Beyond the Bench

How BJM’s Three-Tier Pricing Helps Dental Practices Save

Sun, 08 Nov 2026 16:01:53 GMT

How BJM’s Three-Tier Pricing Helps Dental Practices Save

If your surgery regularly sends dentures, crowns or appliances to the lab, it helps to know what that work will cost and when you qualify for a discount. At BJM Dental Laboratory, we use three pricing tiers based on the number of invoices your surgery receives from us each month.

How the three tiers work

TierMonthly invoices per surgeryPricing Bronze 1–25Standard laboratory prices Silver 26–4510% off eligible laboratory fees Gold 46 or more15% off eligible laboratory fees

We calculate your tier each month and apply any qualifying discount automatically to your monthly statement. Our trade price list shows separate prices for Private and Standard/NHS work within each tier.

Each surgery qualifies individually

If you manage several surgeries, each location has its own monthly invoice count. For example, if one surgery receives 32 invoices and another receives 20, the first qualifies for Silver and the second is on Bronze for that month. Each location can see which tier applies to its own work.

What could the savings look like?

If your surgery qualifies for Silver and has £1,000 in eligible laboratory fees that month, the 10% discount would save £100 . At Gold , the same amount in eligible fees would mean a £150 saving. Your actual saving depends on the eligible work on your statement.

How this helps your practice plan

You can use the price list to check fees when planning a case, then use your monthly invoice count to see which tier applies. If your workload changes from one month to the next, your tier follows that month’s activity. Every tier includes direct access to our technicians, so you can still call to discuss a case, check timings or ask what records to send.

Want to see how the pricing would work for your surgery? Request a trade price list from BJM Dental Laboratory and we’ll talk you through the rates for the types of work you send most often.

Good Communication Makes for Better Lab Work

Sun, 08 Nov 2026 15:46:45 GMT

Good Communication Makes for Better Lab Work

A denture try-in comes back with the note, “Please make the front teeth look more natural.” That could mean a softer shade, a slight overlap or simply showing less tooth when the patient smiles. A quick conversation with the dentist can turn that note into a specific change our technician can make at the bench.

At BJM Dental Laboratory, we make it easy for dental practices to speak directly with the technicians working on their cases. Here’s what that looks like from the first prescription to the final fit.

Before we start, we talk through the details

A clear prescription gives us the essentials. A conversation helps when there’s a detail that’s hard to describe on a docket. You might want to talk through where a clasp will sit on a partial denture, or show us a photograph of the tooth you’d like a crown to match.

If we need clarification, we can contact the practice before moving on. It also works the other way round. If you’re unsure which records to send or want to discuss a design before taking a scan or impression, you can give us a call while you’re still planning the case.

At the try-in, specific feedback helps us make the right change

The try-in is often the first time a patient can say exactly what they’d like to change. A note such as “show slightly less upper front tooth at rest” gives the technician something concrete to work with. If there are several changes, it helps to tell us what the patient liked as well. They may want a different tooth position while keeping the shade and shape they’ve already approved.

When plans change, timing matters

A patient may need to bring an appointment forward, or a case may need an extra stage. Let us know the date you’re working towards as early as you can. We can talk through what’s realistic and let you know if we need anything else before you confirm the appointment.

After fitting, we’re still here to talk

Feedback after a fit helps us get to know how you work. If a particular tooth set-up suited your patient or you found a certain design easier to fit, tell us. Those details give us something to build on when the next case comes in.

Have a case you’d like to talk through? Get in touch with BJM Dental Laboratory and speak directly with one of our technicians. We’re happy to discuss your prescription, design or timings before you send the case.

Night Guards for Teeth Grinding: What You Need to Know

Sun, 08 Nov 2026 15:39:29 GMT

Night Guards for Teeth Grinding: What You Need to Know

If you wake up with a tired jaw, or someone has heard you grinding your teeth in your sleep, it’s worth mentioning it at your next dental appointment. You might also first hear about grinding when your dentist notices wear on your teeth. If they think your teeth would benefit from protection, they may recommend a custom night guard.

What does a night guard do?

A night guard is a removable appliance that fits over your upper or lower teeth. It puts a barrier between them while you sleep, helping protect the biting surfaces from direct contact when you grind. A guard can protect your teeth even if the grinding continues. Your dentist can also assess symptoms such as jaw pain or sensitivity, which can have other causes.

How is a custom night guard made?

