Digital Submission Protocols
What to send, how to export it, and how to capture a margin that seats the first time — so a digital case arrives complete and comes back ready to cement.
A digital case is only as good as the scan behind it. Most of what separates a case that seats from one that comes back for a remake is captured in the first two minutes at the chair — the margin, the field, and a complete set of records. Here is exactly what we need.
What to include with a digital case
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Prepared-arch scan
A full scan of the prepared arch with the margin captured all the way around and free of soft-tissue drag.
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Opposing-arch scan
The opposing arch, so the case can be articulated and the occlusion built correctly.
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Bite / occlusal record
A buccal bite scan in maximum intercuspation — both sides where the arch is long enough — to register the occlusion.
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Shade and photographs
The target shade, a stump shade when the prep is discolored, and cross-polarized photos for anterior and layered cases.
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The prescription
Restoration type, material, tooth numbers, and any specific instructions — the same detail you would write on a paper Rx.
Submitting a case
From scan to submission
Four steps to send a case that is complete on arrival and does not stall for a missing record.
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Scan the case
You
Capture the prepared and opposing arches and a buccal bite. Retract for a clean margin and dry the field so the finish line reads clearly.
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Check the scan
You
Review the margin on screen before you send it. A torn or unclear finish line is the single most common cause of a remake — rescan it now rather than at delivery.
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Export and upload
You
Export an STL and send it with the shade, photos and prescription. Files from all major systems come straight into our workflow.
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We review and confirm
Lab
We check the scan on arrival, confirm turnaround at intake, and contact you before we design if anything will not produce a seatable case.
The margin decides the case
Retract for access, dry the field, and capture the full finish line — then check it on screen before you send. A clear margin is the single biggest predictor of a restoration that seats without a chairside adjustment.
Compatibility
Accepted scanners and files
If your system exports a standard STL, we can work with it.
- iTero, 3Shape, Medit and CEREC — STL export straight into CAD/CAM
- Prepared arch, opposing arch, and a buccal bite scan
- Conventional PVS impressions accepted and digitized when you prefer
- Shade, stump shade and photographs sent alongside the file
Not digital yet? Partner practices can receive a free 3Shape TRIOS 6 — open an account to start, or read more on digital dentistry.
Digital submission FAQ
Questions About Sending a Digital Case
We accept STL files from all major intraoral systems, including iTero, 3Shape, Medit and CEREC. As long as your scanner exports a standard STL, the case comes straight into our CAD/CAM workflow.
An unclear margin. If the finish line is torn, blurred, or buried in tissue on the scan, the design cannot be trusted. Retract and dry the field, capture the full margin, and check it on screen before you send — and if we cannot read it, we call you before we mill.
Either. Send an STL, or ship a PVS impression and bite and we will digitize it into the same workflow. Both are fully supported, and partner practices can receive a free 3Shape TRIOS 6 to go digital at no cost.
Open an accountOpen an account and we set up file transfer for your practice, or connect your scanner’s portal (iTero, 3Shape, Medit, CEREC) to send directly. Include the prescription, shade and photographs with the file so the case is complete on arrival. The upload page walks through what to send — there is no anonymous drop-box on the site.
How to send a filePartner Offer
A Free Intraoral Scanner for Partner Practices
Partner with Universal Dental Lab and we place a 3Shape TRIOS 6 Wireless in your operatory — free for the length of our partnership. Scan the prep, send it in seconds, and skip impressions entirely.