The way dentists and labs work together has changed more in the last two years than in the previous decade. With the shift from physical impressions to digital case submissions, both accuracy and communication have improved. As we reach the end of 2025, more dental offices are choosing digital workflows because they make treatments faster, more precise, and easier for everyone involved. At OD’s Dental Laboratory, we’ve seen how this change has reshaped everyday collaboration, and it has become clear that this is the future for every dental laboratory moving into 2026.
How 2025 Became the Turning Point for Digital Submissions
Before digital scanners became common, dentists relied almost completely on physical impressions. These impressions worked, but they came with challenges, distortion, material shrinkage, shipping delays, and sometimes the need to retake impressions. By late 2025, many clinics switched to digital scanners because they wanted fewer remakes and smoother communication with their lab partners.
Digital case submissions quickly grew popular because they offer what physical impressions often cannot:
- Accurate detail capture
- No risk of impression distortion
- No shipping delays
- Clear digital records for future use
This shift has pushed every dental laboratory to adapt, upgrade, and strengthen digital workflows.
Why Digital Files Lead to Better Accuracy and Fewer Remakes
One of the biggest advantages of digital submissions is a reduction in remakes. When dentists scan a patient’s mouth and upload the file, the lab receives a detailed model almost instantly. This helps technicians plan, design, and mill restorations with greater precision.
Here’s how digital files improve accuracy:
Better margin visibility
A clean scan shows clear margins, which helps us design crowns that fit exactly as they should.
Reduced risk of error
Physical impressions can distort if they are removed incorrectly or stored too long. Digital files stay accurate from start to finish.
Faster communication
When the lab receives a digital case, we can check for issues immediately. If anything needs to be corrected, the dentist is notified within minutes, not days.
These improvements help us deliver faster, high-quality results through our dental laboratory, with fewer chances of delays or adjustments.
How Dentists Benefit From Digital Case Submissions
Dentists who switched to digital workflows in 2025 saw major improvements in how smoothly cases moved through their practice. Digital scanners not only help with comfort but also give dentists a clearer view of the patient’s oral structure.
Dentists benefit in several ways:
1. Cleaner preps
When dentists view the scan on-screen, they can immediately see if the prep needs smoothing or adjusting. This leads to better-fitting crowns, bridges, and dentures.
2. Faster fabrication
Digital files reach the lab instantly. This means we can begin designing the restoration the same day. Many cases move through production quicker because there is no waiting for shipping.
3. Better communication with the lab
Digital workflows make it easier for dentists and technicians to share notes, mark areas of concern, and request design changes. Instead of guessing or relying on handwritten notes, everything is clear and visual.
These advantages help dentists deliver consistent, high-quality results, and they help our dental laboratory work more efficiently.
Why This Trend Is Growing Even Faster as We Enter 2026
As 2026 approaches, more dental offices want workflows that are flexible and dependable. Digital scanning makes this possible, but many clinics still use physical impressions when needed. A growing trend for 2026 is the demand for labs that can handle both digital and traditional cases without delays or extra steps.
What clinics are looking for going forward:
- Labs that accept STL files from any scanner
- Labs that still support physical impressions when required
- Fast turnaround times, no matter how a case is submitted
- Clear case tracking and predictable communication
This combination is becoming the new expectation. Clinics want options, not limitations. That’s why our dental laboratory focuses on staying flexible and ready for every type of case.
Reliable Case Tracking Without the Need for a Full Portal
Not every dental office wants a complicated online system. What they do want is simple, dependable communication. In 2025, many clinics preferred labs that gave consistent updates, by phone, email, or direct communication, rather than relying on software alone.
Dentists appreciate labs that offer:
- Clear timelines
- Quick responses
- Status updates when needed
- Dependable delivery schedules
At OD’s Dental Laboratory, we make sure dentists never feel unsure about what’s happening with their case. Whether they send a physical impression or a digital file, they receive the same level of care, communication, and reliability. This is one reason clinics trust us as their preferred dental laboratory partner.
Why Digital Case Submissions Will Continue to Grow in 2026
Digital workflows are no longer just a trend, they are becoming the everyday standard. Dentists want faster turnarounds, fewer adjustments, and more predictable results. Labs want fewer errors and better communication. Digital case submissions solve all of these challenges and help create stronger dentist–lab partnerships.
As this shift continues into 2026, clinics will seek out labs that can handle digital cases smoothly and still support traditional methods when needed. Our dental laboratory is ready for both, and we’re committed to helping dentists deliver restorations that fit well, look natural, and last.
Final Thoughts
Digital case submissions have changed how dentists and labs work together. From better accuracy to faster turnaround times, these improvements help both dentists and patients enjoy a smoother experience. As we move into the new year, digital workflows will become even more important, and clinics will continue looking for a reliable dental laboratory that can support their needs.
OD’s Dental Laboratory is ready to support that growth, one precise and dependable restoration at a time.
