DEPARTMENT OF PROSTHODONTICS

SRM DENTAL COLLEGE AND HOSPITAL

RAMAPURAM, CHENNAI

SEMINAR

LABORATORY INSTRUMENTS IN PROSTHODONTICS

Date of presentation: 22-03-2023

GUIDED BY PROFESSOR AND HOD

DR. RAMESH REDDY, MDS DR. MUTHUKUMAR MDS

PRESENTED BY

ATHIRA SASIKUMAR

I YEAR PG

Heat sources
BUNSEN BURNER

• Yellow Flame. is also known as a safety flame because it is easy to see in a bright room.

• Blue Flame. This particular flame on a burner can get as hot as 500 degrees.

• Roaring Blue Flame. The hottest setting for Bunsen burner flames is the roaring blue flame.

ALCOHOL TORCH

Produces a needle-point flame with gentle pressure on the weighted plastic bottle.

Dental alcohol torches and lamps use denatured alcohol

SPATULAS

Straight Mixing Spatula

Straight mixing spatula is used for mixing dental plaster and dental stone.

The blade of the metallic spatula is straight with a rounded end.

The handle is made of plastic

Curved Mixing Spatula

Curved mixing spatula is used for mixing alginate.

The blade of the metallic spatula is curved with a rounded end.

The curved helps in the mixing of the alginate material.

Wax Spatula

Wax spatula is an instrument used for carving the molten wax during the wax-up procedures.

Wax spatula has two ends, one end has a broad scoop to take molten wax and the other end has a
pointed end for carving purposes

Mixing bowl -Rubber bowl

A rubber bowl is used to manipulate plaster, stone, and alginate.

It is available in different sizes.

It is made of stiff and flexible rubber.

Prosthodontic knife

Plaster knife

Plaster knife is used in trimming of plaster models.

The blade of the plaster knife is metallic.

The handle is made of plastic.

It can be also used during the manipulation of other gypsum products

Wax knife
It has a knife-like end on one side for cutting wax and the other end has a scoop used for carrying
the molten wax and manipulating curved wax surfaces

Lacron carver

The carver has two ends, one end is a scoop used for scooping out wax and the other end has a
sharp blade end for carving the pattern in wax.

Wax carver is also used in finer manipulation of gypsum products.

Hylin carver

Used for fine trimming of wax

Vehe carver

Double ended

One end- shelf on lingual bands and carving interproximal areas on bridges

Other end carves full cast crowns.

Wax caliper

Stainless steel

Has rounded tip

To measure the accuracy of wax crown pattern

Calibrated in mm and 1/10mm

DAPPEN DISH

Dappen dish is used for mixing small amounts of selfcurved acrylic resin.

It is also used for dispensing small amounts of separating medium like sodium alginate.

CHIP BLOWER

Chip blower is commonly in wax up procedures to direct the flame in the area of the wax that needs
to be softened and polished.

It is a mechanical hand blower

HOT PLATE

Hot plate is used for uniform reduction of occlusion rim.

It has a broad metal plate with a plastic handle.

PORCELAIN CUP WITH LID

A porcelain cup is used for mixing heat cure and self-cure acrylic resin material.

When the polymer and monomer material is shifted into the porcelain cup, the cup is closed with
the lid to prevent the evaporation of the monomer.

Dental flask
Dental flask is used for investing the waxed denture in dental plaster for processing into acrylic
denture.

There are orienting prong in the base and corresponding notches in the base which will help in
assembling the base and the body

GLASS PLATE

A square glass plate is used as a template during the setting of artificial teeth

MACINTOSH SHEET

This is a rubbery material, which is very rigid and is used to keep the surroundings clean from the
work done

Laboratory Handpiece

• Operates at speeds as high as 20,000 rpm.

• Uses laboratory burs.

• Greater torque than that of handpieces used intraorally.

Model trimmer

The three main styles of dental model trimmers are wet, dry and combination trimmers.