Your dentist starts by checking your teeth and bite and deciding which design suits you. If a custom guard is prescribed, the dental practice takes a scan or impression of your teeth and sends it to the laboratory. Our technicians make the guard to your dentist’s prescription, then return it to the practice for fitting.

At the fitting appointment, your dentist can check how the guard sits, show you how to put it in and take it out, and explain when to wear it. If it feels loose, rubs or is difficult to remove, let your dentist know so they can check the fit.

Is a night guard the same as a retainer?

A clear night guard can look a lot like a clear orthodontic retainer. A retainer is designed to hold your teeth in position after orthodontic treatment. A night guard is designed to help protect your teeth from wear. If you already wear a retainer and think you might be grinding, bring it to your appointment so your dentist can advise how to manage both needs.

Looking after your night guard

Follow the cleaning instructions your dentist gives you for your appliance. Clean it after use and keep it in its protective case when you’re wearing neither the guard nor cleaning it. Bring it to your dental reviews so your dentist can check the fit and look for signs of wear. If it cracks or breaks, stop wearing it and contact your dentist.

Custom night guards at BJM Dental Laboratory

At our Wallington lab, we make custom night guards and splints for dental practices, with a standard laboratory turnaround of three working days for night guards . Your dental practice can confirm when your guard will be ready to fit. If you’re a clinician and would like to discuss a design or find out what records to send, get in touch with our team.

Why We Trial Some Chrome Frameworks in Resin

Sun, 08 Nov 2026 14:57:35 GMT

Why We Trial Some Chrome Frameworks in Resin

A cobalt-chrome partial denture framework can look right on a model, but the dentist may still want to see how the design seats in the mouth. At BJM Dental Laboratory, we can 3D-print a resin prototype for selected cases so the dentist can review the design before we make the framework in metal.

What is a resin framework trial?

It’s a short, chairside try-in of the proposed framework, printed in a resin intended for intraoral use. The prototype gives the dentist something physical to assess and lets us discuss specific areas of the design before the case moves into cobalt-chrome.

What can the dentist check?

Path of insertion. Does the prototype follow the planned route into place, or does it catch around a particular tooth?
Seating. Do the rests appear to reach their intended positions? Is there an area that seems to stop the framework seating fully?
Position and clearance. Do the connector and clasp arms sit where expected? Is there an area the dentist wants the lab to review before manufacture?

For example, if a rest appears to sit high, the dentist can tell us which tooth is involved and what they observed during seating. That gives us a specific area to review together and, where appropriate, revise in the digital design before making the metal framework.

Why we still check the finished metal framework

Resin and cobalt-chrome behave differently. A resin prototype can flex differently during insertion, so the way it seats or grips the teeth won’t necessarily match the finished framework. The clinician still needs to check the metal framework in the mouth for fit, support, retention and how it relates to the bite before the denture progresses.

When is the extra stage worth considering?

We usually discuss a resin trial when there’s a specific design question to answer. That might be a case with tilted teeth and a difficult path of insertion, or one where the clinician wants to review the position of a connector or clasp before committing to metal. Agreeing what to check in advance gives the appointment a clear purpose and helps us act on the feedback.

Planning a cobalt-chrome partial denture? Speak directly with one of our technicians at BJM Dental Laboratory to discuss whether a resin trial would be helpful and how to allow for it in your appointment schedule.

Broken Denture? What to Do Next

Sun, 08 Nov 2026 14:48:40 GMT

Broken Denture? What to Do Next

A crack in your denture or a tooth that’s come away can disrupt your day, especially if you rely on it to eat or speak comfortably. If your denture breaks, keep the pieces and have the damage assessed. At BJM Dental Laboratory in Wallington, we can complete many straightforward repairs while you wait.

What to do when your denture breaks

Take the damaged denture out. If it’s cracked, sharp or unstable, leave it out until it’s been assessed.
Keep all the pieces you can find. Put the denture and any loose pieces, including a detached denture tooth, in a clean, sturdy container and bring them with you.
Leave the pieces as they are. Avoid superglue or home repair kits, and don’t force the pieces back together. Let the technician see how they fit before anything is changed.

Can my denture be repaired while I wait?

We can help with common problems such as cracked or broken denture bases and chipped or missing denture teeth. When you bring your denture in, one of our technicians will look at the damage, explain what can be done and give you an idea of how long it will take.

Many simple walk-in repairs can be completed within an hour . More complex repairs, such as damage to a metal framework, can take longer. If you’re making a special journey, call us first and tell us what’s broken.

When should I speak to my dentist?

