Introduction to Dental Lab Equipment

DA 108 Dental Materials

Safety First!DA must wear safety glasses during these lab

activities:1. operation of rotary equipment

Dental lathe Model trimmer Handpiece

2. using the Bunsen Burner3. chipping plaster or stone from impressions

or models

Model TrimmerTrim excess material

from gypsum or plaster models

Always use safety glasses and protective shield

Always wear lab coat and or lab apron

Gloves should not be worn

Model Trimmer SafetyKeep hands firmly secured against metal base

of model trimmerDo not allow model to lift off base of trimmerKeep fingers away from wheel. Pay close

attention to where your hands are!Keep eyes on model to prevent over-trimmingFlush with clear water when finished with

trimmer

Model VibratorRemoves bubbles

when pouring gypsum into impressions to make model

Use paper or plastic cover to protect unit from spills

Vacuum MachineForms flat plastic

sheets into 3-dimensional shapes by heating and molding over model of patient’s teeth

Stay nearby while machine is heating up

AKA Vacuformer

Burners and TorchesWarm or soften waxHeat solutions and

dental materialsTurn off immediately

after use; do not leave unattended

Tie hair away from face

Alcohol torch has similar uses

Bunsen Burner

Alcohol torch

Dental LathePolish dentures,

crowns, bridges, inlays

Right/Left chuckKeep plastic shield

down for safetyUse pumice slurry

for polishingNew pumice for

each use

Vacuum Mixing MachineAutomatically mixes

stone and plasterCreates smooth

surfaces on models

Dental EnginesHolds burs and

wheels when trimming or polishing appliances in the dental lab

Dremel Tool used in class lab

Plaster/Gypsum BinsStores bulk plaster

or gypsum for easy access

We use smaller labeled canisters in class

ArticulatorHinged metal device

that imitates the movement of the jaw

Patient’s models are attached to simulate jaw movements and dental occlusion

Dental Lab BenchCounters where lab

technicians can sit and work

Some include storage areas

SandblasterUses fine sand to

shape or clean metal appliances

Ventilated area, or suction

Micro-etcher, used in mouth; requires safety glasses and mask

Patient wears glasses also

Waxing unitKeeps dental wax

meltedHOT: use caution

Lab SpatulasUsed to mix lab

materialsVariety of sizesFlexible or stiffSpecific to dental

material mixed

Wax SpatulasUsed to carve and

shape wax itemsVarious sizes and

shapes

Lab KnivesUsed to cut various

lab materialsMany sizes and

shapes

Shears or NippersUsed to trim waxes,

plastic sheets, other items

Act like heavy-duty scissors

Rubber BowlsUsed to hold

materials as they are mixed

FlexibleSized according to

amount of material

Acrylic bowl

Alginate Bowls

More on bowlsAlways disinfect alginate bowl after

taking impressions on human.Not necessary when working on

typodont