Working WithiCare Lab
Clinical Guidelines & Case Submission
At iCare Lab, we work closely with dentists to deliver high-quality restorations with predictable turnaround times and excellent aesthetics.Our laboratory supports both digital dentistry workflows and traditional impressions (we are able to digitalise them), allowing dental practices across London and the UK to send cases easily and receive reliable results.The guidance below explains how to work with our laboratory and how to achieve the best outcomes for your patients.
Turnaround Times
What is the standard turnaround time?
Our standard turnaround time is 6 working days for most laboratory cases.This timeframe refers to production time within the laboratory only and does not include weekends, bank holidays or courier transit time.We recommend allowing at least one additional day for delivery to your practice before scheduling the patient appointment.
Which cases require longer production time?
Some cases involve additional laboratory stages and typically require around 10 working days and/or subjected to individual timeline with prior agreement with the doctor.
These may include:
– Implant substructures
– CoCr frameworks
– Precision attachments
– Complex restorative cases
EXPRESS LABORATORY SERVICES
Can I request faster turnaround?
Yes. Express services are available subject to laboratory capacity.
Please contact the laboratory before scheduling the patient appointment so we can confirm availability.
Express cases are charged at:
Private fee + 10% per day reduction from the standard turnaround time.
Example:
5-day turnaround → +10%
4-day turnaround → +20%
3-day turnaround → +30%
Same-day or next-day cases may be possible in certain situations and are quoted individually.
SHADE AND AESTHETIC INFORMATION
What information should be provided for aesthetic cases?
Accurate shade information is essential for aesthetic restorations.
For best results we recommend providing:
– stump shade information for E.max and composite restorations
– clinical photographs for anterior cases
– study models or digital scans when available
Photographs and scans showing the pre-operative (“before”) situation significantly improve aesthetic outcomes.
DIGITAL DENTISTRY
Do you accept digital scans?
Yes. iCare Lab supports digital workflows and accepts files from most major intraoral scanners.
Common systems include:
– TRIOS (3Shape)
– iTero
– Medit
– Sirona ConnectDiscover us @ iCareLab
STL files can also be sent directly to the laboratory
PROSTHETIC CASES
How are prosthetic cases charged?
For prosthetic cases that require a try-in stage, a split fee structure applies:
– 50% of the laboratory fee at the try-in stage
– 50% at final completion
CASE COLLECTION AND DELIVERY
How do I arrange case collection?
To arrange a collection, please contact the laboratory by 9:00 am.
Collection requests received after this time cannot always be guaranteed for the same day but will usually be scheduled for the next working day.
When should I schedule my patient appointment?
Because courier delivery times can vary, we recommend scheduling patient appointments at least one day after the delivery date stated on the prescription docket.
