Materials guide: zirconia vs lithium disilicate
Indications, aesthetics and longevity — a practical comparison for daily restorative practice.
ReadCrown and bridge design laboratories
Crown and bridge is the highest-volume indication in any laboratory, which makes it the easiest work to send remotely and the easiest to compare on price and turnaround.
The laboratories below design single crowns, bridges, inlays, onlays and veneers from your scans, in zirconia, lithium disilicate, PMMA and hybrid materials.
What to look for
- Anterior work in the portfolio, not only posterior units
- The materials they routinely design for
- Margin and contact philosophy, and whether they follow your prescription
- Price per unit and price for a multi-unit bridge
- Turnaround and rush surcharge
How it works on LabMatch
- 1. Upload your scans and describe the case in a private workspace.
- 2. Receive a written quote before any work starts.
- 3. Review the design and ask for adjustments.
- 4. Pay the quoted amount and download the final files.
Accounts are free for dentists and laboratories. LabMatch keeps 10% of a paid case; the laboratory receives 90%.
Create a free accountFrequently asked questions
How long does a crown design take remotely?
Most laboratories return a single-unit design within 24 to 48 hours; multi-unit and aesthetic anterior cases take longer. Each profile states its usual turnaround.
Zirconia or lithium disilicate?
Lithium disilicate is generally preferred for aesthetic anterior single units, monolithic zirconia for posterior strength and bruxism cases. Our materials guide compares them in detail.
How much does it cost to use LabMatch?
Accounts are free for dentists and for laboratories. The dentist pays the amount the laboratory quotes — there is no surcharge. LabMatch retains a 10% commission on paid cases and the laboratory receives 90%.
Can I work with a laboratory in another country?
Yes. Every case runs remotely: scans, photos and prescriptions are uploaded to a private case workspace, and the finished design is downloaded there after payment. Physical location is optional for a laboratory.
Which file formats can I send?
STL, PLY, OBJ, DICOM, JPG, PNG and PDF are supported. Most intraoral scanners export STL as a minimum; PLY and OBJ additionally carry colour, which helps with margin lines and shade communication.
Related guides
How to choose a dental lab for CAD/CAM restorations
The practical criteria for picking a digital dental laboratory: portfolio, turnaround, pricing model, communication and remakes policy.
ReadWhat does digital dental design cost?
How laboratories price digital design work: per unit vs per case, rush surcharges, and how to compare quotes fairly.
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