A custom abutment design can stall on one missing detail. For example, the implant system is not named, or a scan body is cut off at the edge of the scan. This checklist covers what to prepare before you send a custom abutment case to a design partner, in three groups: scans, the work ticket, and turnaround and approval.
It is written for lab owners and CAD/CAM technicians. It covers files and communication between labs and design services, not clinical decisions. For the general hand-off, see how to send 3Shape design cases to an outsourcing partner.
Step 1: Send a complete set of scans
- A scan with the scan bodies captured. Check that each scan body is fully visible before you send.
- Opposing and bite scans, if you have them. They are used to set occlusal clearance for the restoration on top.
- A soft tissue scan without the scan body, if you have one. It helps shape the abutment where it meets the tissue.
SubDesignCenter accepts scans from any intraoral or desktop scanner as STL, PLY or OBJ files. Labs on 3Shape Communicate can send that way. Otherwise, we set up a case exchange that fits your lab when we start working together.
Step 2: Write a work ticket your designer can act on
A useful ticket for a custom abutment answers six questions:
- What is the restoration? Tooth number, and whether you need a custom abutment, a screw-retained crown or an implant-supported bridge.
- Which implant system? SubDesignCenter works from the implant libraries available in 3Shape (implant restoration design). Name the system, and add the connection size so the right library item is used.
- What material? Designs are prepared for the material named on the ticket. Name the abutment material and the restoration material separately.
- Which titanium base? If you use one, name its type and size.
- Which machine? Your mill or printer, so the file is prepared for your workflow.
- What are your design preferences? Contact strength, occlusal clearance, cement gap and minimum thickness.
Preferences only need to be sent once. SubDesignCenter keeps them on file and applies them to every case from your lab.
Keep patient information to the minimum. The patient's first name and your lab's case number are all SubDesignCenter needs. Leave out last names, dates of birth and contact details. Check file names before you send, too.
Step 3: Agree on turnaround and approval
- Turnaround. At SubDesignCenter, the standard turnaround for implant design is 2 business days.
- When work starts. SubDesignCenter works on Korean time, so cases U.S. labs send in their evening are designed while the lab is closed.
- Review. Every case goes through a review step before delivery.
- Refinements and approval. Request refinements and the designer adjusts. A case is not finished until your lab approves it.
- What you receive. A production-ready design file, prepared for your mill or printer.
Every SubDesignCenter case also includes a conversation with the designer about material choice, design decisions and how the design will mill or print. For full-arch cases, see our All-on-X design service.
Custom abutment checklist
- Scan with the scan bodies captured, with no scan body cut off
- Opposing and bite scans, if available
- Soft tissue scan without the scan body, if available
- Files exported as STL, PLY or OBJ
- Tooth number and restoration type on the ticket
- Implant system and connection size named
- Abutment material and restoration material named
- Titanium base type and size named, if used
- Mill or printer noted
- Design preferences sent once and confirmed on file
- Patient first name and lab case number only, and file names checked
- Turnaround and approval steps agreed in writing
Try the file exchange first
If you have not worked with us before, you can check the file exchange on a few cases first. New labs can send SubDesignCenter three free test cases: crowns, or bridges of up to 3 units. Our services page lists what to send for each case type.
If you have questions about your workflow, reach us through the contact section on our site.