10” diameter PSA abrasive disc.

Rigid cutting surface giving flat and smooth finish

Model vibrator

Removes bubbles when pouring gypsum into impressions to make model

Use paper or plastic cover to protect unit from spills

Vaccum machine

 Forms flat plastic sheets into 3D shapes by heating and molding over model of patients teeth

 Also known as vaccum former

 Ideal for bleaching trays, splints, retainers, mouthguards, etc

Dental lathe

 Application like buffing, grinding, polishing etc

 RPM 2800

Vaccum mixer

 It has a digital electric timer, in built oil less vaccum pumps

 Mixing speed from 100 to 500rpm

Plaster dispenser
Stores bulk plaster or gypsum for easy access

Sandblaster

Sandblasting is the process by which particles of an abrasive (usually aluminum oxide) are projected
at high velocity using compressed air in a continuous stream.

Uses fine sand to shape or clean metal appliances.

Hydraulic press

A hydraulic press is useful for the trial and final closure of the flask.

The pressure indicator dial indicates the pressure that is applied.

Microinjection system

Agar mixer

 The agar hydrocolloid duplicating machine liquefies the agar using heat. Rotating blades in
the machine further break up the agar.

Electrolytic Polishing

Electrolytic polishing is not true abrasion. Although the material is removed, it is removed through
an electrochemical process rather than an abrasive process. This is the reverse of electroplating.

The alloy to be polished is made of the anode of an electrolytic cell. As the current is passed, some of
the anodes is dissolved leaving a bright surface.

This is an excellent method for polishing the fitting surface of a

cobalt–chromium alloy denture. So little material is removed,

that the fit of the denture is virtually unaltered.

ELECTRICAL DISCHARGE MACHINING

In 1982, it was introduced into dentistry by Rubeling to fabricate precision attachments.

Electrical discharge machining (EDM), sometimes colloquially also referred to as spark machining,
spark eroding, burning, die sinking, wire burning, or wire erosion.

It is a subtractive manufacturing process whereby a desired shape is obtained using electrical

discharges (sparks).

APPLICATIONS EDM

precise and accurate fabrication of precision attachment removable partial dentures,

fixed-removable implant prostheses,

titanium-ceramic crowns.

By improving the fit, a passive seating of the restoration on the implant is obtained thereby
minimizing stresses to the bone.

WAX ELIMINATION (BURNOUT)

The purpose of burnout is

1. To eliminate the wax (pattern) from the mold.

2. To expand the mold (thermal expansion).

The crucible former is separated from the ring.

If a metallic sprue former is used, it should be removed before burnout.

Burnout is started when the mold is wet.

If burnout has to be delayed the mold is stored in a humidor.

Two-stage burnout and expansion technique

This technique is particularly indicated if the patterns or sprue formers contain plastic. The ring is
placed in a burnout furnace and heated gradually to 400 °C for 20 minutes. Maintain it for 30
minutes. Over the next 30 minutes, the temperature is raised to 700 °C and maintained for a further
30 minutes.

Single-stage burnout and expansion (Rapid technique)

This technique is followed only if patterns and sprues are wax. Place molds directly into the
preheated oven at 700–850 °C. Hold for 30–40 minutes and cast.

The casting should be completed as soon as the ring is ready. If casting is delayed the ring cools and
the investment contracts. The crown becomes smaller.

SPRUE FORMER

A sprue former is made of wax, plastic, or metal. The thickness is in proportion to the wax pattern. A
reservoir is attached to the sprue or the attachment of the sprue to the wax pattern is flared. The
length of the sprue is adjusted so that the wax pattern is approximately 1/4” from the other end of
the ring

FUNCTIONS OF SPRUE FORMER/SPRUE

1. To form a mount for the wax pattern.

2. To create a channel for the elimination of wax during burnout.

3. Forms a channel for entry of molten alloy during casting.

4. Provides a reservoir of molten metal that compensates for alloy shrinkage during
solidification

Vacuum investment mixer

Following hand mixing for 20 seconds,mechanical mixing under vacuum is done for a further 90
seconds

ELECTROPLATING APPARATUS
COMPONENTS OF AN ELECTROPLATING APPARATUS

A typical electroplating unit consists of

Cathode( The impression to be coated).

