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.
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.
Login to your 3shape account Select “CONNECTIONS” Request a connection with CosTech Dental LabAlways keep your scanner fully calibrated and your software up to date.After your connection is approved, select CosTech Dental Lab when sending files.
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:
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. 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.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.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.
You can open your account simply by sending us a case from your intraoral scanner:
Visit 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.
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].
Turnaround time starts from day of booking in. 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.
Once you’ve sent a case, you can track it’s progress using the free CosTech Portal:
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.
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.
We offer the following guarantees as standard on all fixed restorations:
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).
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.
