful rubber suction cups are used.
2. The vacuum mixer must be equipped with a powerful and silent electric drive.

Sandblasting installation

No dental laboratory is complete without sandblasting devices. They are used to process metal frames. The purpose of this procedure is to remove the investment material.

In addition, for better application and subsequent strengthening of the facing material, the surface of the frame is roughened. Sandblasting also copes with this task with ease.

This device consists of a sealed chamber with a manipulation device, a nozzle and a durable glass shield.

A powerful jet of abrasive escaping from a fine nozzle treats the framework, bridge or other dental prosthesis.

After the procedure, the used sand is passed through a fine calibration sieve and sent to a storage tank (hopper). It is compact and easy to detach.

The cleaned and sieved abrasive material can be applied repeatedly. The jet module is charged again through the funnel.

In a set with a sandblaster, as a rule, auxiliary elements are supplied: an integrated range hood and filters, pressure regulating device, lighting fixture, quick change gloves easily removable form.

When choosing a sandblasting device, you need to take into account:

• compressor power;
• compressed air losses;
• type of nozzle and dispenser;
• the mass and size of the abrasive material;
• the level of sand saturation of the air flow;
• the volume of the jet chamber;
• the length of the power wire, weight and geometric parameters of the apparatus.

It will be useful to ask:

1. Is it possible to separately adjust the pressure and the supplied cleaning material.
2. The presence of additional nozzles, as well as the material from which the tip is made.
3. The ability to rotate the head around its axis.

The best brands on the domestic market: Ronvig (Denmark), Bio-Art (Brazil), Renfert (Germany), Aveyron (Russia), UGIN (France), Silfradent (Italy), Spark-Don (Russia).

Price range: from 20 to 90 thousand rubles.

Steam jet unit

The dental laboratory steam jet is one of the top priority devices.

It is used to degrease dental frame blanks under pressure. Without this operation, it is simply impossible to carry out high-quality manufacturing of prostheses.

A good device is one that includes:

1. Auto control of pressure and temperature.
2. Protection and blocking system in case of emergency.

Attention! Degreasing takes place only with distilled water.

Modeling Tool Sets

In this case, modeling tools are used in the design of dental structures, in the installation of plaster and wax casts.

The handle, the shaft part and the working surface, of which any dental instrument actually consists, can be of various shapes. Various materials are used for their manufacture: metal, sturdy wood or plastic.

To increase the service life, the instruments are coated with titanium, Teflon or zirconium.

In high-quality complete sets, there are all the tools at hand for working with various materials.

As a rule, they include:

1. Retractor.
2. Reverse and curved ironer.
3. Spherical and double-sided corkscrews.
4. Various spatulas: trapezoidal, triangular, oblique, diamond-shaped, oval serrated, rectangular, rotating.
5. Spatula knife, etc.

Experts highlight the best tools: 3M ESPE and Ethicon (USA), Kerr (Switzerland), DETAX and HLW (Germany), NSK Nakanishi (Japan), Zhermack (Italy and Germany).

When modeling with wax, an invaluable help in work dental technicians is an electric spatula. It heats the replacement tips to the set temperature. This ensures the quality and precision of the wax processing.

The micrometer is not a modeling instrument, but you cannot do without it. After all, it is precisely designed for ultra-precise measurements in the manufacture and modeling of various orthopedic structures.

Plaster tables and plaster storage bins

When equipping a dental laboratory, it is necessary to provide an isolated room - this will be a room for plastering. Plaster tables are her main equipment. They must be upholstered with galvanized sheets and equipped with technological holes - through them, the spent gypsum is dumped into containers placed under the tables. Further, the disposal of unnecessary orthopedic material takes place.

Hot and cold water must be supplied to the workplace.

It is necessary to take into account the requirements - the runoff of industrial water must fall into the sewage system, having passed through a special sump, where the gypsum suspension settles.

In the same room there should be containers (bunkers) for storing gypsum. They can be made as a floor-standing, table-top or wall-mounted version.

Plaster and water dispensers

The plaster room should contain water and plaster dispensers.

Their purpose is to supply the original components of the required weight and volume.

High precision models such as the Amann Girrbach AG Smartbox X2 provide:

1. Ideal preset dosage of water and plaster.
2. Maximum error not exceeding 1 gram.
3. Each portion prepared is calculated individually.
4. The output properties of gypsum do not change.
5. Suitable for all laboratories.
6. Cleanliness of production and minimum time costs.

