Frequently asked questions
Questions & answers on
dental technology and restorations
Here we answer the questions most often put to our dental laboratory in Heppenheim on the Bergstrasse â for patients, for dental practices and for anyone interested in digital dental technology.
General questions Digital dental technology Working with dentists Regional questions
1. General questions (patients)
Fundamentals & range of services
What services does Heinzmann-Zahntechnik offer?
Heinzmann-Zahntechnik produces fixed and removable restorations: crowns, bridges, implant prosthetics, all-ceramic work, zirconia and dentures. In addition there is splint and functional therapy, dental technical support for dental laboratories, and specialised solutions for veterinary medicine. Everything is produced in our master laboratory in Heppenheim on the Bergstrasse â digitally manufactured and finished with precise handwork.
What types of dental restoration are there?
Depending on the requirement, various restorations may be considered, including crowns, bridges, implant-supported restorations, veneers, inlays, onlays as well as partial and complete dentures. Functional splints, bite splints and sports splints for competitive athletes are also part of the range. Which solution is suitable is decided individually by the treating dental practice.
What does a dental laboratory do?
A dental laboratory produces individual restorations to the specifications of the treating dental practice â including crowns, bridges, implant restorations, dentures and splints. In doing so, Heinzmann-Zahntechnik combines modern digital manufacturing with precise handwork in order to produce functional, aesthetic and accurately fitting restorations for practices in the district of Bergstrasse and the Rhine-Main and Rhine-Neckar regions.
What is the difference between a dentist and a dental laboratory?
The dental practice diagnoses, treats and fits the restoration in the mouth. A dental laboratory such as Heinzmann-Zahntechnik produces that restoration individually to the specifications of the treating dentist. The two work closely together so that the fit, function and aesthetics of the finished restoration are optimally coordinated.
What does a dental technician do?
Dental technicians produce, repair and optimise individual restorations. They combine craft skill with state-of-the-art digital dental technology â from computer-aided design through to the fine finishing of shape, surface and colour. At Heinzmann-Zahntechnik, Master Dental Technician Oliver Heinzmann supervises every case personally.
What is a master laboratory?
A master laboratory is run by a master dental technician and stands for certified professional competence, quality and craft standards. At Heinzmann-Zahntechnik, Master Dental Technician Oliver Heinzmann (master craftsman's certificate, 2000) supervises and produces every patient case personally. The laboratory in Heppenheim has existed since 1968 and is run in its second generation.
Does a dental laboratory work directly with patients?
Heinzmann-Zahntechnik works primarily in close cooperation with dental practices. In agreement with the practice, however, individual steps such as bespoke shade taking or specific consultations are also possible directly in the laboratory or at the practice. The dental treatment itself is always carried out by the dental practice.
Who does Heinzmann-Zahntechnik work for?
Heinzmann-Zahntechnik is a reliable partner for dental practices in the district of Bergstrasse and the wider region â from Bensheim and Weinheim to Darmstadt, Mannheim and Heidelberg. The laboratory also supports dental and in-house practice laboratories as well as a veterinary clinic in producing high-quality dental technical restorations for animal patients.
Why choose Heinzmann-Zahntechnik?
Heinzmann-Zahntechnik combines over 50 years of experience, modern digital dental technology and precise handwork. Dental practices and patients benefit from a high degree of accuracy of fit, efficient manufacturing and natural aesthetics. As a master-run laboratory in Heppenheim, short distances within the region and personal professional support on every case are central to how we work.
Why is precision so important in dental technology?
A high degree of precision improves the accuracy of fit, function, comfort and durability of a restoration. Even the smallest deviations can affect fit and occlusion. That is why digital measurement and experienced manual inspection work hand in hand at Heinzmann-Zahntechnik â every piece of work is carefully checked before it is delivered to the dental practice.
How is the quality of a restoration ensured?
At Heinzmann-Zahntechnik, every piece of dental technical work is carefully checked for accuracy of fit, function and aesthetics before it leaves the workshop. Digital measurement and experienced manual inspection work hand in hand. This is how we ensure that the restoration can be fitted reliably at the dental practice without reworking.
How long does it take to produce a restoration?
Manufacturing time depends on the type and scope of the dental technical work. Thanks to consistently digital processes, Heinzmann-Zahntechnik produces many restorations efficiently and within a short time. In urgent cases, accelerated express work is also possible by individual arrangement with the dental practice.
Materials
Which materials does Heinzmann-Zahntechnik process?
Heinzmann-Zahntechnik processes exclusively tested, MDR-compliant materials: zirconium dioxide (ZrOâ), all-ceramic, titanium, non-precious alloys, veneering ceramic as well as polymers such as PMMA and PEEK. Which material is used depends on the particular indication and is determined together with the dental practice. The result is biocompatible, durable dental work.
