Digital Pilot Scheme
As the preferred lab supplier we have been invited to collaborate with {my}dentist on giving associates enhanced support in providing digital dentistry to their patients.
We have put together supporting materials to help you provide the best possible service to your patients. These include comprehensive intraoral scanning guidance, crown & bridge material options, along with a lab guide to get you up and running quickly.
A Little About Us
Established in 1977 and digital since 2002, we started as a crown & bridge lab for local dentists and have grown to become an established part of the UK dental scene while remaining a family-run company. We have been working with the UK’s largest dental groups for many years and are currently trusted with in excess of 65,000 patient smiles a year.
Connecting Your Scanner
To CosTech Dental Lab
Select “CONNECTIONS”
Request a connection with CosTech Dental Lab
Email [email protected] to let us know you have requested a connection.
After your connection is approved, select CosTech Dental Lab when sending files.
Case Scanning Tips
Intraoral scanners are a gamechanger for both the clinical and laboratory teams while also drastically improving the patient experience. While all scanners are different and may require slight technique adjustment, the same broad principles apply in order to achieve accurate impressions.
For best results when using your scanner, follow these simple guidelines before, during and after each scan:
Before Scanning
Before Scanning
Always keep your scanner fully calibrated and your software up to
date.
Ensure your prep follows the appropriate material guidelines (see CosTech Prep Guide for more information).
Reduce excess lighting in the treatment area, where possible rely solely on the scanner’s internal light.
Minimise moisture, keeping teeth clean, dry and free from any debris for maximum scan accuracy.
During Scanning
During Scanning
Adopt a standing posture in front of the patient.
Anchor one hand against the patient and use it as a rest to keep your scanning hand steady.
Holding the scanner in a pencil grip, start with the posterior occlusal surface and roll the scanner back and forth from lingual to buccal sides as you proceed down the arch.
Go slow and steady, ideally providing a full arch scan for every case to give your lab as much information as possible.
Pay particular attention to hard-to-reach areas, bear in mind that if the light from the scanner can reach a surface, its camera can record it.
If your scanner is equipped with a reversible tip, use it to scan the opposing arch while maintaining the same grip.
If your scanner does not feature a reversible tip, invert the scanner and follow the same process as before.
When it comes to scanning the bite, ensure the patient is sitting up and place the scanner inside the mouth, then have them slowly close the bite before starting to scan.
After Scanning
After Scanning
Ensure there are no foreign objects obscuring the scan data (e.g. cheek, tongue).
Check the scan for data holes, particularly around the prep area and adjacent teeth.
Make sure the bite is in occlusion.
Check the prep margins to ensure there is no pooling of saliva/blood that could compromise the scan.
Add any extra information in the Notes section to keep your technician informed.
Downloads
FAQ's
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I get the Digital Crown Selector?
When we receive your first case, we will automatically send your free Digital Crown Selector model to you. If you do not receive this, please get in touch via the form below.
How do I open an account & send a case?
You can open your account simply by sending us a case from your intraoral scanner:
- Visit https://costech.co.uk/digital-setup/ for scanner-specific instructions on how to link your scanner to CosTech.
- Scan and send your case using our Impression Protocol.
- Be sure to include your GDC number and contact information in the notes.
- We’ll create your account, start your case and send a physical welcome pack along with log-in details for the free CosTech Portal.
How do I access CosTech Portal?
We will send you a log-in link for CosTech Portal once we’ve received your first case. You can request a new link or additional access for your team members (e.g. reception team, practice manager) by emailing [email protected].
What are CosTech’s Case Turnaround Times?
Please allow time for postal and delivery services.
Turnaround times may be extended for cases featuring one or more of the following: 4+ units, non-homogenous materials or multiple material types.
How do I track my cases?
Once you’ve sent a case, you can track it’s progress using the free CosTech Portal:
- Log in to CosTech Portal
- View receipt date and current status of all cases
- Click on a dispatched case to access courier tracking
What should I do when receiving a case?
- Use the tracking link at CosTech Portal to follow delivery progress.
- Your case will be delivered on a model or check-die for you to assess the fit and aesthetics.
- After fitting, click on the case on CosTech Portal and leave a star rating and optional feedback for the technician who worked on your case.
What happens if the lab needs to raise a query?
Occasionally our team may need to contact you or your practice team to resolve a technical query or amend a due date. This will be done by email using the details you provided to create your account. If you’d like to change these details, please email us on [email protected] or send a message through CosTech Portal.
What if there are problems during the fit appointment?
In the rare event that a completed case does not fit perfectly or match the prescription requirements, please contact our team with details of the problem citing the job number, prescribing dentist and patient name/number.
If the case fits the model but not the mouth, we will need a new impression to be submitted. If the fit is good but it needs remaking for aesthetic reasons, please email instructions to our team and we’ll remake the case from the original impression.
Is CosTech’s lab work produced under guarantee?
We offer the following guarantees as standard on all fixed restorations:
- NHS cases – 1 year guarantee
- {my}options – 5 year guarantee
- Private – 5 year worldwide guarantee
Should the lab work fail during this period, please contact us with the case reference number and ideally a photograph of the failed device. We’ll process the case to the original prescription without charge and including free delivery within the UK (or worldwide for Private cases).
How do I get in touch?
- Send us a message via CosTech Portal.
- Email us using the following addresses:
- Case queries: [email protected]
- Digital queries: [email protected]
- Technical feedback: [email protected]
- Call on 01474 320 076 (lines open 9am-12noon, Monday to Friday).
Support/Feedback
Contact Us
If you’ve encountered problems with any aspect of this pilot scheme we woul like to know. We appreciate all feedback, good or bad. It’ll help us improve.
Technical Feedback
Contact Us
If you’ve encountered problems with any aspect of this pilot scheme we woul like to know. We appreciate all feedback, good or bad. It’ll help us improve.
Technical Feedback
Testimonials
I have been working with Costech lab since 2009. The work quality is excellent either NHS or private. The deliveries are on time and if any quality control issues I get an email and I am informed about delay. I recommended to colleagues and continue to do so.
Ps. Forgot to say how convenient the communication with the lab is due to access to the portal!
Dr Mihaela Martiniuc
MyDentist Woodbridge
I am really happy that I have a collaboration with CosTech. They have a very reliable connection with the dentists and I highly recommend them if you are working in NHS or private. All of my colleagues work with different dental laboratories and sometimes their complaints regarding the quality of the lab work. To be honest… I never had this problem with CosTech!!!
{my}dentist
Whitecross
I only use Costech currently and apart from few here and there, its perfection and straightforward.
Dr Anitha Kommineni
MyDentist Longbridge Road
I’ve been using CosTech for many years now and
now I’m fully digital with them.
Very reliable and predictable labwork!
{my}dentist
Petersfield
I have been cooperating with CosTech Dental Lab for the past three years, and their exceptional service has never disappointed. Their precision, reliability, and dedication to quality align perfectly with my commitment to putting my patients’ interests first. I trust CosTech for the manufacturing of dental appliances, knowing they consistently deliver excellence that supports my practice and patient care.
{my}dentist
Chester
I have worked in a number of practices as both a locum and an associate and have continued to use CosTech as generally I find their work to be of a good standard. They are reliable and reply promptly if there are any issues.
{my}dentist
Streatham