What to include in the package for the lab — a checklist for the doctor

An incomplete shipment is the most common reason for production delays. A technician who lacks all necessary data must make calls — wasting both parties' time. This article provides a practical checklist: what physically should be included in the package sent to the dental laboratory.

Package Contents — Complete List

Every package to the laboratory should contain:

• Prescription form (paper or digital order confirmation)
• Impression/scan of both arches
• Bite registration
• Clinical photos (printout or digital media)
• Additional materials depending on the type of work

The absence of any element can halt production. At deltalabs., incomplete packages are logged, and the doctor is informed within 24 hours.

Impressions — How to Secure Them

Silicone impressions are precise reproductions of the oral cavity. Damage during transport compromises their value.

Impression packing principles:

• Disinfect immediately after retrieval (spray or immersion, max 10 min)
• Impression in tray — do not remove from tray before shipping
• Pack in bubble wrap or protective foam
• Tray with margin facing up, secured against shifting
• Do not pack impressions with wet gauze (moisture degrades details)

Digital scans eliminate transportation issues. An electronically transmitted file is not damaged and is immediately available.

Bite Registration — Packing and Storage

Silicone registration:

• Do not bend or compress — permanent deformation
• Place in a separate container or bag
• Label: type of registration (CR/MIP), date taken
• Ship within 24–48 hours of retrieval

Wax registration:

• Store at room temperature (not in the refrigerator, not near a heater)
• Protect from distortion — place on a model or in a rigid container

Clinical Photos

Include photos or information that they were sent digitally (with the order number) in the package:

• Photo with a shade tab next to the prepared tooth
• Occlusion photo (with articulating paper, if relevant)
• Smile photo (for aesthetic cases)
• Initial condition photo (if available)

At deltalabs., digitally transmitted photos (uploaded to the ordering system) are preferred — faster, better quality, and not lost in transit.

Additional Materials — Depending on the Work

For remake/adjustment:

• Old prosthetic work (crown, bridge) — technician analyzes what failed
• Note describing the problem (e.g., "shade too light," "contact too tight")

For full reconstruction:

• Diagnostic models (if not scanned)
• Wax-up (if physical)
• Facebow with registrations
• Temporary PMMA crowns (if for evaluation)

For implants:

• Scan body in scanner or impression with transfer
• Information about the implant system (manufacturer, diameter, platform)
• X-ray with scan body (if available)

For occlusal splints:

• Impressions/scans of both arches
• Bite registration
• Information about the type of bruxism and the splint’s purpose

Packaging and Shipping

• Rigid box (cardboard with filling) — not a bubble envelope
• Impressions and models secured against shifting
• "HANDLE WITH CARE" / "FRAGILE" marking on the package
• Order number visible on the outside of the package
• Courier with guaranteed delivery time (not standard mail)

Delivery time matters: a silicone impression should reach the laboratory within 48 hours of retrieval. Longer storage reduces accuracy.

Digital Workflow — What Changes

With a full digital workflow, the contents of the physical package are minimal:

• Digital scan → transmitted online
• Photos → uploaded to the system
• Prescription form → online form
• Bite registration → scan with bite registration

A physical package might only be needed for: traditional impressions, old work for evaluation, diagnostic models.

At deltalabs., we encourage transitioning to a digital workflow — it eliminates transport, accelerates production, and reduces the risk of material damage.

1. Can I send everything digitally?

With a digital workflow (scan + photos + online form) — yes. A physical package is not needed. For traditional impressions — a package is essential.

2. How quickly does the laboratory need the package?

Optimally: shipped the same day the impression is taken. Maximum: 48 hours. At deltalabs., impressions received >48 hours after retrieval may require retaking.

3. What if the impression was damaged in transit?

We contact you immediately and request a new impression or scan. We do not proceed with work from impressions whose quality is questionable — this saves time and rework costs.