What photos does a dental lab need?

For posterior single units, no. For any anterior case, yes. Polarization removes the specular reflection that hides internal effects like mamelons, halos, and incisal translucency. A clip-on polarizer for a smartphone camera runs about $30 and produces submission-grade frames for single-unit anterior work. For multi-unit anterior rehabilitation, a DSLR with a cross-polarized twin flash setup is still the clinical standard, and the difference shows up at the bench.

Yes, for 90% of single-unit cases. Recent-generation iPhone and Android cameras produce frames our ceramics team can work from, provided the shade tab is in the frame, exposure is consistent across all five photos, and the file is sent at full resolution rather than as a messaging-app screenshot. For full-arch esthetic rehabilitation or complex anterior cases, a DSLR or mirrorless body with a 100mm macro lens still produces better data.

Call the lab before the case is fabricated. For single posterior units we can often proceed on shade designation and scan alone. For anterior cases we will hold fabrication and ask the patient to return for a 5-minute photo session, because the cost of a remake plus chair time is greater than the inconvenience of a return visit. The technician assigned to the case will tell you which path the specific restoration needs.