a microwave polymerization system for dentistry utilizes specifically controlled microwave energy to cure polymer materials so as to produce dental prosthetics , such as dentures , bridges and crowns , that are made in an extra - oral setting such as a dental laboratory or dental office , and to create dental composites for fillings and veneers that are used in an intra - oral setting directly in the patient &# 39 ; s mouth . unlike the microwave energy delivered by commercial microwave ovens , the system utilizes metered and controlled microwave energy that is preferably continuous and voltage controlled , and regulates the application of this microwave energy by use of various feedback and control mechanisms . the metered and controlled microwave energy enables a higher degree of conversion of monomers into polymer chains in the polymerization process , thereby enhancing the physical and biocompatibility characteristics of both dental prosthetics and dental composites made from polymers .