February 17, 2008
"Behind the Scenes" at our Office, Part 1
We use only the best American dental laboratories and the best, highest quality materials for your crowns, bridges, veneers and dentures. The latest trend in dentistry is to outsource dental labwork to other countries to save on labcosts. Many dentists are using labs in China, Vietnam and India that will do dental labwork for 1/4 the cost of American labs. There is no regulatory oversight for these labs and you have no idea what kind of metals or ceramics are being used. As with most things, you get what you pay for.
We are extremely "picky" about who does our labwork, and our standards are very high. Since our reputation rides on all the restorative dentistry we place in your mouth, the choice of labs is 100% determined by the quality of the restorations, and 0% determined by the labfees our office pays. Anything else just doesn't work for us.
We use the best dental materials from such proven American companies as 3M, Kerr (Romulus, MI based) and Kodak. There are cheaper generics for almost everything. We don't use them.
Until next time,
Mark W Langberg, DDS, FAGD
Comments on "Behind the Scenes" at our Office, Part 1 »
So do you use labs from those countries you mentioned? Do you insist on USA or do you go elsewhere?
After 31 years of practice, I have become convinced that the best dental labwork has always arisen as a result of my authentic, consistent, and persistent communication with the dental lab technician who is responsible for the case. Hence, I generally only use local MIchigan labs where I have a relationship that involves intensive communication. In a few instances, I will use out of state labs when they specialize in certain procedures, but only when I have already personally met with the technician, the same level of ongoing communication exists, and I am able to receive .jpg images by email of the case during its fabrication. The cost savings that may occur by using an overseas lab can never make up for the loss of communication and control that I absolutely must have to stand behind my work.
Thanks for your comment and question,
Mark W Langberg, DDS, FAGD