ANSWERS

How to evaluate dental lab work

Evaluate dental lab work on five anchors: marginal fit (under 50 microns is the clinical standard per the Journal of Prosthetic Dentistry), proximal and occlusal contacts at seat, shade accuracy under multiple light sources, surface texture and polish, and remake rate over a 90-day window.

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Why it works this way

The five anchors that separate a passable case from a defensible one

Marginal fit comes first. The Journal of Prosthetic Dentistry has cited 50 microns as the clinically acceptable marginal gap for cemented restorations for over two decades. If a crown shows a visible margin at seat or catches an explorer tip, the case fails before shade ever enters the conversation. At Dani Dental, every milled unit is verified against the prep scan before it leaves the bench, with the named technician signing the case.

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What is an acceptable remake rate for a dental lab?

Published lab-management surveys put the industry average remake rate between 3% and 5% across mixed case volume. Labs running below 3% on real volume have documented process control: prep-scan verification, named-technician accountability, and shade protocols that catch problems before the case ships. Above 6% indicates inconsistent CAD setups or undertrained bench staff. Always ask for the documented number over a 90-day window, not a marketing figure.

How do you check marginal fit on a crown at seat?

Run a sharp explorer across the margin in two directions. The tip should not catch or detect a step. Visually inspect under loupes at 2.5x minimum; a visible dark line at the margin signals an open contact that will fail within 18 months. Bite-wing radiograph after cementation confirms the seat. Clinically acceptable marginal gap is under 50 microns per the Journal of Prosthetic Dentistry, a standard held for over twenty years.

How long should a crown and bridge case take at a quality lab?

Standard crown and bridge turnaround at a digital lab runs 5 to 8 business days from case receipt to ship, depending on material and characterization complexity. Full-contour monolithic zirconia ships faster than layered lithium disilicate with custom characterization. Full-arch and implant prosthetic cases run longer, typically 10 to 15 business days for try-in stages. Any lab quoting under 5 days on a standard PFM or layered ceramic case is either rushing the glaze cycle or skipping verification.

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

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