Dental equipment manufacturing materials (NAICS #339114) for dental restorations, dental prosthetics, and orthodontic applications.
Plastics are widely used in dental equipment and dental restoration applications. Their general versatility, light weight, durability, and cost-effectiveness compared to metal make them an essential part of the dental industry. Plastics play a role in many parts of the dental process and can be seen in dental trays, models, orthodontic appliances, prosthetics, and other equipment in dental offices and laboratories.
Properties
Moisture resistant
Durable
Good chemcial resistance
FDA compliant
Lightweight
Applications
Dentures
Bridges
Dental trays
Dental instrument handles
Occlusal splints
Veneers
Industries
Dental
Dental manufacturing
Dental impression manufacturing
Dental Materials Overview
What is the plastic used for in dentistry?
For decades, plastics have been an integral part of dentistry. From components in dental splints to cabinetry in offices, instrument grips, and biocompatible prostheses, plastics are used in a majority of dental equipment seen in dentistries and dental laboratories:
Acetal and PEEK form the clasps on dental frames, support provisional bridges, and are machined into post-surgery space retainers and stump pivots.
Polypropylene's durability, flexibility, and chemical resistance make it a good fit for dental instrument handles, orthodontic appliances, and packaging for dental products.
PMMA, also known as acrylic, is a durable thermoplastic used to fabricate dentures and other dental restoration devices. FDA compliant biocompatible acrylic dental discs are used in dental milling machines to precisely match the contours of an individual's mouth taken via impressions or digital scans.
High Density Polyethylene (HDPE) is a lightweight and tough plastic with great chemical resistance. Its uses in dentistry include retainers and mouthguards, prosthetic sockets, packaging, and cabinetry in dental offices.
Plastic materials for dental equipment fall under NAICS #339116 as well as SIC #3843 and 8072.
Though stainless steel or carbon steel alloys are a common material for many dental instruments, plastics also see use as the handles, grips, and coatings. Plastics such as acetal see use in orthodontic brackets, bridges, and reatiners, while polypropylene is used in the handles of dental instruments.
What is the most commonly used polymer in dentistry?
The most commonly used polymer in dentistry is a biocompatible grade of polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), also known as acrylic. FDA compliant acrylic is used to create denture bases and acrylic teeth.
What type of plastic is used for mouth guards?
Thermoplastics are used as the base material for mouth guards. Their ability to be heated and molded into specific shapes to fit any mouth shape make them a perfect fit for custom mouth guards. Specific plastics used in mouth guards include ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA), polyurethane, polyethylene, and silicone. The type of plastic used for a mouth guard depends on how much protection is necessary, patient comfort, and potential allergic reactions to the material.
WARNING: The products on this page can expose you to chemicals including Ethyl acrylate, CAS 140-88-5, which are known to the State of California to cause cancer. For more information go to www.p65warnings.ca.gov.
WARNING: The products on this page can expose you to chemicals including Antimony trioxide, CAS 1309-64-4, which are known to the State of California to cause cancer. For more information go to www.P65Warnings.ca.gov.
WARNING: The products on this page can expose you to chemicals including Tetrafluoroethylene, CAS 116-14-3, which are known to the State of California to cause cancer. For more information go to www.P65Warnings.ca.gov.
WARNING: The products on this page can expose you to chemicals including Tetrafluoroethylene, CAS 116-14-3, which are known to the State of California to cause birth defects or other reproductive harm. For more information go to www.P65Warnings.ca.gov.
WARNING: The products on this page can expose you to chemicals including N,N-Dimethylformamide, CAS 68-12-2, which are known to the State of California to cause cancer. For more information go to www.P65Warnings.ca.gov.
WARNING: The products on this page can expose you to chemicals including METHYLPYRROLIDONE, CAS 872-50-4, which are known to the State of California to cause birth defects or other reproductive harm. For more information go to www.P65Warnings.ca.gov.
WARNING: The products on this page can expose you to chemicals including Ethylene Oxide, CAS 75-21-8, which are known to the State of California to cause cancer. For more information go to www.P65Warnings.ca.gov.
WARNING: The products on this page can expose you to chemicals including Ethylene Oxide, CAS 75-21-8, which are known to the State of California to cause birth defects or other reproductive harm. For more information go to www.P65Warnings.ca.gov.
WARNING: The products on this page can expose you to chemicals including Formaldehyde, CAS 50-00-0, which are known to the State of California to cause cancer. For more information go to www.P65Warnings.ca.gov.
WARNING: The products on this page can expose you to chemicals including Hexachlorobenzene, CAS 118-74-1, which are known to the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm. For more information go to www.P65Warnings.ca.gov.
WARNING: The products on this page can expose you to chemicals including Bisphenol A, CAS 80-05-7, which are known to the State of California to cause birth defects or other reproductive harm. For more information go to www.P65Warnings.ca.gov.