Lab Quality Control And Technical Support
Filed under | Technical Tips
At Renstrom Dental Studio quality is our top priority. Over the years in-house procedures have been developed and used to create functional and esthetic dental restorations. A specific process controls each lab department function so that each case meets the doctor’s expectations.
Our team of highly skilled technicians, now larger in size with the addition of Crocus Dental Technology, is trained in using the finest materials allowing for the best results. The staff at Renstrom is dedicated to ensuring that every case moves through each department on schedule and will always make accommodations for an emergency case.
Report cards are sent out with all cases because it is essential for us to know if our lab work is adequate in satisfying the doctor and the patient. Let’s take a closer look at what goes on behind the scenes at Renstrom Dental Studio.
Quality Control
> Case Arrival
When a case arrives at our dental labs it is always carefully unpacked and inspected. All enclosed articles are recorded and information such as the doctor’s name, patient’s name, case number, and appointment date is entered in to the lab management system.
The case is then scheduled to allow the proper work time in each department. Special instructions are noted on the dental prescription and a checklist is sent with the case as it moves throughout the lab.
> Model Work
The model room is a very important department in the dental lab because it serves as the foundation of each restoration. It is where the working model and solid model or models, depending on the doctor’s specifications, are poured and labeled. The multiple models are used to check the contacts and fit of each crown.
The bite is checked for accuracy on models that are equilibrated before restorations are fabricated. The dies are cut and trimmed accordingly before being duplicated.
At Renstrom and Crocus we use the highest grade of stone for our model work so that we can accurately replicate the impression and precision is maximized in later phases of the fabrication.
> Wax/Finish or Scanning
In the waxing/finishing area understructures are designed to allow for adequate porcelain build-up and support. Metal frameworks are waxed, cast, and finished, to create a smooth metal surface for optimal bonding of opaque and porcelain. Waxed frameworks and copings are checked out with the department head before porcelain build so that an optimal design is achieved.
At Renstrom the best cutting edge technologies are used allowing us to accommodate more clinical situations. If the dental restoration is metal free then dental CAD/CAM technology can be used to scan the die and the technician uses tools from the software to design an ideal understructure. The design is then milled in to a coping or framework substructure.
When copings and frameworks return to the dental laboratory, our technicians complete any fitting or finishing necessary to assure that our all-ceramic restorations start with an optimally designed core. This consists of having the proper thickness for porcelain support and also accurate margins.
The contour is designed and checked so it is natural and anatomically correct. Ten power microscopes are used consistently to ensure the proper contour and fit, alleviating the need for the dentist to make adjustments while seating.
> Porcelain
When the crown or bridge reaches the porcelain department it goes through a number of stages. The vita porcelains that are used are minimally abrasive with excellent shade cover producing life like vital esthetics. Different powders including a base, dentin, and enamel are used to replicate the natural dentition and is built up by using a shading and layering technique.
The new Vita 3D shade system can be used to determine the selected shade. This systematic approach clearly defines all the natural tooth shades allowing for an accurate and precise shade that will satisfy the patient.
Each doctor is assigned to one technician in the porcelain department who then does all of that dentist’s porcelain work. This is done to assure consistency and accuracy in every case. It also helps to develop a working relationship and allows for reliable communication between the two.
> Final Check-Out
Each restoration is always carefully examined in each department but the final quality check is the most important before the case is sent out. Rick or Randy, both certified dental technicians, and owners of Renstrom Dental Studio and Crocus Dental Technology laboratories, inspect every case.
Contacts are checked for accuracy on both the solid and working models. The fit is checked on all models and on the duplicate die poured for fit confirmation in the final checkout. Contour is checked on proximal, buccal, and lingual areas.
The shade of the crown is compared with the lab prescription and the shade guide. Permanent instructions and preferences are also verified with the final crafted dental restoration. Cases, if not a rush case, are usually sent out so that they arrive in your dental office at least one day prior to the finish date.
Experienced Technical Support
> Lab Technicians
With the recent Renstrom/Crocus labs merger, there are now a total of 25 highly skilled dental laboratory technicians working in the lab. These individuals have years of experience in dental technology and have continued to expand their knowledge through further training and continuing education courses.
The technicians are always available to answer any questions or assist a doctor with a case. Feedback from the dentists or case report cards is relayed directly to each technician so that changes can be made in the future if needed.
> Lab Representative
The technical representative at the lab is always available to assist the doctors in any way possible. This includes communicating feedback whether it is positive or negative between the dentists and the technicians. At the lab we pride ourselves on having the highest quality dental materials, which is why it is important for our dental lab rep to educate the doctors on new techniques and advancements.
Informing doctors of the latest dental products and materials is another priority as well as just always being available to help with any questions or concerns. Good communication between the dentist and the laboratory helps in allowing us to satisfy both the doctor and the patient, which is why our dental lab rep makes sure it happens.
> Lab Owners
Renstrom Dental Studio is a second-generation laboratory that is owned and operated by Rick and Randy Renstrom. After taking over their father’s legacy in 1987 it is evident now that the tradition of reliability and excellence has been carried on. The lab has taken on new ventures by recently merging with Crocus Dental Technology, which will only allow it to excel even further.
Rick and Randy believe that a patient’s health deserves the best services and products available, which is why they work to provide only top quality restorations. They can be found working in the lab and are always available to take your call. You can feel confident in knowing that Renstrom’s leaders manage every single case!
We encourage you to find out the value our quality control can bring to your dentistry. Renstrom/Crocus dental lab technicians are always improving their skills as well. Therefore, you can expect a high level of aesthetic and restorative lab results.
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