If the denture was loose or rubbing before it broke, or it keeps breaking in the same place, ask your dentist to check the fit and bite. A repair can address the damaged part, and a dental assessment can help determine whether the denture also needs adjusting, relining or replacing.

Visit us for a denture repair in Wallington

We welcome walk-in enquiries between 9.30 am and 1.30 pm at BJM Dental Laboratory, Unit A5, Ground Floor, SBC House, Restmor Way, Wallington, SM6 7AH . If you’d like to check availability before setting off, call 020 8614 0784 .

Find out more about our walk-in denture repair service

Digital Dentistry: From Scan to Restoration

Sun, 08 Nov 2026 14:38:41 GMT

Digital Dentistry: From Scan to Restoration

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 .

Acrylic, Chrome or Flexible Dentures?

Sun, 08 Nov 2026 14:15:15 GMT

Acrylic, Chrome or Flexible Dentures?

A patient who wants to avoid a visible clasp and a patient who may need another tooth added after an extraction might both need a partial denture. What they need from it, though, is quite different. One is thinking about how it will look when they smile. The other needs an appliance that can adapt as their treatment progresses.

At BJM Dental Laboratory, we make acrylic, cobalt-chrome and flexible dentures. Here’s how the three options compare when planning a removable partial denture.

Acrylic dentures

Acrylic dentures have a rigid, gum-coloured resin base that holds the replacement teeth. Acrylic is used for both full and partial dentures, and it’s often considered for an immediate denture fitted after extractions. A suitable acrylic denture can often be relined to improve the fit as the mouth changes, or have another tooth added if needed. Acrylic designs can require more bulk than a cast metal framework, so it’s worth discussing how much space the denture will take up.

Cobalt-chrome dentures

A cobalt-chrome partial denture uses a rigid cast metal framework, with acrylic and replacement teeth added where needed. The framework can be made thin in areas where an acrylic design would need more bulk. It can also incorporate small rests that sit on selected teeth to help support the denture during chewing. Clasp position matters, particularly near the front of the mouth, and any future additions depend on how the framework is designed.

Flexible dentures

Flexible partial dentures are made from a thermoplastic resin, such as nylon. Their gum-coloured clasps can be less noticeable than metal clasps, which may be helpful when a clasp would sit in the smile line. The clinician still needs to assess how the denture will be supported during chewing. It’s also worth checking what can be done if the denture needs a repair, reline or extra tooth later, as the options depend on the material and can be more limited than with conventional acrylic.

Three questions to ask before choosing a material

What will support the denture during chewing? The position and condition of the remaining teeth help determine how the denture can be supported.
What will show when the patient smiles? Discuss where clasps might sit and what the patient is comfortable with.
What might change over the next year? Planned extractions or anticipated changes to the fit are worth discussing before the denture is made.

Discuss your next denture case with BJM

If you’re weighing up materials for a case, speak directly with one of our dental technicians at BJM Dental Laboratory . We can discuss framework and clasp design, what records we’ll need and what may be possible if the denture needs adapting later.

Choosing the Right Dental Laboratory

Sun, 08 Nov 2026 14:05:52 GMT

Choosing the Right Dental Laboratory

When a patient’s fit appointment is already booked, you want to know when their case will arrive and who to call if something changes. Those everyday details can tell you as much about a dental laboratory as its price list or portfolio.

If you’re reviewing your current arrangements or looking for a laboratory for a particular type of work, here are five things to consider before sending your first case.

1. Look for experience that matches your caseload

Start with the work your practice sends most often. If you do a lot of removable prosthetics, ask how the laboratory handles multi-stage denture cases and how it records changes from the try-in. If you mainly send crowns and bridges, ask to see examples of comparable work and find out what information the technician needs alongside the prescription.

It’s worth asking who will handle your cases, especially if you want to build a consistent working relationship across several clinicians in the practice.

2. Find out who you can speak to about a case

A quick conversation before work begins can save several rounds of messages later. You might want to discuss a partial denture design before taking the final impression, or check what photos would help the technician with a shade match.

Ask whether you can speak directly to a technician and how the lab handles a query once a case is underway. At BJM Dental Laboratory, practices can speak directly with our GDC-registered dental technicians.

3. Check how the lab fits your appointment diary

Ask what the quoted turnaround covers. For a multi-stage case, find out how many working days to allow between stages and whether collection and delivery are included in that timing. It’s also worth asking when the lab will contact you if it needs a new record or expects a delay.

