How to outsource your 3D dental modeling and save time in the dental chair
Outsource 3D dental modeling has become an effective strategy to save chair time, improve treatment precision, and enhance digital workflows for implant and prosthetic cases.3D dental modeling has become an indispensable part of modern dental practice. Yet learning to master software such as Exocad, DentalCAD or Blender for Dental requires time, investment and a steep learning curve.
For many practitioners, the simplest, most cost-effective and fastest solution is to outsource 3D dental modeling.
In this article, find out why and how delegating this step can save you precious chairside time, while delivering more accurate results for your patients.
Why outsource 3D dental modeling?
Outsourcing is not a sign of lack of competence: it’s a logical optimization of the firm’s time and resources. There are many reasons for doing so:
✔ 1. Save time on each case
Designing a crown or bridge can take 20 to 45 minutes, depending on experience.
Outsourcing allows you to :
free up time for care,
Make yourself more available to your patients,
reduce touch-ups.
✔ 2. No need to buy expensive software
Complete dental modeling software can cost :
3,500-8,000 € to buy,
subscriptions,
updates,
optional modules.
Outsourcing avoids these expenses.
✔ 3. No long training or learning curve
Advanced modeling (stellite, implantology, All-on-X…) requires technical skills that practitioners do not always have the time to acquire.
✔ 4. More accurate and reproducible results
Specialized technicians work all day on dental modeling.
Result:
more harmonious morphologies,
optimized occlusion,
reduced adjustments.
✔ 5. Smoother workflow between practice and laboratory
Outsourced modeling integrates seamlessly into :
intra-oral scanner,
machining,
3D printing,
guided surgery.
Which dental cases are best suited to outsourcing?
Outsourcing is particularly useful for :
🔹 Unit restoration
Crowns
Bridges
Inlays / Onlays
Veneers
🔹 Removable prostheses
metal frames
stellites
complete prostheses with set-up
🔹 Implantology
crowns on implants
implant bridges
bars
All-on-4 / All-on-6
surgical guides
🔹 Complex cases
Bruxism patients
Difficult occlusions
Demanding aesthetic cases
Multiple corrections
➡️ This is where a specialized technician really makes the difference.
How to outsource your 3D modeling in 3 easy steps
At Dental3DDesign, we’ve created a smooth, fast process for practitioners.
1. You send your intra-oral scan
Accepted formats:
✔ STL
✔ OBJ
✔ ZIP
✔ iTero / Trios / Medit native files
Add your instructions:
finishing line
choice of material
thickness
shade
anatomy type
prosthetic space
- type of implant, implant abutment
2. We create the 3D model to your specifications
The design is carried out by an expert in numerical modelling, with :
respect for space,
harmonized occlusal contacts,
natural anatomy,
optimization for printing or machining.
3. You receive the STL files ready to integrate your worflow
You can :
send to your laboratory,
print at the office,
milling center.
Average delivery time: 12 to 24 hours, sometimes a few hours for express formulas (to be specified when ordering).
How much does outsourcing 3D modeling cost?
The price generally depends on :
type of case,
complexity,
the number of elements,
of the chosen material.
Modelling usually starts at around €19-45, then increases for implant or multi-unit cases.
Outsourcing is often cheaper than :
spending time in the armchair,
purchase and maintain CAD software,
manage touch-ups.
What are the concrete benefits for the practitioner?
✔ More time in the chair
➡ treating more patients
➡ less stress
➡ no mental overload
✔ Faster workflow
➡ you send → you receive
➡ no more unnecessary settings
➡ better clinical punctuality
✔ More reliable results
➡ uniform morphology
➡ controlled occlusion
➡ minimal adjustments
✔ More quality for your patients
➡ better precision
➡ improved aesthetics
Special cases: All-on-4 and All-on-6
All-on-X modeling requires :
perfect bite management,
a thorough understanding of implant positioning,
extreme precision.
Outsourcing these cases to a specialist guarantees :
optimized design,
maximum passivity,
a significant reduction in touch-ups.
ORDER ALL ON 4 OR ALL ON 6 MODELING
FAQ – Outsourcing 3D dental modeling
Can I keep my usual laboratory?
Yes, you receive a universal STL.
You can send it to any laboratory.
Are the files “print-ready”?
Yes, but printing is the responsibility of the practitioner / laboratory.
We only supply the modeling.
Can I request changes?
Yes, corrections are sent promptly based on your feedback.
What software do you use?
Exocad, DentalCAD, Blender for Dental as appropriate.