Anode is the metal to be deposited, i.e. copper or silver.

Anode holder, cathode holder.

Electrolyte is a solution through which the electric current is passed. Ions are deposited from
anode to cathode, e.g. silver cyanide or copper sulfate.

Ammeter register the current in milliamperes (0–500 mA). The current passed is 10 mA per
tooth area, for 12 hours.

Plating tank is made of glass or hard rubber with a well-fitting cover to prevent evaporation.

Temperature 77 to 80 °F (room temperature).

Penetrometers

Vicat needle- It weighs 300 gm and the needle diameter is 1 mm. The time elapsing from the
start of mixing till the needle does not penetrate the bottom of the plaster is the setting time.

Gillmore needles

Two types—small and large

The small Gillmore needle has a 1/4 lb weight and a diameter of 1/12” (2.12mm)

Large Gillmore has a 1 lb wt and diameter of 1/24” (1.06 mm).

Initial Gillmore The time elapsing from the start of mixing until the time when the point of the
1/4 lb Gillmore needle no longer penetrates the surface is the initial setting time

Final Gillmore Similarly the time elapsing from the start of mixing until the point of the 1 lb
Gillmore needle leaves only a barely visible mark on the surface of the set plaster is known as
the final setting time

Static mixing & Dynamic Mechanical Mixing

Static mixing is also known as ‘extrusion mixing, primarily because of its high accuracy and
convenience.

The cartridges are loaded onto this device. A static mixing tip is then attached to the cartridge.
The tip contains helical mixing blades on the inside. Forcing the base and accelerator through
the tip results in its mixing.

Dynamic Mechanical Mixing

Another device is an electrically operated dynamic mechanical mixer (ESPE Pentamix). The base
and catalyst are supplied in large plastic bags which are loaded into the machine. On pressing a
button, the material is mixed and extruded through the tip, directly into the impression tray.

Light curing unit

 The denture base material is adapted to the cast while it is in a plastic state. The denture base
can be polymerized without teeth and used as a baseplate. The teeth are added to the base with
additional material and the anatomy is sculptured while the material is still soft. It is polymerized
in a light chamber (curing unit) with blue light of 400-500 nm from high-intensity quartz -halogen
bulbs. The denture is rotated continuously in the chamber to provide uniform exposure to the
light source

Dental Dewaxing Bath Unit

The latest technique for Dental Dewaxing Bath Unit is by keeping the flask under hot water at a
prescribed temperature for a specific soaking time. The energy consumption is minimum.

The digital temperature control system ensures precision [Link]. is controlled by a hydraulic
thermostat from 5'C above ambient to 100'C with a sensitivity of +-5’C

Dewaxing consist Mechanical Timer can be set 1/2 hour to 2 hours

Surveyor

An instrument used in the construction of a removable partial denture to locate and delineate the
contours and relative positions of abutment teeth and associated structures

Types of Dental Surveyors

1. Ney surveyor

2. Jelenko surveyor

3. Williams surveyor

Parts Of Dental Surveyor

1. Horizontal arm

2. Vertical arm

3. Surveying arm

4. Surveying table

5. Cast holder

6. Surveying tools

1. Surveying platform

• It is a metal plate parallel to the floor where a cast holder can be placed

• It forms the base of surveyor onto which all the other components are attached and supported.

2. Surveying table

(cast holder)

• The cast can be locked in any position on the table with help of a locking device

• The table is attached to the base with help of ball and socket joint facilitate to tilt the
3. Vertical arm

• Arises vertically from the surveying plate form.

• Make a support for horizontal and surveying arm.

4. Horizontal arm

• Extend horizontally from the top of vertical arm.

