Not every new dental material deserves a place in your lab’s workflow. Evaluating materials is one of the most critical responsibilities a dental lab takes on. It directly affects the quality of every restoration you deliver to your patients.
At Dentek Digital, we take this process seriously. We serve dentists and dental practices across Phoenix, Scottsdale, Mesa, Chandler, and beyond. Every material we use has been carefully vetted before it ever touches a patient case.
In this post, we walk you through how a modern digital dental lab evaluates new materials. You will learn what to look for, what questions to ask, and why this process matters for your practice and your patients.
Why Material Evaluation Matters in Digital Dentistry
Digital dentistry has changed the game. CAD/CAM dentistry allows labs to mill or print restorations with remarkable precision. However, that precision is only as good as the material used to achieve it.
New materials enter the market constantly. Some offer genuine improvements. Others are simply marketed well but lack real-world durability. Therefore, a structured evaluation process protects both the lab and the dentist.
Skipping this step can lead to early failures, unhappy patients, and costly remakes. Because of this, experienced labs treat material evaluation as an ongoing, disciplined practice — not a one-time event.
The Pace of Material Innovation
Material science moves fast. New zirconia formulations, resin composites, and hybrid ceramics emerge regularly. Labs in fast-growing markets like Gilbert and Tempe feel this pressure acutely.
Additionally, CAD/CAM workflows place specific demands on materials. A material must be compatible with milling equipment, sintering furnaces, or 3D printing systems. Not all materials meet these technical requirements out of the box.
Furthermore, dentist expectations are rising. Patients want restorations that look natural and last. That means labs must constantly assess whether a newer material truly outperforms what they already use.
Step One: Reviewing Manufacturer Data and Claims
The evaluation process starts before a material ever enters the lab. First, we review all available documentation from the manufacturer. This includes technical data sheets, flexural strength ratings, and shade range information.
However, manufacturer claims require critical thinking. Marketing language can be misleading. Therefore, we cross-reference claims with independent dental research and peer-reviewed publications wherever possible.
We also look at the manufacturer’s track record. Have they produced reliable materials before? Do they offer solid technical support? These factors matter when something goes wrong mid-case.
Questions Labs Ask About New Materials
- What is the reported flexural strength and how does it compare to current materials?
- Is the material compatible with our milling or printing equipment?
- What sintering or curing protocols does it require?
- How does it behave during staining and glazing?
- What is the expected clinical longevity based on available evidence?
- Is the material approved or cleared by relevant regulatory bodies?
These questions give us a structured starting point. Moreover, they help us spot red flags early — before we invest time and resources into a full trial.
Step Two: In-House Testing and Trial Runs
After reviewing the data, we move to hands-on testing. This is where the real evaluation begins. We mill or print test restorations using the new material under controlled conditions.
We assess how the material behaves at each stage of production. For example, how does it respond to milling? Does it chip or craze during the process? How does it finish and polish?
Next, we evaluate the esthetic outcome. Color consistency, translucency, and surface texture all factor into the assessment. A material may be structurally strong but still fall short esthetically.
Fit and Margin Accuracy
Fit is non-negotiable. Therefore, we check margins and contacts carefully on test models. A material may behave differently than expected after sintering or curing, which can affect final dimensions.
We use digital tools to verify accuracy. Measurements help us understand how much, if any, compensation is needed in our CAD workflow. This protects the quality of every case we send to dentists in Phoenix and the surrounding area.
Additionally, we test across multiple restoration types. A material may perform well for full-contour crowns but poorly for thin veneers or implant-supported restorations. We evaluate it in the contexts where we would actually use it.
Staining, Glazing, and Surface Finishing
Esthetic characterization is a key part of the evaluation. We test how the material accepts stains and glazes. Some materials absorb color unevenly, which creates inconsistency across a case.
Surface finish also matters for long-term wear. A restoration with a poor surface finish can cause premature wear to opposing dentition. Because of this, we assess polishability carefully during every trial run.
Meanwhile, we document every observation. Consistent recordkeeping allows us to compare new materials objectively against those already in our workflow.
Step Three: Evaluating CAD/CAM Compatibility
Not every material integrates seamlessly into a digital workflow. At Dentek Digital, we use advanced CAD/CAM systems to fabricate restorations. Therefore, material compatibility is a technical requirement, not just a preference.
