At Hopetown Dental Lab, we’ve been at the forefront of digital dentistry since 2012. As early adopters of CAD/CAM technology and millable materials like zirconia, we’ve had the privilege of watching this industry evolve—and we’ve learned a lot along the way.
One of the biggest benefits of working so closely with practices across Texas (and beyond) is that we get a clear view into the most common issues that come up in the restoration process. The good news? Most of these are small, preventable mistakes that can be corrected with just a little extra attention—and we’re here to help.
Even the most advanced intraoral scanner can’t make up for a rushed capture. We often see areas where the margin is unclear or soft tissue is distorting the final image. A second pass or retraction can make a world of difference.
Pro tip: Take a quick pause to review your scan before submitting—it can save days in back-and-forth adjustments.
When shade details are vague or inconsistent between the Rx form and attached photos, we end up guessing, and that’s never ideal. It’s especially tough when we’re working on anterior cases.
What helps: Photos taken in natural light, with a shade tab clearly visible next to the adjacent tooth, give us the context we need to nail the esthetics on the first try.
Crowns or bridges need adequate occlusal clearance and prep reduction—especially for stronger materials like zirconia or lithium disilicate. When that space isn’t there, we either have to contact you for a re-prep or compromise the strength and function of the restoration.
Our suggestion: When prepping, especially for posterior restorations, give a little more room than you think you’ll need. Your future self, and your patient, will thank you.
Sometimes we receive a scan or model with no Rx form or conflicting details (e.g., a full-contour zirconia request but with PFM instructions). This adds unnecessary delays and confusion.
Quick tip: A clearly completed Rx—digital or paper—goes a long way in helping us deliver faster, more accurate results.
We’re On Your Team
We don’t bring these things up to criticize—we bring them up because we care. Every restoration that crosses our bench represents your patient’s confidence, your reputation, and our shared commitment to quality. That’s why we’re always happy to provide feedback, answer questions, or jump on a quick call to make the next case even smoother.
Over the years, we’ve streamlined our workflow to such precision that most of our restorations seat with little to no adjustment. That kind of consistency doesn’t happen by accident, it’s the result of experience, innovation, and a deep commitment to collaboration.
So whether you’re brand new to digital dentistry or a seasoned pro, we’d love to partner with you and bring value to your workflow and your patients.
Choose Hopetown Dental Lab. DFW’s trusted Digital Experts since 2012.