Have you ever wondered how dentists get an exact replica of your teeth? Have you ever walked in your dentist's office and seen sets of fake-looking teeth sitting on a desk? Most likely those were dental models, sometimes called casts or molds.
What is a Dental Model?
Dental models/casts are accurate, three-dimensional replicas of a patient's teeth that are made by pouring dental plaster or acrylic into impressions (imprints, or molds) of the teeth, and allowing it to harden.
Dental models are created whenever the dentist needs to study the size and relationship of the teeth, gums and dental arches. This is the case whenever the dentist is studying a patient's growth and development, or when significant dental treatment is being contemplated.
The dental cast (dental mold or dental model) is the positive reproduction of a patient's teeth and surrounding tissues obtained from a dental impression (which is a negative imprint of teeth and soft tissues).
Dentists and dental assistants often make dental modelsfor various reasons to help assist in determining what if any work needs to be done for the patient. Dental models can be created from many different types of dental stone, metal or plastic, depending on the intended use and the durability requirements of the cast.
"Study models are taken with the intention to capture a true replica of the person's natural oral anatomy. many things in mind. From tiny muscles that attach the lip to the face, to the correct depth of the vestibule as well the teeth. It allows the dentist to view the patient's mouth not just from the frontal view but also by looking into the mouth from inside the head, which tells another story" explains Cynthia Meekins, Concorde Aurora campus Dental Assistant Program Director.
Types of Dental Models
Besides the "working cast" on which the dental restoration is manufactured, other types of casts can be constructed.
- Preliminary cast: is obtained from the preliminary impression and is used to manufacture a custom tray.
- Case study model: is obtained from the case study impression and It is used for observing various existing details prior to tooth preparation. Several study models may be constructed in various stages of the treatment.
- Didactic or documentation cast: is used for presenting various clinical cases at faculties, congresses, scientific studies, forensic documents, etc.
Why make Dental Models
"They (dental models) are very important because impressions are taken to get a better understanding of the structure of your teeth and jaws. They are also used to create your whitening trays, dentures, partials, night guards, fixed bridges, conventional dental crowns along with your orthodontic appliances", says Letitia Smith, Concorde Dallas campus Dental Assistant Program Director.
Simply put Kamika Jackson, Concorde Orlando campus Dental Assistant Program Director, "models are used for the dentist to be able to study the patient's teeth without the patient being present" and "may be used as a way to show the patient their teeth outside of their mouth as a before and after view".
There can be some rare occasions where "The Study Model is a diagnostic tool and a legal tool. In Forensic Dentistry the Study Model can help to identify those who past. Dental models can help solve a murder if the person murdered was bitten by the murder." Meekins explains.
Become a Dental Assistant
As you can see there is a lot more to those teeth sitting around the dentist's office then you would have first thought. They are one of the tools used by dentists to help correct teeth and are used for a variety of reasons.
If you have an interest in learning more about being a dental assistant or other health care programs that Concorde has to offer, reach out to our Admissions office or call us today!
Certainly! I'm an enthusiast and an expert in the field of dentistry with a profound understanding of dental procedures and tools, including the creation and application of dental models.
Dental models, also referred to as casts or molds, are intricate three-dimensional replicas of a patient's teeth. They are crafted by pouring materials like dental plaster or acrylic into impressions of the teeth, which then harden to form an accurate representation of the patient's oral structure.
The process involves taking impressions or molds of the teeth and surrounding tissues. These impressions are negative imprints that capture the intricate details of the teeth and gums. From these negatives, positive dental casts are generated, providing dentists with a tangible replica for various diagnostic, treatment planning, and procedural purposes.
Different types of dental models serve specific functions:
- Working Cast: Utilized for constructing dental restorations like crowns or bridges.
- Preliminary Cast: Derived from preliminary impressions, used to create custom trays for further procedures.
- Case Study Model: Offers insight into existing details before dental procedures, and multiple models may be created at different treatment stages.
- Didactic or Documentation Cast: Primarily used for educational or presentation purposes in scientific studies, forensic documents, etc.
Dental models play a crucial role in dentistry. They aid in understanding the structure of teeth and jaws, facilitate the creation of various dental appliances such as dentures, night guards, whitening trays, and assist in determining treatment plans.
These models aren't just tools for dentists; they serve educational purposes for patients as well. They provide visual aids for dentists to explain procedures, show before-and-after scenarios, and even hold forensic value in cases where dental evidence is necessary for identification or legal matters.
Moreover, these models are integral in the field of Forensic Dentistry, aiding in identifying individuals in cases of fatalities or criminal investigations where bite marks are involved.
In essence, dental models are indispensable in dentistry, offering a comprehensive understanding of oral anatomy, aiding in treatment planning, education, and even serving as critical tools in forensic investigations.
If you're interested in pursuing a career in dental assisting or exploring other healthcare programs, institutions like Concorde offer comprehensive educational paths. Feel free to reach out to admissions offices for further information on dental assistant programs and other healthcare-related opportunities.
