A successful full arch case starts long before the restoration reaches the lab. In fact, the quality of your full arch submission directly shapes the final result your patient receives. When every detail is captured and communicated clearly, the fabrication process runs smoothly and efficiently.
At Dentek Digital, we work with dental practices across Phoenix, Scottsdale, Mesa, and the surrounding Greater Phoenix area. We see firsthand how preparation and communication make the difference between a case that flows seamlessly and one that requires multiple rounds of revision.
This guide walks you through the best practices for submitting full arch cases to a digital dental lab. Whether you are new to full arch workflows or looking to refine your process, these tips will help you get it right from the start.
Why Full Arch Submission Quality Matters
Full arch restorations are among the most complex cases a dental lab handles. They involve precise occlusal relationships, accurate bite registration, and detailed implant or tissue data. Because of this, even small gaps in the submission can lead to delays or remakes.
Moreover, a well-prepared submission protects your patient’s timeline. Full arch cases often involve patients who have already undergone significant preparation. Therefore, getting the case right the first time matters more than ever.
Additionally, digital workflows rely on clean, complete data. CAD/CAM dentistry allows labs like Dentek Digital to design and mill restorations with exceptional accuracy — but only when the incoming data supports that precision.
The Cost of an Incomplete Submission
An incomplete submission wastes time for everyone involved. It can delay case production, require additional appointments, and frustrate patients who are already mid-treatment. Furthermore, it places unnecessary pressure on the doctor-lab relationship.
On the other hand, a thorough submission builds confidence on both sides. Your lab team can move forward efficiently, and you can trust the outcome aligns with your clinical goals.
Start with High-Quality Digital Scans
The foundation of any strong full arch submission is a clean digital scan. Your intraoral scanner must capture full arch detail without voids, artifacts, or stitching errors. Therefore, take time to verify your scan before sending it.
Pay close attention to the posterior regions. These areas are easy to miss during scanning and are critical for proper occlusal design. Also, ensure your scan captures full soft tissue contours, especially in implant cases where tissue profiles guide the restoration design.
Scan Checklist for Full Arch Cases
- Upper and lower full arch scans — complete, with no voids or missing segments
- Bite scan — accurate and stable, captured in maximum intercuspation or defined occlusal position
- Opposing arch scan — always include the opposing, even for single-arch restorations
- Soft tissue scan — especially important for implant-supported full arch cases
- Scan body scans — required for implant cases; confirm scan bodies are seated and verified before scanning
Finally, export your scans in the correct file format requested by your lab. Dentek Digital accepts all major scanner formats, but confirming compatibility before submission saves time.
Bite Registration and Occlusal Records
Bite registration is one of the most common points of failure in full arch submissions. However, it is also one of the most preventable. A precise bite record gives the lab the reference it needs to build proper occlusion into the restoration.
For digital workflows, your bite scan must be taken in a stable, repeatable position. If your patient has difficulty maintaining a consistent bite, consider using a jig or matrix to stabilize the relationship before scanning.
When to Include a Physical Bite Record
In some full arch cases — especially those involving significant vertical dimension changes — a physical bite record may be necessary alongside the digital scan. Meanwhile, for implant cases, a verification jig or analog impression helps confirm passive fit before the lab finalizes the design.
Additionally, always document the planned occlusal scheme in your case notes. Whether you are designing for group function, canine guidance, or bilateral balanced occlusion, your lab needs that information to fabricate correctly.
Communicate Your Case Clearly
Clear communication is just as important as clean scans. Your case notes should tell a story — from the patient’s clinical situation to the final esthetic and functional goals.
For example, include details about the material selection you prefer, the desired shade, the planned vertical dimension of occlusion, and any patient-specific concerns. Also note whether this is a phased case and how the current submission fits into the larger treatment plan.