At BJM, we allow five working days between standard denture stages and three working days for nightguards, bleaching trays and Essix retainers. Our in-house couriers cover routes across South London and parts of Surrey. For practices on those routes, we can usually collect the same day if you call before 10 am, Monday to Friday.

4. Check that case submission works for your team

If your practice uses an intraoral scanner, confirm how to send a case and what records the lab needs for that type of work. For conventional cases, check how to arrange collection and where to find the prescription form. If your practice uses both workflows, make sure everyone who sends cases knows which process to follow.

BJM accepts scans directly through iTero and can also work with exported STL, PLY and OBJ files. If you’re sending your first digital case to us, you can speak to the team about what to include before submitting it.

5. Send a representative first case

Choose a case that reflects the work you’re likely to send regularly. Before submitting it, agree the expected return date and ask what the quoted fee includes, particularly if additional stages or adjustments may be needed.

Once the case is complete, ask the clinician and the team member who booked the appointments how it went. Did the case meet the prescription? Was it easy to get an answer when needed? Did it arrive when expected? Their answers will help you decide whether the laboratory fits the way your practice works.

Sending your first case to BJM

BJM Dental Laboratory is based in Wallington and works with dental practices across South London and parts of Surrey. If you’d like to discuss a case, check your collection route or find out how to send a digital scan, get in touch with our team . We’ll talk through what we need from you and when you can expect the work back.

Why a Local Dental Laboratory Matters

Sun, 08 Nov 2026 13:39:12 GMT

Why a Local Dental Laboratory Matters

Building stronger relationships between dental practices and the technicians behind every restoration.

In today's rapidly evolving dental industry, technology has made it possible for practices to work with dental laboratories almost anywhere in the world. Digital impressions can be transferred in seconds, and restorations can be manufactured hundreds or even thousands of miles away.

But while modern technology has transformed the way dental laboratories operate, one important aspect of dentistry remains unchanged: the value of a strong working relationship between clinician and technician.

Choosing a local dental laboratory offers advantages that extend beyond convenience. From direct communication and reliable collections to personalised technical support, working with a laboratory closer to home can make a meaningful difference to everyday clinical workflows.

1. Communication That Makes a Difference

Successful laboratory work begins with clear communication.

Whether discussing a complex denture design, clarifying a prescription or exploring suitable restorative materials, having direct access to an experienced dental technician can be invaluable.

Working with a local laboratory often makes these conversations more straightforward, allowing clinicians and technicians to develop an understanding of each other's preferences and expectations.

At BJM Dental Laboratory , we believe technicians should be accessible, approachable and actively involved in supporting the practices they work with.

Our clients benefit from direct communication with GDC-registered dental technicians who understand the importance of clinical accuracy, consistency and attention to detail.

2. Dependable Collections and Deliveries

Laboratory logistics are an important part of keeping a busy dental practice running smoothly.

Relying on external postal services can introduce additional handling, transit times and potential delays. A laboratory with its own collection and delivery service offers a more coordinated approach.

Based in Wallington, South London, BJM Dental Laboratory operates dedicated in-house courier routes throughout South London, Surrey and surrounding areas.

Our regular routes include Croydon, Sutton, Wimbledon, Epsom, Kingston, Streatham, Clapham and many other locations.

For practices on our established routes, we can usually arrange same-day collections when requested before 10 am, Monday to Friday.

With cases transported directly between the surgery and laboratory, clinicians benefit from a convenient and dependable service.

3. Predictable Turnaround Times

In dentistry, reliable turnaround times are about more than efficiency. They play an important role in appointment planning, treatment continuity and patient satisfaction.

Working with a laboratory that understands your practice's schedule can help reduce uncertainty and make treatment planning easier.

At BJM, we offer clearly defined turnaround times across our services, including:

Denture stages: 5 working days.
Nightguards, bleaching trays and Essix retainers: 3 working days.
Crown and bridge restorations: 8 working days.
Denture repairs, additions and relines: Next-working-day service where applicable.
Chrome and flexible denture work: 10 working days.

We also recognise that unexpected situations arise. Urgent repairs, changes to treatment plans and time-sensitive cases are part of everyday dentistry.

Our team is happy to discuss express arrangements where capacity and case requirements allow.

4. A More Personal Working Relationship

Every dental practice has its own approach to patient care, preferred materials and clinical techniques.

Developing a long-term relationship with a dental laboratory allows technicians to become familiar with these individual preferences.

This continuity can be particularly beneficial when working on removable prosthetics, complex restorative cases or treatments requiring multiple stages.

