Involve the laboratory in treatment planning — a joint strategy = better results

Why should the laboratory be informed early?

If you are planning a complex case, the laboratory can shed light on what is possible and what is not. The technician knows, for example:

• Whether geometric requirements are achievable
• Whether the patient needs an overdenture or a conventional denture is sufficient
• Whether material X will be durable for this patient
• How to plan the stages to minimize patient discomfort

When to contact the laboratory during the planning phase

New / Unusual Case

If you have a patient you've never treated before, contact the laboratory and say: "I have a patient with a case, can you advise?"

Patient with unusual anatomy

• Severely angled / asymmetrical maxilla
• Mandible too small (micrognathia) / too large (macrognathia)
• Lack of space, but the patient desires a natural appearance

Multiple missing teeth

If the patient is missing most teeth, it's better to plan with the laboratory whether a complete or removable denture or an implant will be used.

Patient with limitations (allergies, budget)

• Patient has an acrylic allergy — it's better to know early what alternatives exist (metal / nylon)
• Patient has a budget of 3000 PLN — it's better to communicate this early so the laboratory knows to use standard, not premium, materials

What to discuss with the laboratory

Before starting work with the patient (ideally: by phone or email):

1. Patient history — age, previous occupation, what has changed
2. Anatomy — specific anatomical features that are important
3. Patient's goals — what the patient wants to achieve, what they are afraid of
4. Worst-case scenario — what if the anatomy is more difficult than expected?
5. Material and budget — what material, what is the patient's budget
6. Timeline — when the patient needs it

Benefits of joint planning

• Errors avoided early — instead of doing poor work and correcting it, you do it right from the start
• Patient saves money — fewer repairs = lower costs
• Patient saves time — fewer follow-up appointments
• Laboratory works more efficiently — knows what to do, doesn't wait for clarifications
• Patient trust — patient sees that doctors and laboratory collaborate

Practical example — case study

Scenario: 65-year-old patient, missing the six posterior mandibular teeth (instead of the entire mandible), maxilla in good condition.

Mistake (without planning):

• Dentist takes lower jaw impression
• Sends to laboratory "please make a lower denture"
• Laboratory makes a traditional metal-based denture
• Patient comes for try-in — "it feels strange, rests are not functioning"
• Work sent back to the laboratory for rework (5 days)
• Patient waits 3 weeks instead of 10 days

Correct approach (with joint planning):

• Dentist takes impression, takes photos, sends to laboratory: "65-year-old patient, missing 6 lower anterior teeth, has small residual bone. Suggestion — removable or overdenture? If removable — how would you plan retention?"
• Laboratory: "For this patient, a removable partial denture with rests on molars would be better. We will plan a balanced bite."
• Dentist knows what to expect — mentally prepares the patient
• Laboratory works accurately, without questions
• Patient receives denture in 10 days, minimal adjustments at try-in