• Support the surveying arm as it is free end

5. Surveying arm

• It extends vertically from the free end of the horizontal arm, it is parallel to the vertical arm

• The lower end of this arm has a mandrel into which tools used for surveying can be locked.

6. Surveying tools

Carbon markers

It is used for drawing surveying lines which determined the height of the contour of the teeth

Undercut gauges

Undercut gauges are used to measure the depth and the location of the undercuts on the analyzed
tooth in three dimensions.

Stewart states the availability of undercut gauges in three standard sizes, namely 0.010 inch, 0.015
inch and 0.020 inch.

McCracken states the availability of undercut gauge at 0.010, 0.020 and 0.030.

C. Analyzing rod

• It is solid cylinder metal rod.

• It is a first tool to be used during surveying.

• It is used to determine the parallelism of tooth surface.

• Act as like tangent to the convex surface of object being surveyed.

• It helps to analyze the location of height of contours.

. Wax trimmer (knife)

• Used to directly trim the excess wax while surveying the wax patterns.

• Eliminate and block out undercut parallel to path of insertion.

AGAR HYDROCOLLOID DUPLICATING MACHINE

 The Agar hydrocolloid duplicating machine liquefies the agar using heat. Rotating blades in
the machine further break up the agar.

 (B) Duplicating flask (left) with cast inside (right).

 (C) Liquefied agar is poured into the duplicating flask virtually surrounding the cast.
(D) The completed mold

CASTING MACHINE

Based on the method of casting the machines are

1. Centrifugal force type

2. Air pressure-type

Centrifugal machines may be spring-driven or motor-driven. The main advantage of centrifugal

machines is the simplicity of design and operation, with the opportunity to cast both large and small
castings on the same machine.

In the air pressure type of machine, either compressed air or gases like carbon dioxide or nitrogen
can be used to force the molten metal into the mold.

The vacuum creates a negative pressure within the mold, which helps to draw the alloy into the
mold.

Casting machines can also be grouped based on the heating system employed

1. Torch

2. Induction melted

3. Arc melted.

Torch melting

The fuel used is a combination of Natural or artificial gas and air, or Oxygen and acetylene gas (high
fusion alloys

The flame has four zones

Mixing zone

Air and gas are mixed here. No heat is present.

It is dark in color.

Combustion zone

This surrounds the inner zone. It is green in color. It is a zone of partial combustion and has an
oxidizing nature

Reducing zone

It is a blue zone. It is the hottest part of the flame. This zone is used for the fusion of the casting alloy

Oxidizing zone

Outermost zone in which final combustion between the gas and surrounding air occurs. This zone is
not used for fusion.

Induction melting
Induction heating is the process of heating an electrically conducting object (usually a metal) by
electromagnetic induction, where eddy currents are generated within the metal and resistance leads
to Joule heating of the metal.

An induction heater consists of an electromagnet, through which a high-frequency alternating

current (AC) is passed. Induction melting is useful for melting high-fusing alloys like metal-ceramic
and base metal alloys.

Arc melting

Arc melting is used to melt industrial alloys like steel.

Direct current is passed between two electrodes—a tungsten electrode and the alloy.

Arc melting produces very high temperatures and is used to melt high fusion metals like titanium .
Arc melting may be done under vacuum or in an inert atmosphere like argon

CRUCIBLES

The crucible is a heat resistant container in which the alloy is melted prior to casting. Four types of
casting crucibles are available.

These are clay, carbon, quartz and ceramic.

In dentistry, quartz or ceramic crucibles are commonly preferred as some alloys may be sensitive to
carbon contamination. These include palladium-silver and nickel or cobalt based alloys.

ARTICULATOR

It is a mechanical instrument that represents the temporomandibular joints and jaw members, to
which maxillary and mandibular casts may be attached to simulate some or all mandibular
movements

Michigan university classification:

CLASS I- A Class I instrument is a Simple holding instrument that is capable of accepting a single static
relationship. In these articulators, Vertical motion is possible, but only for convenience.

