Digital Workflow vs. Traditional: What’s Best for Your Practice?

Advancements in digital dentistry have significantly changed how restorative treatment is planned, communicated, and executed. Many practices are evaluating whether to adopt a full digital workflow, maintain traditional methods, or take a hybrid approach. The ideal workflow depends on clinical goals and the type of cases routinely treated. This overview outlines the functional differences and where each method performs best.

Traditional Workflow Overview

A traditional workflow relies on analog tools and manual fabrication techniques, including:

• PVS or alginate impressions
• Stone models
• Wax-ups performed by hand
• Manual layering or pressing for final restorations

Advantages:

• Familiar system for many clinicians and team members
• No major investments in new equipment
• Works effectively for specific full-arch or removable prosthetic cases

Limitations:

• Greater risk of inaccuracies due to material distortion or handling
• Increased lab communication steps
• Longer turnaround times because of shipping and model fabrication
• Greater likelihood of chairside adjustments at delivery

Digital Workflow Overview

A digital workflow replaces physical impressions with scans and uses CAD/CAM design and digital manufacturing tools.

Common digital components include:

• Intraoral scanning
• CAD restorative and implant planning software
• Milling and 3D printing systems
• Digital shade matching resources

Advantages:

• Accuracy: Digital impressions reduce distortion and improve marginal fit.
• Efficiency: Case files transfer to the lab immediately for review.
• Patient comfort: No trays or impression material required.
• Predictability: Digital previews and planning tools improve treatment communication and acceptance.

Considerations:

• Upfront investment in scanner technology and team training
• Digital technique proficiency depends on consistent workflow habits
• Works best when partnered with a lab experienced in digital case management

Which Workflow Fits Your Practice?

Practice Objective:	Recommended Workflow
Increase efficiency and reduce remakes:	Digital
Minimize upfront investment:	Traditional
Improve patient comfort:	Digital
Manage complex removable or full-arch cases:	Hybrid or Traditional
Standardize outcomes and communication:	Digital or Hybrid

In many cases, a hybrid approach — using digital scans for fixed prosthetics and analog impressions for select complex removable cases — provides optimal flexibility.

The Lab Partnership Matters

Transitioning workflows, whether fully digital or hybrid, is more predictable with a supportive laboratory partner. At Global Laboratories, we collaborate directly with clinicians to:

• Review case plans before submission
• Clarify material and design options based on clinical criteria
• Provide scan technique guidance for consistent digital results
• Support both analog and digital submissions without workflow disruption

Consistency and communication drive restorative success. When the clinical team and lab operate with aligned workflows, outcomes improve and chairside adjustments decrease.

Ready to Submit a Case?

If you are integrating digital workflows or looking to streamline traditional case handling, we’re here to support your process.

Contact Global Laboratories to send a case.