Dental Casts
Examples of casts, with dental restorations of various types made from them, in different stages of completion.
Dental casts are accurate, three-dimensional replicas of a patient’s teeth which are made by pouring dental plaster or acrylic into impressions (imprints, or molds) of the teeth, and allowing it to harden. Dental casts can be created from many types of dental stone, metal or plastic, depending on the intended use and the durability requirements of the cast.
Dental casts are created whenever the dentist needs to study the size and relationship between 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. They are used to make crowns, fixed bridges and dentures. Dental casts are also made when the patient needs an athletic mouthguard, an orthodontic retainer, or fluoride/ tooth whitening trays. If the dentist wishes to communicate with a laboratory about a patient’s teeth, dental casts will be made. They are also a great tool for recording treatment progress.
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