Starting a new partnership with a dental lab often begins with uncertainty—Will the quality hold up? Will turnaround meet clinical needs? Without a structured trial submission, even the best labs may misinterpret design preferences or miss logistical windows. Raytops Dental Lab helps clients launch with confidence by standardizing trial workflows, QC benchmarks, and post-case feedback to turn the first order into lasting cooperation.
Submitting a simple case (e.g., single-unit crown) with clear STL and Rx files
Following enhanced QC checks for fit, occlusion, and shade
5–7 day turnaround with tracked shipping
Defined remake policy and feedback loop
Post-trial review to evaluate fit, service, and next-step terms This structure helps both clinic and lab align expectations from the first case.
What Key Steps Are Involved in Submitting a Trial Case to a New Lab?
Submitting a trial case to a new dental lab requires clear case selection, file preparation, and communication alignment. A structured start avoids delays and ensures both parties evaluate the partnership under optimal conditions.
Dental-Trial-Case-Submission-Steps
Choosing the Right Case Type for Evaluation
Not all cases are ideal for trial submission. Simpler restorations allow clearer benchmarking.
Single-unit posterior crowns (zirconia or PFM) are common for first case
Avoid complex bridges, full-arch, or implant cases for initial evaluation
Select a case that reflects your daily workload, not rare exceptions
Ensure sufficient occlusal clearance and margin exposure for assessment
Preparing STL Files and Clinical Documentation
A successful submission starts with clean, usable data.
STL files must have visible margins, proper arch orientation, and no stitching errors
Include bite scans, opposing dentition, and any supporting photos (shade, intraoral)
Rx should specify material, margin type, shade, and design preferences
Add notes for special features like connectors or pontic design
Submission Formats: Digital vs Traditional Workflows
Choosing the right format depends on your equipment and habits.
Aspect
Digital Submission
Traditional Submission
Format
STL files + PDF Rx + photo uploads
Physical impressions + written Rx
Speed
Uploads instantly, no courier time
Requires shipping, adds transit days
Common Issues
File distortion, missing Rx, margin errors
Impression drag, tearing, unclear handwriting
Compatibility Notes
Ensure scanner software exports binary STL
Package must include return label and ID form
Providing Clear Design Parameters and Case Instructions
Clarity prevents misinterpretation.
Be explicit about material choice (e.g., full-zirconia vs layered)
State margin type, finish line, and any prep detail that impacts fit
Include photos of preparation if available, especially for esthetic zones
Add comments on occlusion scheme, contact preference, or bridge connectors
A well-prepared trial case helps labs deliver quality faster and avoid rework from day one. For a smoother experience, download our trial submission checklist to align every detail before you send.
What Quality Standards Are Applied to First-Time Trial Cases?
Trial orders aren’t just samples—they’re treated as production-grade cases with additional checks. A well-run lab uses trial cases to demonstrate quality consistency, not to over-deliver on a one-time promise.
Dental-Trial-Case-QC-Standards
Internal QC Steps for New Customer Cases
Our trial QC process includes multiple checkpoints to ensure consistency and gather early feedback.
Margin validation using digital overlay and microscope check
Model articulation and occlusion test for physical or 3D-printed models
Design accuracy check against Rx instructions
Shade, surface, and texture match per submitted references
Final inspection by senior technician or QA manager
Fit, Occlusion, and Aesthetic Evaluation Points
We apply practical benchmarks commonly used in routine case evaluations.
Passive fit on model or digital articulation
Occlusal contact mapped to 40–60 μm range
Consistency of shape and emergence with neighboring teeth
Shade match (within 1 Vita step tolerance if no photo provided)
Differences Between Trial and Standard Production Cases
Aspect
Trial Case
Standard Case
Technician assignment
Senior technician or QA team
Assigned by case type or schedule
Extra QC steps
Yes – 2nd-tier manual inspection
Standard single-pass inspection
Feedback loop
Client-specific notes gathered post-fit
Reactive only if issues occur
Packaging note
Includes “Trial – Priority QC” label
Standard labeling
Raytops Support: What Initial Quality Checks We Provide
Beyond regular QC, we add trial-specific support mechanisms.
Dedicated case ID tracking with traceability across departments
Photos of final work shared upon request
Pre-shipment check-in for any unclear instructions
Post-delivery follow-up for fit, esthetics, or feedback questions
✅ Trial cases go through enhanced quality checks – TRUE Each trial case is routed through a stricter, double-inspected QA process to validate first impressions.
❌ Trial cases are only for show and don’t reflect real production – FALSE Trial orders at Raytops reflect the same systems used in daily production—with added safeguards for transparency.
What Is the Typical Turnaround and Shipping Process for Trial Orders?
Starting a structured partnership with international clients means trial orders also require clear expectations around turnaround and shipping logistics. By defining these upfront, labs and clinics can coordinate smoothly across time zones and customs boundaries.
For example, a trusted lab outlines preferred shipping methods (e.g. DHL Express, UPS Saver), packaging protocols, and customs documentation—ensuring cases arrive intact and on schedule.
