Answer :
Final answer:
A dental laboratory technician needs detailed impressions of the teeth, alveolar ridges, cheeks, tongue, and palate for removable prosthodontic appliances, while fixed prostheses require precise impressions of specific teeth and their occlusal relationships. The process of swallowing is also considered during design to ensure proper function.
Explanation:
The dental laboratory technician requires detailed structures from the oral cavity to create both removable and fixed prosthodontic appliances. For a removable prosthodontic appliance like dentures, technicians need accurate impressions of the teeth, alveolar ridges, and the surrounding soft tissues including the cheeks, tongue, and palate. Contrastingly, for a fixed prosthesis such as crowns, bridges, or implants, detailed structures of the specific teeth being restored, along with the precise occlusal relationships with the opposing teeth, and any abutment teeth that support the prosthesis are essential. Fixed prostheses require less extensive impressions of the soft tissue but need a more precise impression of the teeth surface and margins.
The teeth are intricate structures composed of dentin and covered by enamel. The individual needing a prosthesis may have a combination of permanent and deciduous teeth, depending on their age and dental history. Knowing the arrangement, shape, and alignment of these teeth is critical for proper function and aesthetics of the prosthesis. The process of swallowing, facilitated by the tongue and the upper esophageal sphincter, and protected by the epiglottis, is a consideration in designing a comfortable and functional prosthodontic appliance that does not interfere with these mechanisms.
