Our Process

Welcome to The Art of Aesthetics.

Please read our instructions carefully, as they contain important information. The Art of Aesthetics, Inc. is a dental laboratory that follows instructions given by a licensed professional. As a dental lab, we don't determine the suitability of our products. All work orders must include a written authorization with signatures. Verbal communication has no effect. Therefore, please email us if you have additional instructions or information instead of phone calls. Please read our terms and conditions before you send the first case to The Art of Aesthetics (or The Lab).

Quality is emphasized throughout every step of our production process. One way for us to avoid errors is to have as much information as possible. Therefore, please send detailed information, such as the name of the patient, potential problems, visual aids (photos, graphics, drawings, samples, etc.), and anything else that will help us to investigate and take appropriate corrective actions. Without this information, we cannot identify the "root" cause and act accordingly.

By cutting costs on certain non-critical factors, you also save money. Please help us save on costs so that we can maintain our competitive prices. We need your cooperation:

• Combine shipments to us.
• If possible, give us an extra day so we can combine shipments.
• Double-check your impressions – ensure you have a clear line of margin, void of distortion. If the margin is not visible, pour it up and check before you send it.

Custom shade matches.

Every patient is unique concerning shade. Many factors contribute to shade selection, such as dentin shades, translucency, unusual lines, calcification, a glass-like look, crack lines, and so on. Even more challenging is when a patient has bleached teeth. 

Please inform the patient in advance that some shades cannot be reproduced.

Please tape the shade guides on the lab slip if you send your shade tab. Take as many pictures as possible for difficult or anterior shades, including shots from different angles, with light, without light, and full mouth showing anterior teeth. When taking photos for custom shade matches, place the shade guide tabs (two or more for comparison) next to the tooth. Send shade pictures or email electronic pictures to us. When emailing photos, always reference the patient's and doctor's names in the subject line. Read more.

Taking Impressions

The ability to accurately capture an impression is critical for correctly transferring information to the laboratory. The finished cases are based on what you sent to us. Everything depends on your impression and preparation. Read more.

Here are some helpful tips for taking a good impression:

• Adequate reduction for your desired restorations.
• Check the expiration date of your impression material.
• Use the double-cord packing technique, digital or non-digital, inserting the cord deeper.
• Select sturdier impression trays, i.e., metal trays with low sides.
• Make sure to dry out prepped teeth and clean out excessive bleeding before taking impressions.
• Take a full arch impression and bite registration for correct mounting for a 2-unit or more case or other than "normal bite."
• Alginate impressions must be poured up before sending them.
• The impression must be disinfected.
• The due date or appointment date and time. "ASAP" as a due date will deliver as soon as possible. Please check with us before scheduling appointments.
• PRINT your instructions legibly on the lab slip. We are not responsible if we can’t read your instructions.
• Implant and attachment must include all components and detailed information about implants.
• Shade information for all porcelain work.
• Opposing model.
• Study model for all anterior work
• Metal type for PFM or FCC
• Stump (or dentin/prep) shade for all porcelain work.

Your case will be placed on hold if any information or components are missing. It will save time and trouble if you perform the simple check above before sending a case to The Art of Aesthetics.

No Occlusal Clearance. 

No Occlusal Clearance. Many times for cases with no occlusal clearance, and if there is no other instruction, we will reduce abutment with reduction copying or adjust opposing, whichever we think is better for the patient. In case we make a coping, there will be a $5 charge. If your crowns do not fit on the first try-in, first take a look at the working model for any marks for a reduction before seating a crown. We cannot remake unless you prep again and take a new impression. In cases like this, we would charge again since the lack of occlusal clearance is not a lab mistake.

Return Date and Delivery Scheduling.

Please allow a few more days in the lab, not including shipping days, national holidays, and weekends. Please allow extra time during the holiday seasons, including Thanksgiving Day, Christmas, Labor Day, Independence Day, Memorial Day, and New Year's Day. Please do not deviate from the original due date without checking with us first. Avoid scheduling to seat crowns on the day after your immediate return to the office after a closure, vacation, or long weekend. We will attempt to deliver on the day of your return before 5 P.M. Furthermore, we will be grateful if you call us and let us know your vacation times.

Packaging and Shipping.

Package well to protect the model. Impressions of other non-breakable material need not be bubble wrapped, but a stone or other breakable items need to be bubble-wrapped to protect them during shipment. If you are sending an articulator, make sure you package it well protected in a box. Please contact us before you send your articulator to us. We may have the same type of articulator in our dental lab. For your convenience, we will provide you with shipping labels. Please take your package to the nearest UPS drop-off location or give it to the driver when they come to drop off a package to you. If you ship twice for one case because you forgot to include parts or components, you will incur more shipping charges. Finally, we are not responsible for the shipment delayed or lost by carriers.

Handle With Care

Finally, please be aware that porcelains are glass prone to fracture or crack. Always handle with care. We hope our crowns drop in, but if you need to adjust, handle it gently. When adjusting, please follow the simple steps:

• Use the finest diamond burr and use the diamond paste to polish.
• Adjust the slowest speed and gentle pressure when trimming.
• Always adjust, cooling with water so it won't generate heat during trimming.
• Bite gently until after the permanent cementation.

Please contact us if you have any questions. Thank you for taking the time to read this read me first section.