1.  What is a dental lab?

A dental lab is a facility where dental technicians create custom dental restorations (like crowns, bridges, veneers) and appliances (such as dentures, night guards, and retainers) based on a dentist’s prescription.

• At Techniques Dental Lab we specialize in Crowns, Bridges, Veneers and Implant Restorations. 

2. May I ask my dentist to use a specific dental lab?

Yes, you can absolutely ask your dentist to use a specific dental lab—especially if you have a preference based on quality, materials, location, or personal experience. However, there are a few important considerations:

What to Know Before Asking:

• Dentist-Lab Relationships: Dentists often have established relationships with specific labs they trust for consistent results and communication. 

• Willingness to Accommodate: Some dentists may be open to using your preferred lab, while others may decline due to liability concerns, lack of familiarity, or technical limitations.

• Legal and Ethical Right: In many places (e.g., the U.S.), you have the right to know where your dental restorations are being made, and in some states, you can legally request a specific lab.

How to Bring It Up:

• Be respectful and clear: Say something like, “I’ve heard good things about [Lab Name], and I’d feel more comfortable using them. Is that something we could do?”

• Ask early: Bring it up before the lab work is ordered—ideally during the planning phase.. 

3. Why does my dental work need to be sent to a lab?

Dental labs are equipped with the tools and expertise to fabricate precise, custom restorations that fit your mouth. Your dentist sends impressions or digital scans to the lab for accurate manufacturing.

4. How long will it take to get my dental crown/denture/bridge from the lab?

Turnaround times vary depending on the type of restoration and the lab’s workload.  Typically: Crowns and bridges: 1–2 weeks, Dentures: 2–4 weeks and Night guards or retainers: 1–2 weeks.

• At Techniques Dental Lab our standard turnaround time for Crowns and bridges is 5-7 business days. 
  We also offer rush services upon request.  Please note that these timelines start once we receive all the necessary case materials. If you have a specific deadline or need, let us know—we’ll do our best to accommodate you.

5. Is my dental work made locally, out of state or overseas?

Some dental labs are local, while others outsource work out of state or overseas. You can ask your dentist where your restoration is being made and if it’s produced in a certified or regulated facility in the USA.  Having a crown made by an out of state or overseas dental lab can present several disadvantages for patients such as longer turnaround time, lower quality assurance, non-FDA approved material, difficulty to make adjustments and little recourse and communication if something goes wrong. Overseas crowns may save money in some cases, but they can lead to delays, quality concerns, and added stress for patients.

• Our products are Made in the USA. We are a local dental lab in Ohio and offer free shipping nationwide. 

6. Are the materials used in the lab safe and high quality?

Yes, reputable dental labs use biocompatible, FDA-approved materials. Patients often ask if their restorations are made from zirconia, porcelain fused to metal, or metal alloys, and if they’re safe for allergies or sensitivities.

• At Techniques Dental Lab we make porcelain, metal and zirconia crowns. Our zirconia crowns are made from B&D Dental Technologies zirconia known for their superior strength, durability, esthetics, consistency, and safety –  backed by trusted American manufacturing. 

7. Can I request specific materials or brands for my restoration?

Yes, in many cases. If you have a preference (e.g., zirconia crown vs PFM porcelain fused to metal or gold alloy), let your dentist know so they can instruct the lab accordingly.

8. What happens if the restoration doesn’t fit properly?

If your crown, denture, or other appliance doesn’t fit properly, your dentist will make adjustments. If necessary, the item may be returned to the lab for remaking or reworking.

•  If a restoration doesn’t fit properly, Techniques will work closely with your dentist to identify the issue and make it right. In most cases, we can adjust the restoration, but if a remake is necessary, we will remake it at no additional charge—provided we receive the original case materials and details about the issue. Our goal is to ensure a precise fit and complete satisfaction for both the patient and the dentist. We offer Lifetime Guarantee on all our products. 

9. Why is there a wait time between appointments for crowns/bridges?

The time allows the lab to create a custom-fitted restoration. Temporary crowns or appliances are often provided in the meantime.

10. Can I visit the dental lab myself?

Typically, no. Dental labs are not open to the public. All communication and lab work are coordinated through your dentist.

• However at Techniques Dental Lab, we encourage patient visits typically coordinated through your dentist. In some cases—such as custom shade matching or complex esthetic cases—a visit to the lab can be helpful to ensure the best possible outcome.  We’re happy to schedule an appointment for you to tour our lab. We enjoy educating the consumer on the process of how a tooth is made from the dental impression or scan sent by dentist to the point it gets seated.

11. Is dental lab work covered by insurance?

Lab fees are usually part of the overall procedure cost, which may be covered partially or fully by dental insurance depending on your plan.

See attached $100 credit from Techniques Dental Lab. Typically this is applied to the dentist’s lab bill—not directly to the patient’s invoice. Whether or not that savings is passed along to you before your dentist submits the claim to insurance depends on your dentist’s billing practices. We recommend asking your dentist directly if they’ll apply the lab credit to reduce your out-of-pocket cost or include it in the insurance billing.  See our preferred dentist list they will typically credit your invoice.