What is the difference between zirconia and all-ceramic?
Zirconium oxide is a particularly stable high-performance ceramic and is suitable even for heavily loaded areas. âAll-ceramicâ additionally covers various ceramic materials with very high aesthetics â such as lithium disilicate (e.max) or feldspathic ceramic. Which material is suitable depends on position, load and aesthetic requirements and is agreed individually.
Is zirconia metal-free and suitable for people with allergies?
Zirconium oxide is metal-free, highly biocompatible and aesthetically high-grade â making it a suitable option for many patients, including those with metal intolerances. Besides zirconium oxide, all-ceramic materials and high-performance polymers are also metal-free. Whether zirconia or a metallic material makes more sense depends on the individual restoration.
Why is all-ceramic particularly aesthetic?
All-ceramic has a natural translucency and therefore comes especially close to the appearance of real teeth. Combined with individual characterisation by Heinzmann-Zahntechnik, it is possible to produce restorations that blend harmoniously into the natural dentition in shape, colour and light behaviour.
Aesthetic restorations
What are veneers and when do they make sense?
Veneers are thin ceramic shells that are permanently bonded to the front surface of the tooth in order to improve shape and colour. They are particularly suitable for the aesthetic correction of discoloured, slightly damaged or irregularly shaped anterior teeth. Whether veneers are suitable is decided by the treating dental practice together with the laboratory.
How do veneers and crowns differ?
Veneers predominantly cover the front of the tooth and require only minimal removal of substance. Crowns, by contrast, enclose the entire tooth and are used when it is more severely damaged. Which solution is suitable depends on the condition of the tooth and is determined individually.
How natural does a modern restoration look?
Modern materials and digital manufacturing make it possible to produce restorations that come very close to natural teeth in shape, colour and light behaviour. At Heinzmann-Zahntechnik the individual characterisation is carried out in careful handwork. The result is a harmonious, aesthetic overall appearance that blends unobtrusively into the existing dentition.
How is the tooth shade determined?
The tooth shade is matched individually to the natural teeth and to personal preferences. It is determined using classic shade guides or digital methods â agreed between the dental practice and the dental laboratory. Where required, Heinzmann-Zahntechnik carries out bespoke shade taking in close cooperation with the practice.
Implant-supported restorations
What are implant-supported restorations and what are their advantages?
Implant-supported restorations are attached to artificial tooth roots â the implants. They offer a high level of comfort, a natural chewing function and stable retention. A further advantage: adjacent teeth usually do not need to be prepared and are therefore preserved. Heinzmann-Zahntechnik produces the matching prosthetic restoration precisely to the practice's specifications.
Which materials are suitable for implant prosthetics?
Depending on the indication, zirconium oxide, all-ceramic, titanium and high-quality polymers are used. The choice of material depends on position, load and aesthetic requirements. Heinzmann-Zahntechnik is a founding member of the ProFor network for implant prosthetics and agrees the appropriate solution closely with the treating dental practice.
How long do implant-supported restorations last?
With good oral hygiene and regular check-ups, implant-supported restorations can function reliably for many years or even decades. What matters is careful maintenance, stable healing of the implant and regular monitoring by the dental practice.
What happens if an implant crown becomes loose?
If an implant crown becomes loose, the treating dental practice should be consulted promptly. In many cases the restoration can be checked and securely reattached. Please do not repair the crown yourself â the practice and the dental laboratory assess together which measure makes sense.
Splints & functional therapy
What is a grinding or bite splint and when is one needed?
A grinding splint protects the teeth and temporomandibular joints from the consequences of nocturnal tooth grinding; a bite splint relieves the masticatory muscles and can reduce functional complaints. Such splints are frequently used for bruxism, temporomandibular joint complaints or functional disorders, and are produced individually by Heinzmann-Zahntechnik from an impression or digital scan data.
What is a DIR® splint?
The DIR® System is an instrumental, computer-aided measurement procedure. Both condyles of the mandible are brought into their physiologically optimal position within the temporomandibular joints. The DIR® splint transfers this optimised joint position to the dental arches. Heinzmann-Zahntechnik is a certified DIR® specialist laboratory and produces these splints following precise functional measurement.
How does a DIR® splint differ from a standard insurance splint?
Splints covered by statutory health insurance are oriented predominantly to the dental arches and work well as primary splint therapy for short-term relief of symptoms. The DIR® splint, by contrast, takes the position of the temporomandibular joints into account and can therefore address functional misalignments within the system. Which splint is suitable is decided by the treating practice.
What is a sports splint and what is it good for?
A sports splint is adapted to the physiologically favourable position of the temporomandibular joint. The aim is to support muscular coordination throughout the body. Many athletes use such splints in order to promote their performance and reduce the risk of injury. Heinzmann-Zahntechnik produces individual sports splints in coordination with the practice.
