How to send digital scans to a dental lab
A step-by-step guide to sending intraoral scans (STL, PLY, OBJ) to a dental laboratory online, avoiding the most common file and prescription mistakes.
ReadSurgical guide design laboratories
A surgical guide is only as good as the planning behind it. The designer merges your CBCT with an intraoral scan, plans the implant position against the prosthetic outcome, and produces a printable guide with the correct sleeve and offset.
The laboratories below take guided-surgery cases remotely. Upload the DICOM data and the scan, state the implant system and sleeve kit, and you will receive a plan for approval before the guide file is released.
What to look for
- Experience with your planning software and sleeve system
- A written implant plan sent for approval before the guide is produced
- Whether they design tooth-supported, mucosa-supported or bone-supported guides
- Turnaround, since guided cases usually have a fixed surgery date
- Clear pricing per guide
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
What files does a surgical guide designer need?
A CBCT export in DICOM format and an intraoral or model scan of the same arch, plus the opposing arch and bite. State the implant system, drill kit and sleeve type in the enquiry.
Do I print the guide myself?
Either way works. Many practices print the guide file in-house on a biocompatible resin; otherwise the laboratory can produce and ship it.
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
Digital workflows explained: STL, PLY, OBJ and what your lab needs
A plain-language explanation of scan file formats and what a digital laboratory actually needs from your scanner.
ReadWorking with dental laboratories remotely: a guide for dentists
How remote collaboration with a dental lab actually works day to day — files, communication, quality control and payments.
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