Please Our Process

Quality is emphasized throughout every step of our production process. One way for us to avoid error is to have as much information as possible. Therefore, please send detailed information, such as the name of the patient, potential problems, visual aids (photos, graphics, drawings, samples, etc.), and anything else that will help us to investigate and take appropriate corrective actions. Without this information, we cannot identify the “root” cause and act accordingly. Please read our instructions carefully, as they contain a lot of important information.

Your case will be placed on hold if any information or components are missing. It will save time and trouble if you perform the simple check below before you send a case to The Art Of Aesthetics top-quality dental labs.

By cutting costs on certain non-critical factors, you save money, as well. Help us save on costs so that we can maintain our low prices. We need your cooperation:

• Combine shipments to us
• If possible, give us an extra day, so we can combine shipments
• Check your impression – make sure you have a very clear line of margin, void of distortion. Without this margin line, even the computer scanner cannot read the margin. If the margin is not visible, pour it up and check before you send it.

Custom shade matches.

Every patient is unique with regard to shade. There are many factors that contribute to shade selection, such as dentin shades, translucency, unusual lines, calcification, a glass-like look, and the list goes on. Even more challenging is when a patient has bleached teeth. Please educate the patient that some shades cannot be reproduced. In our lab, we use the most common shade guides, such as VITA Classic, VITA 3D-Master, Ivoclar Chromascop, Ivoclar Bleach, Ivoclar Stump Shade, Trubyte Trublend, Dentsply Portrait IPN, and Trubyte Bioform.

Please tape the shade guides on the lab slip if you are sending your own shade tab to The Art Of Aesthetics top-quality cosmetic dental laboratory. For difficult shades, take as many pictures as possible, including shots from different angles, with light, without light, and full mouth showing anterior teeth. Make sure to place the shade guide tabs (two or more for comparison) next to the tooth when taking photos for custom shade matches. Send shade pictures or email electronic pictures to us. When emailing photos, always reference the patient’s name and the name of the doctor on the subject line.

Welcome to The Art Of Aesthetics top-quality cosmetic dental laboratory.

Read Me – Taking Impressions

The ability to accurately capture an impression is critical for the correct transfer of information to The Art Of Aesthetics crowns and bridges dental laboratory. The finished cases are based on what you sent to us. Everything depends on your impression and preparation.

Here are some helpful tips for taking a good impression:

• Adequate reduction for your desired restorations.
• Check the expiration date of your impression material.
• Make sure to insert the cord a little deeper.
• Use sturdier impression trays. We particularly like those metal trays with low side profile.
• Make sure to dry out prepped teeth and clean out excessive bleeding before taking impressions.
• For a 2-unit or more posterior case, take a full arch impression or bite registration for correct mounting.
• Alginate impressions must be poured up before sending them.
• The impression must be disinfected.
• Write down the due date and appointment date and time.
• PRINT your instructions legibly on the lab slip. We are not responsible if we can’t read your instructions.
• Implant and attachment must include all components.
• Shade information for all porcelain work.
• Opposing model.
• Study model for all anterior work
• Metal type for PFM or FCC
• Stump (or dentin/prep) shade for all porcelain work.

No Occlusal Clearance. 

Many times for cases with no occlusal clearance, and if there is no other instruction, we will reduce abutment with reduction copying or adjust opposing, whichever we think is better for the patient.  In case we make a coping, there will be a $5 charge.  If your crowns or bridges do not fit on the first try in, first take a look at the working model for any marks for a reduction before seating a crown, it may be marked in red or blue. Sometimes the doctor is not aware of this situation, and they simply return it back to us complaining that the crown does not sit. Many times we receive this type of case back for a remake.  We cannot remake unless you prep again and take a new impression. In cases like this, we would charge again, since lack of occlusal clearance is not a lab mistake.

Return Date and Delivery Scheduling.

We need a few more working days in the lab, not including shipping days, national holidays, and weekends. Please allow extra time during the holiday seasons, including Thanksgiving Day, Christmas, Labor Day, Independence Day, Memorial Day, and New Year’s Day. Do not deviate from the original due date. It may complicate the flow and displacement may occur. Do not schedule your patient’s appointment to seat crowns on Monday after your immediate return to the office after a closure, vacation, or long weekend. We will attempt to deliver on Monday before 5 P.M. Furthermore, we will be grateful if you call us and let us know your vacation times. Finally, we are not responsible for the shipment delayed or lost by carriers.

Packaging and Shipping.

Package well to protect the model. Impressions of other non-breakable material need not be bubble wrapped, but a stone or other breakable items need to be bubble-wrapped to protect them during shipment. If you are sending an articulator, make sure you package it well protected in a box. Please contact us before you send your articulator to us. We may have the same type of articulator in our dental lab. For your convenience, we will provide you with free shipping labels. Please take your package to the nearest FedEx drop-off location or give it to the driver when they come to drop off a package to you.

Finally, remember, porcelains are glass prone to inclination or tendency to fracture or break. Always handle with care. We hope that our crowns and bridges drop in but in case you have to adjust, please handle it gently. Glass is fragile and can fracture if you don’t handle it with care. When adjusting, please follow the simple steps:

• Use the finest diamond burr and use the diamond paste to polish.
• Adjust the slowest speed and gentle pressure when trimming.
• Always adjust with water so that it won’t generate heat during trimming.
• Don’t bite too hard until seating permanently.

Please contact us if you have any questions. Thank you for taking the time to read this read me first section. The Art Of Aesthetics.