Laboratory Processed Temporaries

Returning to our discussion of material categories that appear on the Rx form, I would like to dicuss the lab processed temporary over the next several blogs.

For most practioners, temporaries fabricated by laboratories are an unnecessary expense that cannot be passed on to the patient. Indeed, there are a wide range of options for in office temporaries. The three general material categories* include
- Bis-Acryl like Protemp by 3M Espe, Integrity by Denstply Caulk, and LuxaTemp by DMG America
- PEMA (polyethyl methacrylate) including Snap by Parkell
- PMMA (polymethyl methacrylate) such as Jet by Lang or CrownTek by GC America

However, for specific cases - especially large pontic spans or long term provisionals that must last three or more months - a lab processed temporary is really an ideal product which can and should be factored into the overall treatment plan price.
Over the next several days, we will discuss the best way to approach the lab processed temporary and what materials should be sent to the lab.

*A very interesting article on this subject was written for JADA by GORDON J. CHRISTENSEN, D.D.S., M.S.D., Ph.D. A link is available below.