Why are the lowest cost dental labs actually costing you money?

While seeking the lowest cost dental lab may seem appealing initially, there are many instances where it can end up costing you more.

One of the biggest issues in using a low cost dental lab are remakes. In fact, low cost labs usually have a remake rate as high as 6 – 7%!
What is considered a remake?
A remake is a restoration that has to be altered or re-made prior to being permanently seated. This could occur for a variety of reasons such as marginal discrepancy, inability to seat the restoration, open contacts, excessive occlusal adjustment and poor shade match. Remakes cost dentists time, money and good will with patients.  Using a cheaper lab with a higher remake rate can cost you more money than working with one, which may be a bit more expensive upfront, but is less expensive in the long run if it delivers a product that fits or matches well the first time it’s inserted.

An example of the actual “cost” of a remake is as follows:
¹ According to various studies, the average dental practice has overhead expenses of 70-80% of revenue. In a recent article published by the Academy of General Dentistry, the average dental practice overhead in the U.S. is approximately $600,000 per year, with the average dentist seeing patients between 200 and 208 days per year. When you break this down, it equates to an overhead cost of approximately $375 per hour (overhead costs: $600,000 per year ÷ 200 days = $3,000 per day, $3,000 per day ÷ 8 hours = $375 per hour). Your overhead expenses may be higher or lower than this, but it is important from a decision-making perspective you understand your cost per hour of doing business. So, what does this all mean? It is important you minimize the amount of time you spend on adjustments, or in a worst-case scenario, the need to call the patient back to re-prep or re-impress the teeth. Any of these activities are taking up time you could be seeing new patients and generating rather than losing income.

For example, if you spend 20 minutes making an adjustment each time you seat a restoration, you are losing $125 dollars of time you could be spending on generating new revenue with a different patient. If it takes 30 minutes out of your schedule to call a patient back to do a new impression, it equates to a loss of $187.50 for that timeframe.

Finally, if you try in a restoration and it doesn’t match esthetically because your lab did not copy the shade information you sent or you did not send the appropriate photos to the lab with your case, you may lose up to an entire hour of time (the original time you booked to seat the crown or veneer, plus the additional appointment needed for the remake). Each minute you spend doing any of the above equates to a loss of revenue, which can add up to thousands of dollars each year!
¹How to Minimize Dental Lab Remakes to Save Time and Money – Spear Education

So, how can you minimize the costs associated with remakes or adjustments? Partner with Mabel Dental Lab!

Mabel Dental Lab is a family owned laboratory founded in 2010 by Dr. Sam Jaffe, a dentist who started one of the first DSOs in the United States and his eldest son, Evan. With this vast experience they understand the challenges that are presented to large practices and DSOs. It is their mission to provide their Smile Partners with affordable high quality restorations while decreasing their lab bills, chair time and remakes without having to sacrifice quality. With a quick turnaround of 6 business days for digital impressions and 8 days for physical impressions, personalized service and very low remakes (see chart below), these are just some of the reasons why dentists as well as labs across the country partner with Mabel Dental Lab. In addition, Mabel Dental Lab is happy to provide DSOs with discounted pricing and other valued added services.

DSO Smile Partner Testimonial
“Mabel Dental Lab has been a valuable partner of our practice as we have continued to grow the number of our offices. Their management team is top notch and all of my dentists have been impressed with their turnaround time, quality and overall service. “
Doug Hudoba, DDS | Partner at Principle Dental Partners

Get Started Today!

For more information including special discounted pricing for DSOs, please call 877.622.3533 and ask for our CEO Evan Jaffe or send an email today!

²courtesy of Nimbyx Evident 2017 remake study. *2023 1st Quarter actual results.

Here are other examples how low cost dental labs can cost you money:

Poor quality materials: Low-cost dental labs may cut corners by using subpar materials, such as cheaper dental alloys or low-quality crowns. While the upfront cost may be lower, the inferior materials can lead to a shorter lifespan for the dental restoration, requiring more frequent replacements and additional expenses over time.

Lack of customization: Dental restorations, such as crowns or dentures, need to be precisely customized to fit an individual’s unique dental structure. Low-cost dental labs might prioritize speed and mass production over customization, resulting in ill-fitting restorations. Ill-fitting dental work may lead to discomfort, increased risk of complications, and the need for adjustments or replacements, which can be costly.

Inaccurate shade matching: Achieving a natural-looking color match for dental restorations requires expertise and attention to detail. Lower-cost dental labs may use simplified shade guides or employ technicians with less experience, resulting in a poor color match with your natural teeth. This may lead to dissatisfaction with your smile and the need for costly replacements or modifications

Extended turnaround time: Low-cost dental labs might have a higher volume of cases or fewer technicians, which can result in longer turnaround times for your dental restorations. Delayed delivery can disrupt your treatment plan, leading to prolonged discomfort or temporary solutions, which may ultimately increase your overall dental expenses.

Limited warranty or lack of support: Reputable dental labs typically offer warranties or guarantees for their work, providing reassurance and coverage in case of any issues with the restoration. Some low-cost dental labs may lack proper warranties or customer support, leaving you responsible for any repairs or replacements required, ultimately costing you more in the event of problems.

Compromised accuracy: Dental labs play a crucial role in fabricating precise and accurate dental restorations based on the dentist’s instructions and the patient’s needs. However, low-cost labs might employ less skilled technicians or use outdated equipment, increasing the risk of errors in the fabrication process. Inaccurate dental work may require adjustments, remakes, or even additional dental procedures, resulting in added costs.

The examples above illustrate situations where choosing the lowest cost option could potentially lead to additional expenses and suboptimal outcomes for your dental care.

Get Started Today!

For more information including special discounted pricing for DSOs, please call 877.622.3533 and ask for our CEO Evan Jaffe or send an email today!