When a dentist sends a digital scan for a crown, the laboratory can see the shape of the prepared tooth, the neighbouring teeth and how the arches meet. The prescription adds details the scan alone can’t provide, such as the requested material, shade and anything the patient wants to match.

Here’s how those records come together as a digital crown case moves from the surgery to the bench and back again.

1. Capturing the case in the surgery

For a typical single crown, the dentist scans the prepared arch, the opposing arch and the bite. Each record serves a different purpose. The prepared arch shows the tooth and its neighbours. The opposing scan and bite record help the technician see how much room the crown has when the patient closes.

Before sending, take a moment to check that the full preparation margin is visible and that the bite looks as expected on screen. If there’s a gap in the scan around the margin, it’s easier to address while the patient is still in the chair.

2. Reviewing the scan and prescription at the lab

At BJM Dental Laboratory, the scan and prescription give us the starting point for the case. If we need a clearer view of part of the margin or want to clarify the requested shade, we can speak directly with the clinician before the design moves ahead.

For a front tooth, a shade photograph can help the technician understand details that a shade code alone doesn’t capture, such as how the colour varies across the neighbouring tooth. If there’s a particular feature you want us to match, mention it in the prescription so we know where to look.

3. Designing the restoration

In a CAD/CAM workflow, the technician uses design software to shape the crown around the preparation. On screen, they can review where it meets the neighbouring teeth and how it relates to the opposing teeth in the recorded bite. The design then guides manufacture, with the process depending on the material prescribed.

4. Bringing the case back to the bench

Where a physical model is useful, we can 3D-print one from the scan. It can include a removable die, which is the section of the model that represents the prepared tooth. Lifting the die out gives the technician a closer view of the restoration edge during bench checks. The dentist checks the fit, contacts and bite in the mouth at the fitting appointment.

Sending your first digital case to BJM

Before you send a crown case, have these ready:

• The preparation scan, opposing arch and bite record.
• A completed prescription with the tooth number, restoration type, material, shade and requested return date.
• Any photographs or notes that will help us match the neighbouring teeth or follow a specific instruction.

You can send scans directly through iTero or contact us about sending exported STL, PLY or OBJ files from another scanner. If you’re sending your first digital case, our team can talk you through the records we need. See how to connect your iTero scanner to BJM.