Dental presses

The compulsory laboratory kit includes presses.

With their help, exclusive tasks are solved:

• stamping of crowns;
• squeezing the cuvette;
• sealing of flasks.

According to their design, they can be air and hydraulic.

Of course, the most functional are automatic units. In them, the pressing process is fully automated and designed to work with all materials.

In this case, the dental technician has a minimum of responsibilities: preparing the cuvette and evaporating the wax in the wax melter.

Plaster model jaw base trimming device

For the subsequent processing of finished products, which includes trimming, grinding and deburring, special trimmers are used.

Diamond discs, which ensure not only the durability of the devices, but also the accuracy of the cuts, are designed for wet and dry machining of structures.

Most popular brands: Zhermack, Wassermann, Renfert, Omec, Saratoga.

Prices range from 70 to 200 thousand rubles.

The company will gain a significant competitive edge if it purchases a CNC dental milling cutter. But this is possible with serious investments - the minimum price of such a device starts at 2.5 million rubles.

Drilling machine (laser)

The functioning of a high-tech dental laboratory is impossible without the availability of ultra-precise instruments, one of which is a laser drilling device. Such equipment is supplied to the Russian market from Japan, Taiwan, Switzerland, Italy, USA, Germany. Decent models are produced by domestic companies.

These machines are needed when drilling holes for installing pins in plexiglass and plaster.

Technical features that need to be emphasized when choosing:

1. Engine power and speed.
2. Drilling point laser marking.
3. Adjustable hole depth limit.
4. The presence and compactness of a removable waste container.
5. Drilling ring marker.

Occluder, articulator

Within the walls of the dental laboratory, it is unnecessary to talk about the importance of devices such as occluder and articulator.

They are included in the list of current equipment:

1. The articulator simulates lower jaw movement and occlusion (contact) teeth while chewing food.
2. Occluders are used to adjust and fit the teeth in dentures. They mimic the vertical movement of the jaws.

The cost of high-quality devices can reach 200 thousand rubles.

Muffle furnace for melting wax from flasks

The basic dental equipment of the laboratory includes a muffle furnace. It is used for heating, drying and firing of polishers, from which orthopedic structures are made.

The furnaces are equipped with refractory material that is resistant to various mechanical influences.

By the type of loading, the units differ:

1. Horizontal. In this case, the samples are loaded from the front.
2. Circular. Here loading is done from the top.

Parameters to pay attention to when choosing a stove:

1. Maximum heating temperature. The most demanded indicators are from 1 to 1.1 thousand degrees Celsius. However, some materials require higher temperatures - about 1.3 thousand degrees. Therefore, the ovens must be chosen with such parameters.
2. Warm-up time. It should be borne in mind that furnaces with different power will "accelerate" to the desired temperature in different ways. For laboratory equipment, such an important parameter can significantly affect labor productivity.
3. Lining. It is necessary to carefully study the internal fittings (lining) with which this thermal device is lined - when heated to high temperatures, low-quality material can crack and crumble. This will have a decisively negative effect on the quality of the manufactured prostheses.
4. Heating element quality. High power and prohibitive temperatures affect the durability of the heating elements. Frequent failures are followed by forced downtime.
5. Furnace dimensions. In this case, you need to proceed from the volume of the premises and the estimated production capacity.

Polishing machines

For the final processing of dentures, various orthodontic and jaw devices and appliances, a special polishing room with special equipment is allocated.

These devices and devices are based on mechanical and electromechanical principles of processing. They allow you to work with any materials - metals and various polymers.

These devices are supplied to the domestic market from Germany (Bego and Renfert), China (Woodpecker), Italy (Manfredi, Omec), Austria (Amann Girrbach AG), products of Russian manufacturers "Averon" and Sonis.

For some types of delicate procedures, miniature devices equipped with a dental micromotor are required.

Marathon and Micro NX micromotors (Yu. Korea), Bien-Air (Switzerland), NSK Nakanishi (Japan).

The next paragraph is not directly related to the polishing process, but since we are talking about mini-grinders, it is worth adding that the data set drill includes various cutters, nozzles, turbines, handpieces, including carbide milling cutters.

It should be noted that powerful dust collectors must be connected to all polishing units. Moreover, in places where the coating of precious metals is polished, there must be individual systems for collecting microparticles.

