By: Matt Kim.

Dentistry has changed massively over the past few years. Nevertheless, there are a few common problems between dental laboratories and doctors such as occlusion adjustments, cosmetics, functions and shades. Bite is one of the most frequent issues I see as a technician. No matter how many impressions or bite registrations we’ve received from doctors, bite is the most common. Sometimes the doctor will send a case back to us for an adjustment on the occlusion, whether it be either hyper or hypo, because the patient’s bite is totally different intraorally versus what we receive through an impression.

As you can see from the photograph below:

The doctor tried very hard to insert a fixed partial denture.

Unfortunately, the doctor damaged the bridge from the force and has asked us to repair the bridge. After several phone calls, and having discussions about the patient’s bite with doctor, and getting the correct occlusion, it now fits perfectly. The key to this is the open communication and trust between the dental lab and the doctor, and building that reliable relationship, not only for the patients, but for the long term success of the practice and dental lab.