Dental-Trial-Case-Shipping-Logistics
Average Lead Time for Trial Orders
Turnaround time depends on the type of restoration and clarity of case information.
Single-unit zirconia or PFM crowns: 4–6 working days in-lab
Layered or esthetic cases: 7–9 working days
Additional time may apply if:
STL files are incomplete or margin clarity is poor
Design clarification or Rx details require confirmation
The case involves special components like implant analogs
How to Prepare for International Shipping & Customs
Proper packaging and documentation minimize delays.
Use full clinic name and address (no abbreviations) to match courier systems
If physical materials are included, mark contents as “Dental prosthesis – no commercial value” to streamline clearance
Provide clinic tax ID or EORI number (EU/UK) if applicable
Confirm shipping preference: DHL, FedEx, UPS or preferred partner
Note any clinic closure dates to avoid missed deliveries
Coordinating Tracking and Delivery Confirmation
Labs and clients should stay aligned once the shipment leaves the facility.
Tracking number is shared within 24 hours of dispatch
Real-time status can be viewed via shared dashboard or email updates
Client confirms case receipt and notes package condition
Any transit-related issues are logged and reviewed in internal system
Optional: courier photos or unboxing video to verify content integrity
A clear timeline and shipping process build trust in early cooperation. Keeping all delivery variables visible helps reduce guesswork, especially during trial periods.
What Happens If Adjustments or Remakes Are Needed During the Trial?
In the trial phase, occasional remakes or adjustments are natural. A transparent and timely resolution process ensures confidence in future cooperation—and reflects how a lab handles real-world complexities.
Dental-Trial-Remake-Communication
First-Order Remake and Adjustment Policy Explained
Raytops provides remake support for trial cases to build trust and ensure fit confidence.
One-time free remake applies per trial case, subject to clear return documentation
Minor adjustments (e.g. contact tightening) may be handled without full remake
Remake lead time matches original turnaround (e.g. 5–6 working days)
Shipping cost for remakes may be shared or covered depending on issue type
Cases involving missing files or unclear Rx may be excluded from remake guarantee
Typical Scenarios Covered by Free Remakes
We categorize remake eligibility based on root causes and available data.
Internal fit issues clearly visible on model
Contact points too tight or open beyond standard tolerances
Shade mismatch exceeding 1–2 Vita steps (if shade photo provided)
Material or design not matching the written Rx
Production damage before delivery
Communication and Feedback Loop After Initial Delivery
Clear, time-bound communication ensures any issues are resolved smoothly.
Client sends remake request within 3 business days after delivery
Include photos of restoration on model or intraoral if available
Lab reviews case and confirms remake eligibility
If remake is approved, client receives revised delivery estimate
Final outcome is recorded in client feedback log for future refinement
Trial cases aren’t about perfection—but how both sides handle imperfection. To ensure clarity from the start, request our trial remake policy and learn how we help clients resolve early-stage issues with care.
How Can You Evaluate a Trial Order and Move Toward Ongoing Cooperation?
Starting a successful partnership requires more than a great trial—it also means building long‑term collaboration through structured evaluation, internal alignment, and joint workflow planning.
Dental-Trial-Evaluation-Cooperation-Flow
Evaluation Checklist: Fit, Turnaround, Communication
Successful labs perform well across three dimensions—not just esthetics.
Fit and occlusion: Passive seating, no adjustments or minimal chairside polish
Turnaround adherence: Met promised schedule and delivery window
Communication flow: Response speed, file handling, and clarity of updates
Collecting Feedback from the Clinical Team
Involving the treating dentist ensures real-case evaluation beyond lab reports.
Get feedback on fit, contact, shade from the chairside experience
Note whether seating required adjustments or remakes
Include technician input if applicable (e.g., design clarity, Rx usability)
From one trial case to consistent supply, key terms must be addressed.
Discuss expected monthly volume, restoration types, and peak seasons
Review pricing tiers, remake policies, and rush order availability
Align Rx formats, STL submission protocol, and shade reference standards
Define case cutoff times and shared holiday schedules
Raytops Collaboration Onboarding Options
We offer structured onboarding to turn trial success into sustained performance.
Assigned account coordinator with follow-up frequency
SLA template for optional volume/quality targets
Technical onboarding session for digital teams
Ongoing case review to track remake ratio and delivery metrics
✅ Trial satisfaction must lead into structured onboarding – TRUE Even when a trial meets expectations, a clear process is needed to lock in communication flow and production norms.
❌ A successful trial alone guarantees long-term consistency – FALSE Without structured handoff and cooperation terms, even good trials may falter under volume pressure or unclear expectations.
Conclusion
A trial order is more than a test of skill—it’s the foundation for future collaboration. At Raytops Dental Lab, we help clinics evaluate us with clarity and confidence, offering structured onboarding, defined QC checkpoints, and transparent resolution policies that turn first cases into long-term trust.