Fume cupboards

The market offers a large number of similar devices:

• dental vacuum cleaners;
• cabinets for removal and collection of dry and wet dust;
• special vacuum cleaner for sandblasting devices and dental trimmers;
• local exhaust-neutralizers for gases;
• tabletop exhaust modules for one and two workplaces.

Polymerization equipment

The polymerization room, which is equipped with special devices, is necessary for the preparation polymers for their further molding, pressing and polymerization.

The set of equipment includes:

• equipment tables;
• a device for boiling wax from a cuvette;
• a wax catcher;
• a device for molding various polymers under pressure;
• polymerizer with built-in electric heating device and time relay;
• an investment press;
• sealed containers for the collection of industrial waste;
• ventilation hoods should be installed above each workplace.

Device for laser welding of metal parts of prostheses

Laser welding tools for crowns and bridges are a fundamental breakthrough in orthopedics. Thanks to such devices as Wizard (Italy) or LaserStar T plus (Germany), the traditional welding method has been supplanted and faded into the background.

The advantages of such devices:

1. During welding, the formation of oxides is completely absent.
2. The UV filter completely protects the eyes.
3. Microscope 10x magnification provides unique process control.
4. A two-megapixel camera connected to a computer via a USB port provides filming and archiving of everything that happens in the welding chamber.

Of course, such units are not cheap - somewhere in the region of one million rubles. But the game is worth the candle. All the more so if such a big deal is being started.

Soldering machines

These devices are essential when working with metals, whether precious or baseless. A feature of high-quality models that are presented by European, American manufacturers and developments from southeast Asia, is the lack of technological open fire in them, which cannot be said about the old Soviet equipment.

Advantages over competitors:

1. The maximum temperature (about 1350 ° C) is reached with the unique infrared optics.
2. Perfect focusing and centering of the weld spot.
3. Effective gas and smoke evacuation system.
4. Three-sided protective screen for observing the welding process.

In addition, when working with metal rings and crowns, which are components fixed orthodontic appliances, you will need:

• anvil and hammer;
• scissors for cutting metal;
• set of tools for removing crowns;
• various pliers and nippers for metal;
• bandage tapes.

Plants for casting metal alloys

The dental office cannot even open and start working without a foundry.

In orthopedics, it is used in the manufacture of clasp (a kind of removable structures) and one-piece prostheses. The base material can be ceramics, plastic, various composites with the addition of metal.

The fundamental principle of action is the creation of unique conditions (vacuum and temperature), during which solid materials acquire plastic properties. They are necessary when creating the desired shape of the prosthesis.

The most popular on the market are induction-type installations. The static and centrifugal casting principle used in them significantly improves the quality of casting.

When buying an installation, you should pay attention to the presence of such options:

• electronic control menu;
• self-testing device;
• automatic shutdown when deviating from the set norms.

Heraeus Kulzer, Yeti, Bego and DeguDent (Germany), Daiei Dental (Japan), Ugin (France), Manfredi (Italy), domestic "Averon", "Spark-Don", "Sonis" are those manufacturers whose products correspond to the highest requirements.

Some organizational issues

When preparing for licensing, it is necessary to pay special attention to such an issue as safety in the dental laboratory. And this is not an idle topic. Not only the life and health of the working staff depends on this, but also the clients.

Often, this organizational direction is understood as fire, man-made and electrical safety. In the production process, units and mechanisms will be involved that can not only injure, but also deprive a person of life.

Infection control, as one of the safety elements, also needs to be constantly kept in the sector of attention of specialists.

HIV, tuberculosis, various viral diseases of the respiratory tract and oral cavity are the evil, the potential presence of which should keep the laboratory staff constantly on the alert.

Another important issue is the staff at the reception. It is not so easy to find an intelligent administrator in a dental laboratory. Long legs and attractive appearance immediately become secondary if, when asked by a client about services, a charming creature begins to bear a mind-boggling nonsense.

Is it worth further talking about the authority and image of the institution?

Therefore, staff meeting patients should have minimal knowledge of such areas as dental materials science - a section that studies the materials used in orthopedic dentistry.

The pretentious, meaningful and equally promising name "neodent" - a new tooth, is worn by various domestic specialized institutions.

But to become truly innovators and revolutionaries in this niche of human existence, you need not only to have money, premises and equipment. You need to love people and want to help them - sincerely, from the bottom of your heart.