How do you clean a dental splint?
Clean your splint daily with water, a soft toothbrush and suitable cleaning agents â following the recommendations of your dental practice. You should avoid aggressive agents or hot water, as these can damage the material. This keeps the splint hygienic and dimensionally stable for a long time.
Dentures
What types of denture are there and how do they differ?
There are partial dentures, complete dentures and implant-supported dentures. Partial dentures replace individual missing teeth, while complete dentures restore a fully edentulous jaw. Implant-supported dentures offer particularly firm retention. Which solution is suitable is decided by the treating dental practice; Heinzmann-Zahntechnik produces the matching restoration individually.
How do you care for and check a denture?
Clean your denture daily and have it checked regularly at the dental practice â at least once a year or as they recommend. Professional cleaning by the dental technician noticeably increases durability and comfort. If retention deteriorates, a reline can restore the fit.
Repair & durability
Can a restoration be repaired, or does it have to be remade?
Many crowns, bridges, dentures and splints can be repaired or adjusted â starting again from scratch is often unnecessary. Whether a repair makes sense and is possible is assessed jointly by the dental practice and Heinzmann-Zahntechnik. The time required depends on the type and extent of the damage.
What should I do if a denture breaks?
Please do not repair a broken denture yourself and do not use household adhesive â this can permanently damage the material and the fit. Contact your dental practice. Where necessary, they will forward the denture to Heinzmann-Zahntechnik, where it will be professionally repaired.
How long does a high-quality restoration last?
Durability depends on the material, oral hygiene, chewing load and regular check-ups â less on the material alone. With good care, a high-quality restoration can function reliably for many years or even decades. Regular check-ups at the dental practice and good oral hygiene are decisive.
How do I care for my restoration properly?
A restoration should be cared for just as carefully as natural teeth. Regular brushing, cleaning between the teeth as well as check-up appointments and professional cleaning all contribute significantly to a long service life. Good care at home protects both the restoration and the remaining natural teeth.
2. Digital dental technology
Does Heinzmann-Zahntechnik work digitally?
Yes. Heinzmann-Zahntechnik is a digital dental laboratory and relies on intraoral and model scanners, CAD software and computer-aided manufacturing with CNC milling technology and 3D printing. The digital planning is complemented by experienced dental technical handwork. The result is precise, reproducible dental work for practices in the district of Bergstrasse and the wider region.
What does digital dental technology mean?
Digital dental technology uses modern scanners, CAD software and computer-controlled manufacturing in order to produce restorations precisely and efficiently. The digital planning is complemented by the craft experience of qualified dental technicians. At Heinzmann-Zahntechnik, the digital workflow and manual finishing work together on every case.
How does CAD/CAM work?
CAD/CAM stands for computer-aided design (CAD) and computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) of individual restorations. Following a digital scan, the restoration is designed on the computer and then produced using high-precision milling machines or 3D printing. The result is accurately fitting, reproducible, high-quality work.
What are the advantages of digitally manufactured restorations?
Digital manufacturing enables high precision, excellent accuracy of fit and reproducible quality. High-quality materials can be processed efficiently and individual aesthetic requirements implemented optimally. For dental practices this means predictable processes and reliable results â a central advantage of the digital way of working at Heinzmann-Zahntechnik.
What are the advantages of an intraoral scan?
An intraoral scan captures the teeth without contact and in many cases replaces the conventional impression. This increases patient comfort and provides Heinzmann-Zahntechnik with precise digital data for further processing. The scan can be transferred directly into the digital manufacturing process.
How does a 3D scanner work in a dental laboratory?
A 3D scanner digitises plaster models or impressions and creates a precise digital model from them. At Heinzmann-Zahntechnik this serves as the basis for the computer-aided design and manufacture of the restoration. Impressions produced by analogue means can therefore be transferred seamlessly into the digital workflow.
Do you use 3D printing processes?
Yes. Depending on the indication, Heinzmann-Zahntechnik uses modern 3D printing processes, for example for models, certain restorations or splints. Eight 3D printing systems complement the milling technology and extend the possibilities of digital manufacturing â for efficient processes and accurately fitting results.
How secure is digital scan data?
At Heinzmann-Zahntechnik, digital scan data is processed in accordance with applicable data protection and security standards. Transmission takes place via the protected portals of the scanner manufacturers, so that patient data is exchanged securely between the dental practice and the laboratory. Data protection and confidentiality are a priority throughout.
Why does handwork still matter in a digital world?
Even in a digital laboratory, the individual finishing â surface design, characterisation and fine adjustment of colour â is carried out in careful handwork. It is this dental technical skill that gives a restoration a natural result. Heinzmann-Zahntechnik therefore deliberately combines digital precision with experienced manual finishing.