Rather than treating each prescription as an isolated transaction, a familiar laboratory team can build on previous experience and provide more tailored support.

At BJM Dental Laboratory, we aim to become an extension of the practices we serve, offering consistency, communication and a personal approach to every case.

5. Modern Technology, Local Expertise

Choosing a local laboratory doesn't mean compromising on modern technology.

Digital dentistry has transformed communication between dental practices and laboratories, enabling efficient workflows and new manufacturing techniques.

At BJM, we combine traditional dental craftsmanship with modern digital solutions, including:

Direct digital case submission through iTero.
Acceptance of STL, PLY and OBJ files.
CAD/CAM-supported workflows.
3D printing for dental models and laboratory applications.

These technologies allow clinicians to benefit from digital convenience while maintaining direct contact with the technicians producing their work.

We believe the most effective laboratory workflows combine technological innovation with experienced human judgement.

6. Supporting the Local Dental Community

Independent dental laboratories are an important part of the wider dental profession.

They provide skilled employment, preserve specialist technical knowledge and contribute to the network of businesses supporting local healthcare providers.

Choosing to work with a local laboratory can help strengthen these professional connections.

For independent dental practices in particular, building relationships with local suppliers can encourage collaboration, mutual understanding and long-term stability.

Choosing the Right Laboratory Partner

Ultimately, choosing a dental laboratory should never be based on location alone.

Quality, technical expertise, communication, reliability and service should always be central to the decision.

However, when these qualities are combined with the accessibility and convenience of a local provider, the result can be a more collaborative and efficient working relationship.

At BJM Dental Laboratory , we're proud to support dental practices across South London, Surrey and the surrounding areas.

From removable prosthetics and crown and bridge restorations to digital workflows and appliance manufacturing, our focus remains on delivering consistent quality alongside a dependable, personal service.

Let's Work Together

Whether you're opening a new practice, reviewing your current laboratory arrangements or looking for additional technical support, we'd be delighted to discuss your requirements.

Contact BJM Dental Laboratory to learn more about our services, turnaround times and collection routes.

BJM Dental Laboratory — Local expertise. Modern technology. Personal service.

Beyond the Bench

How BJM’s Three-Tier Pricing Helps Dental Practices Save

How BJM’s Three-Tier Pricing Helps Dental Practices Save

How the three tiers work

Each surgery qualifies individually

What could the savings look like?

How this helps your practice plan

Good Communication Makes for Better Lab Work

Good Communication Makes for Better Lab Work

Before we start, we talk through the details

At the try-in, specific feedback helps us make the right change

When plans change, timing matters

After fitting, we’re still here to talk

Night Guards for Teeth Grinding: What You Need to Know

What does a night guard do?

How is a custom night guard made?

Is a night guard the same as a retainer?

Looking after your night guard

Custom night guards at BJM Dental Laboratory

Why We Trial Some Chrome Frameworks in Resin

Why We Trial Some Chrome Frameworks in Resin

What is a resin framework trial?

What can the dentist check?

Why we still check the finished metal framework

When is the extra stage worth considering?

Broken Denture? What to Do Next

Broken Denture? What to Do Next

What to do when your denture breaks

Can my denture be repaired while I wait?

When should I speak to my dentist?

Visit us for a denture repair in Wallington

Digital Dentistry: From Scan to Restoration

Digital Dentistry: From Scan to Restoration

1. Capturing the case in the surgery

2. Reviewing the scan and prescription at the lab

3. Designing the restoration

4. Bringing the case back to the bench

Sending your first digital case to BJM

Acrylic, Chrome or Flexible Dentures?

Acrylic, Chrome or Flexible Dentures?

Acrylic dentures

Cobalt-chrome dentures

Flexible dentures

Three questions to ask before choosing a material

Discuss your next denture case with BJM

Choosing the Right Dental Laboratory

Choosing the Right Dental Laboratory

1. Look for experience that matches your caseload

2. Find out who you can speak to about a case

3. Check how the lab fits your appointment diary

4. Check that case submission works for your team

5. Send a representative first case

Sending your first case to BJM

Why a Local Dental Laboratory Matters

Why a Local Dental Laboratory Matters

﻿

Why a Local Dental Laboratory Matters

1. Communication That Makes a Difference

2. Dependable Collections and Deliveries

3. Predictable Turnaround Times

4. A More Personal Working Relationship

5. Modern Technology, Local Expertise

6. Supporting the Local Dental Community

Choosing the Right Laboratory Partner

Let's Work Together