We test whether the material is available in a format our milling or printing equipment can process. Block size, puck geometry, and material hardness all affect compatibility. Additionally, some materials require specific tooling or updated machine parameters.
We also evaluate software integration. Some newer materials come with recommended CAM strategies from the manufacturer. We test those strategies in our systems to verify they deliver consistent results.
Sintering and Post-Processing Requirements
Many high-strength materials, especially zirconia, require precise sintering protocols. We evaluate whether our existing furnace equipment can accommodate the new material’s requirements. In some cases, labs serving areas like Chandler or Scottsdale may need to invest in updated equipment to use a new material properly.
Post-processing steps add time and cost. Therefore, we factor those variables into our overall evaluation. A material that requires lengthy additional steps may not offer a net improvement even if its properties are excellent.
On the other hand, materials that streamline the workflow can add real value. We weigh both sides before making any decisions.
Step Four: Gathering Feedback from Dentists
Lab evaluation does not happen in isolation. We value feedback from the dentists we work with. Their clinical observations provide insights we cannot replicate in a lab environment.
For example, how does the material seat at the chair? How does it respond to cementation? Does it require adjustment? These are things only the delivering dentist can assess firsthand.
Additionally, patient feedback matters. Dentists in Mesa, Gilbert, and throughout the Greater Phoenix area tell us when patients report sensitivity, discomfort, or esthetic concerns. That information feeds directly back into our material reviews.
Building a Feedback Loop
We encourage ongoing communication with every practice we partner with. When a new material is in trial, we actively request detailed feedback after the first several cases. This creates a real-world data set that supports better decisions.
Furthermore, feedback helps us refine our protocols. If a dentist reports consistent seating issues, we investigate whether the problem is material-related or workflow-related. Both are fixable with the right information.
This collaborative approach is one reason Dentek Digital has built strong partnerships across Phoenix. We treat every dentist as a partner in the evaluation process, not just an end user.
Step Five: Long-Term Performance Monitoring
Even after a material passes initial evaluation, monitoring continues. We track performance over time across multiple cases and restoration types. Short-term success does not always predict long-term reliability.
Therefore, we maintain records on materials we adopt. If failure rates or complaints increase over time, we investigate promptly. A material that worked well initially may develop issues as our understanding of it deepens.
Also, material lots can vary. Manufacturing consistency is not always perfect. We watch for changes in quality that might reflect a shift in a supplier’s production process.
Frequently Asked Questions About Evaluating Dental Materials
How long does it take to evaluate a new dental material?
The timeline varies depending on the material type. Initial bench testing may take a few weeks. However, full clinical validation through dentist feedback typically takes several months. We do not rush this process.
Do all dental labs evaluate materials the same way?
No. Evaluation rigor varies widely across the industry. Digital labs with advanced CAD/CAM systems tend to apply more technical criteria. At Dentek Digital, we follow a structured, multi-step process for every new material we consider.
Can dentists request that a lab use a specific material?
Yes, absolutely. Many dentists have preferences based on clinical experience. We are happy to discuss material options with any practice we work with. However, we will always share our honest assessment of a material’s performance in our workflow.
What types of materials does Dentek Digital currently work with?
We work with a wide range of materials for fixed restorations, removables, splints, nightguards, and implant restorations. Our material selection reflects ongoing evaluation and refinement. Contact Dentek Digital to learn more about the specific materials available for your cases.
How does material evaluation connect to digital dentistry outcomes?
Directly and significantly. The quality of a digital restoration depends on the material, the CAD design, and the fabrication process. All three must be optimized together. Evaluating materials rigorously is one of the most important steps toward consistent, predictable outcomes.
Partner with a Lab That Takes Materials Seriously
Dentists across Phoenix, Scottsdale, Mesa, and Chandler trust Dentek Digital because we never cut corners on quality. Our material evaluation process reflects that commitment at every level.
We were among the earliest adopters of digital CAD/CAM workflows in the country. That experience gives us a deep understanding of how materials interact with advanced fabrication systems. As a result, we bring a level of material expertise that benefits every case we produce.
If you want a lab partner that actively evaluates and refines its material selection, we are ready to work with you. Explore your options and reach out to our team today to discuss how we can support your practice and your patients.