Can a dentist alter the crowns or bridges that a dental laboratory provides?

Absolutely. Often dental restorations provided by a dental laboratory require minor modifications in order to fit or look right. When inserting a crown or bridge I do a number of checks, prior to insertion. I check the contact points, the internal fit, the occlusion(bite), and may do minor alterations of the shape to improve a crown or bridges esthetics. Often the modified crown or bridge need not go back to the lab, but is then polished "chair side" and inserted either temporarily or permanently.

These minor modification can make the difference between a potential failure and a succesful dental restoration and I feel a dentist should routinely check laboratory restorations for fit,function and esthetics prior to permanent insertion. As beautiful as crowns and bridges can look on their models, they must fit and look good in the mouth as well.