CLASS II- These are instruments that permit horizontal as well as vertical motion but do not orient
the motion to TMJ via a face bow transfer.

CLASS II A: Type A, eccentric motion permitted is based on average or arbitrary values.

Examples of this type of articulator are the Gysi simplex articulator, Grittman.

CLASS II B:

In Class II, Type B an Eccentric motion permitted is based on theories of arbitrary motion. Examples
of this classification of articulators are Monson maxillomandibular articulators

CLASS II C Eccentric motion permitted is determined by the patient using engraving methods.
Examples of these articulatos are Howarth articulator, Dentograph.

CLASS III-These are instruments that simulate condylar pathways using average or mechanical
equivalents for all or part of the motion. These instruments allows joint orientation of the cats via
face bow transfer.

Class III, Type A

are instruments that accept a static protrusive registration and use equivalents for the rest of
motion. Examples are Hanau model H, Dentatus Bergstrom.

Class III, Type B

are instruments that accept static lateral, protrusive registrations and use equivalents for the rest of
motion. Examples are Trubyte articulator, Ney, Kinoscope, Hanau 130-21, Panadent&Stansberry
tripod

Class IV are instruments that will accept 3-dimensional dynamic registrations. These articulators
allow for joint orientation of casts via a face bow transfer.

Class IV, Type A

are the cams representing the condylar paths are formed by registrations engraved by the patient.
Examples of these instruments are TMJ articulator

Class IV, Type B

are instruments that have condylar paths that can be angled and customized either by selection
from a variety of curvatures or by modification or both. Examples of these articulators are Denar
D4A, Denar 5A (current & simulator.).

THREE POINT ARTICULATOR

A. Upper member

• It is a triangular frame with the base of the triangle placed posteriorly.

• The apex of the triangle contains a provision to accommodate the incisal pin.

• Two condylar elements are seen projecting on either side of the base of the triangle.

• They articulate with the condylar guidance of the lower member.

• The maxillary cast is attached to the upper member during articulation. .

Lower member

• L-shaped frame with horizontal and vertical arms.

• The horizontal arm is triangular in shape and corresponds to the upper member.

• The apex of the triangle of the horizontal arm contains the incisal guide table.

• The vertical arm is rectangular containing the condylar guidance slot at the upper position

D. Incisal pin

• It helps to keep a fixed distance between the upper and lower members at the anterior end.

• The vertical rod has a pointed tip, which should rest on the center of the incisal guide table during
articulation.

• The tip of the incisal guide pin is the anterior reference point in this articulator.

• The incisal edge of the maxillary incisors at the midpoint of the occlusal rim should touch the tip of
the incisal pin during articulation.
C. Incisal guide table

• It is defined as ‘that part of the articulator which maintains the incisal guide angle’ GPT.

• The incisal guide table gives the incisal guidance of the articulator.

• It can be described as a very short cylindrical whose upper surface is concave.

• The vertical rod should rest on the center of the incisal guide table during articulation.

• The incisal guide angle is fixed and non-customizable.

Low-speed Handpiece

Design

• Straight in appearance.

• Standard length and “shorty”.

• Speeds range from 10,000 to 30,000 rotations per minute (rpm).

• Powers the rotary instrument in both a forward and a backward motion..

Uses

• Trimming and contouring of temporary crowns.

• Trimming and relining of removable partials and dentures.

• Trimming and contouring of orthodontic appliances.

High-speed Handpiece

Design

• One-piece unit with a slight curve.

• Operated by air pressure.

• Operates at speeds as high as 450,000 rpm.

• Maintains a water-coolant system.

• Friction-grip locking system for rotary instruments.

• Fiberoptic lighting.

