Career Explorations - Orthodontic Lab Technician

Warning!
Adult supervision: choking hazards, potential irritants
Please read the procedure before beginning! After reading, please watch the video. Some activities require more time and cleanup than others. You also have the choice of performing these activities in a way that suits your needs.
Not for children under 3 years. Adult supervision required. Follow approved procedures.

Materials

  • Fake Denture
  • Blue Putty
  • White Putty
  • Paper Cup
  • Tablespoon
  • Tongue Depressor
  • Plaster of Paris
  • Foil
  • Paint Set with Brushes
  • Tooth Chest
  • Resin Teeth
  • Treasure Chest
  • Latex Free Gloves
  • Mask
  • Water (not included)

Procedure

  1. Combine the blue putty and white putty by kneading them together for 3-5 minutes. This will be used to make a mold of the teeth.
  2. Divide the putty into 2 pieces—one to make a mold of the denture, and one to make a mold of the individual teeth.
  3. Press the denture into the larger piece of putty. Press the individual teeth into the smaller piece of putty.
  4. Leave the teeth and denture in the putty for 15-30 minutes to set.
  5. Remove the teeth and denture from the putty after it has set.
  6. Put on the mask and gloves to work with the plaster of Paris. The plaster of Paris will be used to make the casts of the teeth. Spread out the foil so that any spills or drips stay on top of the foil—the piece of foil can be thrown away for easy cleanup (do not pour plaster of Paris down the drain or spill on adjacent surfaces).
  7. Place the cup on the foil and add the bag of plaster of Paris to the cup.
  8. Using the tablespoon, add about half a tablespoon of water to the cup.
  9. Stir using the tongue depressor until the mixture is smooth.
  10. Use the tongue depressor to fill the molds with the mixture.
  11. Place the molds to the side to dry. Remove the mask and gloves, and dispose of them along with the cup, tongue depressor, and foil.
  12. After at least 30 minutes, carefully remove the casts from the molds.
  13. Optional: Paint the casts.

 

Science Behind it!

An orthodontist is a type of dentist who is qualified to correct misaligned teeth and jaws. An orthodontic lab technician creates a mold (or impression) of a patient’s teeth, then creates a cast (or 3D replica) of them that is used to design and develop corrective appliances such as retainers, braces, crowns, dentures, etc. which are used to straighten teeth and treat dental irregularities.