How to Choose the Right Clear Aligner Dental Lab

The global clear aligners market reached $5.13 billion in 2023. Between 2024 and 2030, it could grow by over 30%. More patients, including yours, are looking for clear aligner orthodontic treatment!

Before offering aligners in your dental office, choose the best dental lab possible. You can offer patients top-quality treatment and become a competing dentist's office in town.

Not sure which clear aligner lab to choose? Read on for the dental resources and tips you need to make an informed choice.

Quality and Consistency

The best dental offices pride themselves on their high-quality services and products. Prioritize choosing a dental lab that is committed to producing quality dental aligners. Learn more about their certifications to gauge their level of quality.

First, confirm that the lab has a National Board Certification (NBC) in Dental Laboratory Technology. The National Association of Dental Laboratories (NADL) funded NBC. Their goal is to constantly improve the quality of dental laboratory technology.

These organizations test and certify dental labs and lab technicians. Finding a certified dental lab can help you feel confident in their products.

The NBC and NADL confirm that dental labs use FDA-certified materials. Before choosing a lab, request samples of the materials they use. 

Efficiency

When patients at your dental practice want to start orthodontic treatment, they expect to start right away. In some cases, their oral health issues could get worse if they delay seeking treatment. Before choosing a lab, learn about how they operate.

Choosing a single vendor should make the process of designing and receiving aligners more efficient. Determine if the company has a process in place to ensure efficiency. 

How will you send a request for new aligners? Determine how long the process will take once they receive your request.

Choose a company that uses streamlined treatment protocols. Ask if you can review their interface to ensure it's user-friendly and easy to use. 

Look for a lab that has a dedicated support team. If you experience issues, it could delay your patient's treatment plan. Having access to a dedicated support team can help you avoid delays.

Choose a manufacturer that values efficiency. You'll have an easier time delivering top-notch patient care by meeting and exceeding expectations. If patients experience delays because of your dental lab, they may look for another dental practice.

Technology and Materials

Technological advances are driving the clear aligner market's expansion. Many companies are introducing new computer-aided technology to the industry. This technology can develop effective, precise, and individualized clear aligners. 

Offering patients a customized treatment option also offers them better treatment outcomes. Ensure they'll receive personalized treatment. Learn about the technology the lab uses to streamline the treatment process.

Many orthodontists prefer using scanning technology. This technology allows them to scan a patient's teeth instead of using molds to design their aligners.

When choosing a dental lab, learn about the technology and software they use. Their interface should allow you to control how you model and move the patient's teeth.

Choosing a lab that uses this technology will save you time and energy. You can provide patients with a precise treatment plan without delays. 

The entire dental industry is dynamic. Look for a team that continues learning and growing over time. Ask how often they adopt new techniques and technologies.

These teams are more likely to offer competitive services. They'll improve their services and offerings over time. 

Safety and Comfort

Aligners made from low-quality materials can cause issues for your patients. These aligners may feature rough edges that scrape the inside of the patient's mouth. If the aligners don't fit properly, they can delay the treatment plan. 

Low-quality aligners can cause discomfort while affecting treatment effectiveness. Choose a lab that cares about patient comfort and safety.

The lab should take the time to inspect every aligner. They should confirm the aligners will fit properly before sending them to your dental office.

Learn more about the technology each lab uses. Determine how they ensure precision. Consider how their technology removes the risk of allergens or chemicals during the manufacturing process. 

Fair Pricing

Finding a lab that offers the best prices doesn't mean they offer superior clinical results. Don't compromise on the quality you receive. Instead, look for a company that offers fair prices and quality products.

Request estimates from three dental labs. Ask how they determine their pricing.

Gathering multiple estimates will help you determine the average cost. If one dental lab charges more than the rest, determine why. For example, the lab may use superior materials.

Partner with a lab that values quality and affordability. They'll provide top-quality products without exceeding your budget. 

Dedicated Services

Choose a manufacturer that offers exceptional customer support. Determine if they have a dedicated team that inspects every order. This personalized attention and quality control can benefit you and your patients. 

A lab that offers dedicated services will ensure your patients receive:

• Comfortable aligners
• Effective treatment
• Successful outcomes

Choosing the right lab can help you feel confident when you recommend patients start treatment. You'll know your patients will receive the best possible care at every stage of their treatment plan. 

As a dentist or orthodontist, you make time for your patients when they have questions or concerns. Your dental lab should have the same mentality. They should remain available when you need help.

To find a reliable dental lab, read online client reviews. Look for a company with a glowing reputation. They've earned the respect of other dentists' offices over time. 

You can feel confident choosing a company with a strong reputation. They'll strive to maintain that reputation by offering quality customer care.

Find the Right Clear Aligner Dental Lab

Don't rush when choosing a clear aligner dental lab. Instead, use these tips to do your due diligence. Applying these tips will ensure you find the best lab for you and your patients.

Partnering with the right company will help your dental practice grow over time. Look no further than Arizona 3D Dental Lab. 

We're a family-owned lab started by a dentist, for dentists. We offer superior, detail-oriented solutions to ensure personalized patient care.

Help your patients enhance their smiles with precision-crafted aligners. Contact us today to start transforming smiles with our orthodontic solutions.