What to Include in Your Case Notes
- Restoration type — fixed full arch, implant-supported, removable, or hybrid
- Material preference — zirconia, PMMA, titanium bar, or other
- Shade and esthetic goals — include photos whenever possible
- Implant system details — brand, connection type, platform size, and scan body used
- Vertical dimension of occlusion (VDO) — especially if it has been altered from the existing bite
- Opposing dentition details — natural teeth, existing prosthesis, or planned restoration
- Turnaround expectations — communicate timeline needs upfront
Practices in Chandler, Gilbert, and Tempe regularly submit full arch cases to Dentek Digital. Moreover, those with clear, complete case notes consistently experience faster turnaround and fewer revision cycles.
Photos Make a Significant Difference
Clinical photos are one of the most underutilized tools in full arch case submission. However, they provide context that scans and notes alone cannot fully convey.
Include a full-face smile photo, a retracted frontal view, and lateral views in occlusion. These images help the lab match midlines, assess lip support, and evaluate the overall esthetic framework of the restoration.
Photo Tips for Full Arch Cases
Use consistent retractors, background, and lighting for all photos. Additionally, if the patient is wearing an existing prosthesis, include photos of that prosthesis in place — it provides a valuable baseline for esthetic reference.
Furthermore, before-and-after photos from similar cases you have completed help communicate your preferred esthetic style. Sharing this context with your lab strengthens the partnership and improves consistency across your cases.
Implant-Specific Submission Considerations
Implant-supported full arch cases require additional documentation beyond standard restorative cases. Therefore, plan your submission carefully and verify each component before sending.
First, confirm that all implant positions are scanned using the correct scan bodies for your system. Next, include the implant library details so the lab can identify the exact connection. Then, provide any relevant CBCT data if implant planning or angulation concerns are part of the case.
Verification Steps for Implant Full Arch Cases
- Verify scan body seating clinically and radiographically before scanning
- Confirm implant brand, system, and connection type with the lab
- Include a clinical photo of scan bodies in place
- Note any angulation challenges or spacing limitations
- Indicate whether a verification jig will be needed before final fabrication
As a result of following these steps, your implant cases arrive at the lab ready to move forward without unnecessary back-and-forth communication.
Partner with a Lab That Supports Your Workflow
Not all dental labs are equipped to handle the complexity of full arch digital cases. However, Dentek Digital has built its entire workflow around advanced digital fabrication. We were among the earliest adopters of CAD/CAM technology in the country, and full arch cases are a core part of what we do every day.
We serve dental practices throughout the Greater Phoenix area, including Scottsdale, Mesa, Chandler, and Tempe. Our team works closely with doctors to ensure every submission is set up for success before production begins. Contact Dentek Digital today to discuss your next full arch case and learn how we can support your workflow from scan to delivery.
Frequently Asked Questions About Full Arch Submissions
What file formats does Dentek Digital accept for full arch scans?
We accept all major intraoral scanner formats. Contact our team before submitting if you are unsure about compatibility, and we will confirm the best format for your workflow.
Do I need to include an opposing arch scan even if I am only restoring one arch?
Yes. The opposing arch scan is essential for designing proper occlusion. Without it, the lab cannot accurately establish the bite relationship for the restoration.
How important are clinical photos in a full arch submission?
Photos are very important. They help the lab evaluate esthetic goals, midline alignment, and lip support — details that scans alone do not fully capture. Include photos for every full arch case.
What should I do if I am unsure about vertical dimension changes in my case?
Communicate your uncertainty clearly in your case notes. Our team can help you work through the design considerations. Additionally, a diagnostic wax-up or digital design preview may be helpful before final fabrication begins.
How far in advance should I submit a full arch case?
Turnaround time varies by case complexity and material. Submit as early as possible, and communicate your target delivery date upfront. Our team will confirm realistic timelines based on your specific case requirements.
Ready to Submit Your Next Full Arch Case?
A strong full arch submission sets the stage for outstanding outcomes for your patients. When your scans are clean, your notes are complete, and your photos are included, our lab team can focus entirely on crafting a precise, high-quality restoration.
Dentek Digital is proud to be a trusted digital dental lab partner for practices across Phoenix and the Greater Arizona area. We combine advanced CAD/CAM technology with skilled craftsmanship to deliver results you and your patients can count on.
Explore your options and contact Dentek Digital to get started on your next full arch case. We are here to support your practice every step of the way.