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Workflows
Basic Conventional Impression Workflow
After the dentist takes the bite impression–either traditionally with alginate or impergum, or digitally with an intraoral scanner, the scan is sent to our lab. Physical cases arrive via mail, Fedex, UPS, or courier, while digital cases arrive via digital portal on the computer.
For physical cases, the Shipping and Receiving team are the first to assess the package. The first part of their process is to disinfect each individual case according to OSHA guidelines and as well as assessing for obvious defects in the impression or intraoral scan.
Once the case passes through quality control, the data entry team thoroughly enters the case details. Entering the dentist’s script into our database provides a physical work ticket for our dental technicians to work on. The work ticket details the product, shade, preferences, and the specific schedule for each task to be completed by the doctor's requested due date.
While entering the Rx information, our data entry specialists scan in the physical copy of the Rx to reference if needed. Additionally, every case that is entered is photographed, documenting what was received from the doctor. The photograph includes impressions, bite registrations, and parts if included. If the case is a remake, our Client Support and Fulfillment Manager researches the case, consults with the technicians, and documents the plan, reason and what to do to move forward on the case.
Next, traditional cases arrive at the model department, while digital files go directly to the CAD/CAM department. Depending on whether the case will follow our digital workflow, the case could go forward in the CAD room for scanning and designing or follow our traditional workflow, and in the hands of one of our waxers to start the prosthetic.
During the model process, each impression is poured, pinned, articulated and ditched along the margin line. After this occurs, the model is inspected. If anything is found to be troublesome, we then have our technical support team reach out to the dentist to discuss the case. If all is approved by the technician, the case then moves to the next step, whether it is traditional with our wax/invest/cast (substructure team) or scanned and designed with the CAD/CAM team.
The final design is then milled or printed in house. Prostheses can either be pressed, milled, or casted–depending on the selected material. With our digital workflow, our CAM team is able to load, nest, dry mill, wet mill, or print some of our restorations.
For our CAD/CAM process, the design then goes to our Milling team. The case is then nested and fit into our milling blocks, whether it be zirconia, lithium disilicate, or wax. From there the case is milled in its proper material and shade. If the case is milled or printed wax, it will move to the substructure team to be invested and pressed or cast depending on if it is a PFM or lithium disilicate. If the case is a milled zirconia, or lithium disilicate, it then will venture to the next step, fit and contour.
Digital Impression Workflow
The workflow begins with data acquisition, conducted by the dentist either digitally or traditionally. For a traditional impression, the dentist forwards the impression to the dental lab, where skilled technicians create a cast model and then digitize it. In the case of a digital impression, the dentist can transmit the file scanned with an intraoral scanner to the lab using a portal that allows file transfers, or directly via the dental lab's website or email.
To facilitate precise CAD design, our dental lab uses professional dental design software such as Sirona, Zirkonzhan, Exocad, and 3Shape. Our skilled technicians then meticulously craft the prosthesis or abutment digitally.
Using Existing Dentures Workflow
Conduct a thorough assessment of the denture’s overall condition, aesthetics, occlusion, fit, vertical dimension, and wear.
Review any patient or clinician requests for modifications or enhancements.
Digitally scan the evaluated denture, converting it into precise 3D data.
Save the digital data into design software (e.g., exocad or 3Shape) for future design processes.
Promptly return the existing denture to the patient or clinician within the requested timeframe.
Incorporate patient requests and improve upon the original denture’s occlusion, vertical dimension, facial support, and aesthetics.
Share a digital preview of the finalized design with the clinician, and obtain final approval after patient review.
Utilize advanced production methods such as 3D printing, milling, or traditional analog techniques to ensure precision and aesthetics.
Conduct rigorous quality checks, occlusal evaluation, and aesthetic assessment to ensure compliance with patient and clinician specifications.
Gather patient feedback to perform any necessary fine adjustments or rapid remakes, ensuring optimal results and patient comfort.