Reducing Turnaround Time: 5 Strategies That Work
Fast turnaround times improve patient satisfaction and practice productivity. Discover proven strategies to minimize case completion time without sacrificing quality.
Industry Benchmarks
Days
Single crowns (digital)
Days
Multi-unit bridges
Hours
Rush cases (available)
Strategy 1: Submit Digital Impressions
Digital scans eliminate shipping delays and remake risk from damaged impressions.
Traditional Workflow Timeline
- • Day 1: Impression taken
- • Day 2: Package shipped
- • Day 3-4: Transit time
- • Day 5: Lab receives, pours model
- • Day 6: Design begins
- • Total delay: 5 days before work starts
Digital Workflow Timeline
- • Day 1: Scan completed
- • Day 1: Files uploaded to portal
- • Day 1: Lab receives notification
- • Day 1: Quality check completed
- • Day 2: Design begins
- • Total delay: 1 day, 4 days saved
💡 Quick Win:
Submit scans before noon for same-day design start. Most labs process morning submissions by afternoon.
Strategy 2: Provide Complete Information Upfront
Incomplete case prescriptions cause delays while lab contacts practice for clarification.
Common Information Gaps
- ❌ Missing shade information → 1-2 day delay
- ❌ Unclear material selection → 1 day delay
- ❌ No bite registration → 2-3 day delay (need rescan)
- ❌ Ambiguous delivery date → Scheduling conflicts
Complete Submission Checklist
- ✓ Patient name, tooth number, restoration type
- ✓ Material specified (zirconia, e.max, etc.)
- ✓ Shade with value (A2, not just "match adjacent")
- ✓ Desired delivery date clearly stated
- ✓ Photos included (especially for anterior)
- ✓ Special instructions (contacts, anatomy)
Strategy 3: Use Standardized Materials
Labs optimize workflows around commonly used materials with predictable processing.
Fast-Track Materials
Ready stock, established protocols:
- • Zirconia: 3Y-TZP monolithic (3-4 days)
- • Lithium Disilicate: IPS e.max (4-5 days)
- • PMMA: Provisionals (2-3 days)
Delayed Materials
Special order, longer processing:
- • PFM: Outdated, requires layering (7+ days)
- • Specialty alloys: May need ordering (10+ days)
- • Custom staining: Additional firing cycles (2+ days)
Strategy 4: Establish Preferred Lab Partnership
Working consistently with one lab creates efficiency through familiarity and priority status.
Partnership Benefits
For Practice
- • Priority scheduling during busy periods
- • Technician learns your preferences
- • Reduced remakes (better communication)
- • Volume discounts on pricing
For Lab
- • Predictable case flow for staffing
- • Familiar with practice standards
- • Fewer clarification calls needed
- • Reliable payment processing
⚡ Pro Tip:
Schedule weekly "batch" submissions on same day (e.g., Mondays). Labs can coordinate fabrication schedules for simultaneous delivery.
Strategy 5: Communicate Urgency Appropriately
Reserve rush requests for true emergencies to maintain credibility and avoid surcharges.
| Situation | Request Type | Timeline |
|---|---|---|
| Routine single crown | Standard | 5-7 business days |
| Patient traveling out of town | Expedited | 3 business days |
| Broken temp, patient in pain | Rush | 24-48 hours |
| Wedding/special event | Priority | Coordinate with lab |
⚠️ Avoid "Boy Who Cried Wolf" Syndrome
Practices that mark every case as urgent lose priority status. Labs prioritize based on true need and partnership history.
Turnaround Time Comparison
Without Optimization
- • Traditional impressions: +3 days
- • Missing information: +2 days
- • Specialty materials: +2 days
- • No lab relationship: +1 day
- Total: 15+ days average
With All 5 Strategies
- • Digital submission: Day 1
- • Complete info: No delays
- • Standard materials: Optimized
- • Partnership priority: Expedited
- Total: 3-5 days average
⚡ 10-day improvement possible
Experience Our Fast Turnaround
Digital workflow + 24/7 production = industry-leading turnaround times