PKT carvers

PKT 1

1)Tip – round, curved, and tapered

2)To apply wax to form cusp ridges on the wax pattern and fill voids

3)used for positioning functional and non-functional cusps

4)Useful for large increments of wax

PKT 2
1)One end - round, curved, and tapered

2)Other end - pointed

3) Wax addition instruments

4) Small increment of wax

5)To eliminate voids remaining on the occlusal surface

PKT 3

1)A pointed burnisher

For refining occlusal anatomy

2)Enhance the supplemental and developmental grooves

3)To carve the occlusal surface

PKT 4

1)Carving instrument

2)Designed as an all-purpose carver

3)To define, shape and smoothen external axial surfaces

4)to contour and remove excess wax at the cavo surface margins

PKT 5

1)Wax carvers

2)Used to remove excess wax in the cusp ridges

3)To refine triangular ridges and occlusal grooves

ABRASIVES

Chalk:

white abrasive composed of calcium carbonate.

Used as a mild abrasive paste to polish acrylic resin

Emery:

A natural form of an oxide of aluminum

Greyish- black corundum coated abrasive disks

Greater the content of aluminum- finer the grade of emery

For finishing metal alloys or acrylic resin

Pumice:

Highly silicious material of volcanic origin

finished denture should be polished by intermittently pressing against the rotating rag wheel
Sand:

Predominantly composed of silica

Coated on paper disks

Applied under high pressure to remove refractory investment material.

Grinding of metal alloys and acrylic resin materials

Corundum (white stone):

Mineral form of aluminium oxide

Used in white stone instrument

For grinding metal alloys

Natural diamond:

Superabrasive

Supplied as

a) Bonded abrasive rotary instrument

b) Flexible metal backed abrasive stirps

c) Diamond polishing pastes

Used for ceramic and resin-based composite materials

Garnet:

Dark red, very hard

Silicates of Al, Co, Mg, Fe, Mn

Garnet is coated on paper or glue with glue

For grinding metal alloys and acrylic resin materials

Tripoli

Derived from siliceous sedimentary rock

White/grey/pink/red/yellow

Red and grey types for polishing for metal alloys and some acrylic resins

Zirconium silicate:

Off- white mineral

Ground to various particle size coated abrasive disks and strips

Component of dental prophylaxis paste

Kieselguhr:

Siliceous remains of minute aquatic plants- diatoms

Coarser form

Excellent mild abrasive.

Filler in hydrocolloid impression materials

Rouge

Consist of iron oxide which is the fine red abrasive component

Blended into various soft binders into a cake form

Used to polish high noble metal alloys

Tin oxide:

Extremely fine abrasive

Produces excellent polish of enamel

Polishing agent for polishing teeth and metallic restorations

Mixed with water or glycerine- abrasive paste.

Synthetic diamond:

Used on tooth structures, ceramic materials, and resin-based composite materials

Arkansas stone:

Semitranslucent, light gray siliceous sedimentary rock

Attached to metal shanks and trued to various shapes

For fine grinding of tooth enamel and metal alloys

Quartz:

Very hard colorless and transparent

Crystalline particles are pulverised to form sharp angular particles- coated abrasive discs
Finish metal alloys and grind dental enamel

CAD/CAM systems in dentistry:

Depending on the location of the components of the CAD/CAM systems, in dentistry three different
production concepts are available:

1. Chairside Production/Office-Based Devices

2. Laboratory Production

3. Centralized fabrication in a production center

Laboratory production:

• This variant of production is the equivalent to the traditional working sequence production
between the dentist and the laboratory.

• The dentist sends the impression to laboratory where a master cast is fabricated first.

• The remaining CAD/CAM production steps are carried out completely in the laboratory.

• With the assistance of a scanner, three-dimensional data are produced on the basis of the
master die. These data are processed by means of dental design software

• After the CAD-process the data will be sent to a special milling device that produces the real
geometry in the dental laboratory.

• Finally the exact fit of the framework can be evaluated and, if necessary, corrected on the
basis of the master cast.

• A major advantage is that the final restoration can look exactly like the provisional