ANSWERS

How does digital case planning work?

Digital case planning starts with an intraoral scan or CBCT upload from the dentist, which a lab technician opens in CAD software to design the restoration, surgical guide, or prosthetic. The technician shares the design back for clinician approval, revisions happen on-screen in hours instead of days, and the approv...

THE SHORT ANSWER

THE FULL PICTURE

Why it works this way

The five steps of a digital case planning workflow

Digital case planning replaces the impression-and-mail loop with a file-based workflow. The dentist captures the case with an intraoral scanner (iTero, Trios, Medit, Primescan) or a CBCT for implant cases. The STL or DICOM file uploads to the lab the same day. At Dani Dental, the technician assigned to the case opens it in CAD software (exocad, 3Shape Dental System, or Blue Sky Plan for surgical guides) within the same business day on most cases.

More on this topic

What files does the lab need to start a digital case?

For crown and bridge or removables, the lab needs the intraoral scan exported as STL or PLY, plus the bite scan and antagonist arch. For implant cases, add the DICOM file from the CBCT. Most scanners export directly to the lab through a cloud portal (iTero MyAligntech, 3Shape Communicate, Medit Link). Dani Dental accepts uploads from all major scanner ecosystems, and a technician confirms file integrity within the same business day.

Can the dentist see the design before the lab mills it?

Yes, and on most cases the dentist should. The CAD design exports as a screenshot or 3D viewer link the lab shares back before fabrication. The clinician checks margin placement, occlusal contacts, and contour, then approves or requests revisions. At Dani Dental, the technician on the case sends the design directly to the prescribing dentist, not through a sales rep, so revision requests reach the person who can actually change the file.

Does digital case planning work for full-arch implant cases?

Full-arch implant cases are where digital planning matters most. The workflow combines the CBCT (implant position, bone volume) with the intraoral or model scan (soft tissue, opposing arch) inside guided surgery software. The output is a surgical guide, the provisional prosthetic, and the path to the final hybrid. Dani Dental runs All-on-X cases end-to-end on the digital workflow, from guide design through final zirconia hybrid, with one technician owning the case across all phases.

GO DEEPER

Read the full guide on all procedures

This answer is one piece of a larger workflow. The pillar page covers materials, turnaround, and how we build the case to your specification.

Read the guide

REQUEST A DOCTOR KIT

Try the work before you switch.

Request a Doctor Kit and we'll mail RX pads, a shade guide, and pre-paid shipping for your first three cases. No call, no contract.

Request a Doctor Kit Talk to a technician