3. Working with dentists
How does collaboration with a dental practice work?
Heinzmann-Zahntechnik works closely with dentists. From planning and material selection through to completion there is continuous professional exchange â on site or digitally. This ensures the optimal restoration for every patient. Short distances within the region support smooth coordination.
How do I send digital scan data to the laboratory?
Data transfer is secure and seamless via MY ITERO, DS CORE or MEDIT LINK â directly into our laboratory. Heinzmann-Zahntechnik also processes open data sets (e.g. STL) from a range of common intraoral scanners. If you have questions about compatibility, we are happy to support your practice personally.
Do you also work for other dental laboratories?
Yes. Heinzmann-Zahntechnik supports dental and in-house practice laboratories with precise milling and printing support, semi-finished parts and flexible capacity during bottlenecks â reliably and in master-supervised quality. This makes it possible to absorb order peaks without practices and laboratories having to compromise on quality.
Does Heinzmann-Zahntechnik support complex cases?
Yes. Particularly with demanding prosthetic or implantological restorations, Heinzmann-Zahntechnik accompanies planning and implementation with professional expertise, modern digital technology and many years of experience. As a DIR® and ProFor partner, the laboratory also provides advice on complex functional questions.
Does Heinzmann-Zahntechnik support chairside workflows?
Yes. Digital scan data from the practice can be transferred efficiently into the dental technical manufacturing process. Heinzmann-Zahntechnik thus combines chairside-captured data with laboratory-side precision and finishing â for restorations that are both quickly available and of high craft quality.
Is personal consultation possible?
Yes. Heinzmann-Zahntechnik places great value on personal exchange with dentists, practice teams and patients. The laboratory also provides advice on complex questions â by telephone, digitally via live video link or directly on site at the master laboratory in Heppenheim.
Is shade taking carried out directly in the laboratory?
Yes, where required. Bespoke shade taking can be carried out in close coordination with the dental practice â in the laboratory or at the practice. Particularly with aesthetically demanding anterior restorations, personal shade taking by Heinzmann-Zahntechnik ensures a particularly natural result.
Do you offer express work?
Yes. For urgent restorations Heinzmann-Zahntechnik supports the dental practice with accelerated manufacturing by individual arrangement. Thanks to consistently digital processes, many jobs can be completed at short notice without compromising the master-supervised quality you are used to.
Is there a collection and delivery service?
Yes. As a rule, the Heinzmann-Zahntechnik courier service collects and delivers work within a radius of up to 150 kilometres â in person and reliably. Over greater distances we ship throughout Germany via shipping providers such as UPS. Dental practices can obtain details directly from the laboratory.
Do you also offer dental technology for animals?
Yes. For animal patients Heinzmann-Zahntechnik produces crowns and specialised orthodontic solutions, for example for functional or traumatic dental problems in dogs. This work is carried out in close collaboration with specialised veterinary clinics â see our page on veterinary dental technology for details.
4. Regional questions
Where is the laboratory located and which area do you supply?
Our dental laboratory is in the old town of Heppenheim on the Bergstrasse. We supply dental practices and laboratories throughout the district of Bergstrasse (including Bensheim, Lorsch, Zwingenberg and Weinheim) and within 150 km using our own courier service â among them Darmstadt, Frankfurt, Mannheim and Heidelberg in the Rhine-Main and Rhine-Neckar areas. Beyond that we ship throughout Germany.
Which dental laboratory is there in the district of Bergstrasse?
Heinzmann-Zahntechnik is a modern, master-run dental laboratory in the district of Bergstrasse, based in Heppenheim. It has existed since 1968 and works with dentists from the region and beyond â from Bensheim and Weinheim into the Rhine-Main and Rhine-Neckar areas.
Does Heinzmann-Zahntechnik work with dentists from the region?
Yes. Heinzmann-Zahntechnik works in partnership with dental practices from the district of Bergstrasse and the surrounding regions â for example in southern Hesse, the Rhine-Neckar area and Baden. Short distances and our own courier service ensure fast, personal and reliable collaboration.
Which dental laboratory produces high-quality restorations using digital scanners and zirconia?
Heinzmann-Zahntechnik in Heppenheim on the Bergstrasse combines modern digital manufacturing with precise handwork. The laboratory processes scan data from common intraoral scanners and produces high-quality restorations from zirconia, all-ceramic and other modern dental materials â for practices in the region and throughout Germany.
What are the advantages of restorations made in Germany or in the region?
Regionally produced restorations âMade in Germanyâ allow short lines of communication, close collaboration with the dental practice and reliable quality control. At Heinzmann-Zahntechnik every piece of work is produced in the master laboratory in Heppenheim â transparently, traceably and without long transport routes abroad.
Your question was not among them? We are happy to advise you personally â by telephone, by email or directly at the laboratory in Heppenheim.
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