Engineering and physics in dental technology. 1.

This work is a compilation of the principles of engineering and physics that are involved in the design and construction of various types of prostheses in the dental laboratory. It is intended as a reference of scientific doctrines for dental technicians who wish to advance their knowledge and skills. This article is the first of several that will be published in Trends & Techniques during the next several issues. The article in its entirety is by no means complete--the field is too enormous to identify all the tenets that apply, and future scientific advancement will certainly add others. Some elements of biomechanics are included in this work because of the interrelationship of biomechanics to engineering.