Effective Communication with Your Dental Laboratory: Building Strong Relationships for Better Results

At Modern Dentures, we cannot emphasise enough the importance of communication with your dental laboratory and technicians to ensure that your dentures fit and function properly. Establishing a strong rapport with your technician and maintaining clear, concise communication is key to achieving the best possible outcome.

The Power of Direct Communication

When it comes to dental restorations, the relationship between the dental practice and the technician is incredibly important. The more that can be communicated regarding needs, preferences, and expectations, the more likely it is to receive dentures that meet the desired standards. It’s essential to build trust with your technicians and communicate your requirements clearly. Over time, technicians will better understand your preferences, and you’ll gain insight into their processes.

One of the most effective ways to communicate with your technician is through messaging apps like WhatsApp. Not only is WhatsApp secure, offering end-to-end encryption, but it’s also a convenient and reliable platform for sharing information. Voice messages, in particular, are a great way to convey thoughts clearly and concisely. This method ensures that you’re not simply scribbling notes on a laboratory ticket that may be difficult to decipher. By using voice messages, you can explain your requirements in a way that is easy to understand.

Why WhatsApp Works

WhatsApp is a preferred communication tool due to its security features. The platform’s end-to-end encryption ensures that your messages are protected, and since the data is automatically wiped after a few weeks, you can rest assured that your communication remains confidential. In addition to voice messages, photos and videos can be sent, which is helpful for further clarification.

Using WhatsApp or similar apps allows for real-time communication, enabling you to address any concerns instantly. This approach also strengthens your relationship with your technician, especially when working with large laboratories that may have multiple technicians handling various cases. Having a technician who is dedicated to handling your cases and familiar with your preferences can make a significant difference in the consistency and quality of the results.

Creating Consistency with Your Technician

In a larger laboratory, work is often passed around to different technicians, which can sometimes lead to inconsistencies. However, if you can find a technician who consistently handles your cases, the results will be far more predictable. Once a technician understands your specific requirements, they’ll be able to meet those expectations every time. For instance, we prefer denture flanges to be slightly underextended rather than overextended. With repeated communication, your technician will become familiar with your preferences and can deliver work that is more aligned with your exact needs.

This consistency reduces the need for time-consuming adjustments when dentures are delivered. Instead of spending time trimming excess plastic due to overextended flanges, you’ll receive dentures that fit and function properly right from the start.

Using Videos for Better Communication

Sometimes, a voice message may not be enough. Sending a quick video can be even more effective in communicating specific details. If you’re working with a model, consider taking a video to show your technician exactly what you’re seeing. You can point out areas that need adjustment and explain your preferences more clearly. This is especially useful when starting a new relationship with a technician. It’s important not only to point out mistakes but also to highlight aspects of the work that are well done.

When technicians see their work in the mouth of a patient, it helps them understand how the dentures translate into a real-world application. For example, if the teeth appear misaligned or positioned at a strange angle, sending a video demonstrating this allows the technician to make more accurate adjustments. By showing the issue in the mouth, it’s easier for the technician to grasp the context and make necessary changes.

The Bottom Line

At Modern Dentures, we believe that strong communication with your technician is one of the most important tools you have to ensure the best results. By using secure messaging apps like WhatsApp and sending videos or voice notes, you can ensure that your dentures are created with precision, saving time and reducing the need for constant adjustments. Building a solid working relationship with your technician means less time spent on corrections and more time focusing on delivering the highest level of care to your patients.

We hope these insights are helpful—keep communication open and clear, and the results will speak for themselves. Watch the full video to gain insights and recommendations from our experience! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mTfu2hNn9Z8