RWD Dental Image FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Expert answers from Australia's leading dental laboratory specialists

Serving Australian dental practices with precision, expertise, and partnership excellence

Table of Contents

Technical & Material Q&A from the Lab

QuestionAnswer

1. “What’s the difference between zirconia and e.max crowns, and when should I use each?”

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Zirconia Crowns:

  • Strength: 900-1400 MPa flexural strength – ideal for posterior teeth and bruxers
  • Aesthetics: Modern multi-layered zirconia offers excellent translucency for anterior applications
  • Thickness: Can be fabricated thinner (0.5mm) due to superior strength
  • Best for: Posterior crowns, patients with heavy bite forces, severe discolouration masking

IPS e.max Crowns:

  • Strength: 360-470 MPa flexural strength – sufficient for most clinical applications
  • Aesthetics: Superior translucency and natural appearance, 97.8% survival rate over 10 years when the correct bonding protocol is followed
  • Thickness: Requires 0.5-2mm reduction for optimal strength characteristics
  • Best for: Anterior aesthetics, conservative preparations, patients prioritising natural appearance
 

“In my 30+ years as a prosthetist, I’ve learned that material selection is about matching the restoration to the patient’s specific needs. We guide our dentist partners through this decision-making process, considering occlusal forces, aesthetic requirements, and long-term prognosis for each case.”Rob Dulieu, Master Ceramist.

Read more about Crowns…

2. “How much reduction do I need for different crown materials?”

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Our Preparation Guidelines:

  • Monolithic Zirconia: 0.5-1.0mm reduction (ultra-conservative approach)
  • Layered Zirconia: 1-2. mm (allows for optimal porcelain layering)
  • IPS e.max: 0.5-2.mm (optimal strength and aesthetic integration)
  • Porcelain-Fused-to-Metal: 1.5-2.5mm (traditional requirements)
 

RWD Advantage: Every restoration is meticulously crafted using a stereo microscope and integrated CAD/CAM technology, ensuring exceptional precision and long-term durability.

3. “What’s your marginal fit accuracy, and how do you guarantee it?”

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RWD Precision Standards:

  • Marginal Accuracy: Accuracy is always confirmed using the precision of the stereo microscope.
  • Technology: 5-axis CAD/CAM milling with coordinate verification systems
  • Quality Control: Every restoration is verified on precision models before dispatch

Our Partnership Guarantee: All crowns are dispatched based on the model with a precision fit—accurate margins, optimal contact areas, and occlusion, significantly reducing cementation time for clinicians. Our remake rate for fit issues is less than 0.5% across our 500+ dentist partners.

 

Why crowns don’t fit: common preparation mistakes – read more…

4. “Do you accept digital impressions from [specific scanner brand]?”

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We accept all digital scanner brands.
Complete Scanner Compatibility Across Australia:

✅ iTero, CEREC, Medit, 3Shape Trios, Planmeca, Dexus, Shining

✅ CS3600, Primescan, Aoralscan, Carestream

✅ All major STL and PLY file formats

✅ Photogrammetry, iCam, Pic Cam, Shining 3D, Fast maps

✅ Secure upload portal with instant confirmation

Seamless Process: Upload files directly to our portal, receive confirmation within 30 minutes, and initiate the case on the same day. We also digitise traditional impressions using laboratory scanners for practices transitioning to digital workflows.

Workflow & Timeline Questions for RWD Dental

QuestionAnswer

5. “What’s your standard turnaround time for single crowns vs bridges?”

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Australia-Wide Service Standards:

  • Single Crowns: 10 working days
  • Up to 6 Unit Bridges: 10 working days
  • 6+ Unit Bridges: 20 working days
  • Complex Cases: 14-21 working days (with consultation)
 

Digital Workflow Advantage: Digital cases commence immediately upon file receipt, often reducing timelines by 2-3 days compared to traditional impressions whilst maintaining our exacting quality standards.

6. “Can you handle same-day or urgent cases?”

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Expedited Services Available Nationwide:

  • Same-Day: Emergency single crowns (premium pricing, Sydney metro area)
  • 24-48 Hours: Rush crowns and anterior bridges Australia-wide
  • 72 Hours: Most single units and simple bridges with express courier
 

Partnership Support: We maintain dedicated rush capacity for urgent patient needs. Requirements include digital files, clear case specifications, and confirmation by 9 AM for same-day service.
NOTE: All cases must be pre-booked and confirmed

7. “What happens if a crown doesn’t fit – what’s your remake policy?”

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Comprehensive Partnership Guarantee:

  • Immediate Remake: No-charge remake within five business days
  • Technical Analysis: Root cause review to prevent future issues
  • Priority Processing: Rush scheduling for remake cases
  • Quality Assurance: 12-month guarantee covering materials, fit, and craftsmanship
 

“Quality isn’t negotiable at RWD. When you partner with us, you’re partnering with a laboratory that stands behind every restoration. Our remake rate is exceptionally low because we do it right the first time, but when issues arise, we fix them immediately.”Rob Dulieu

8. “How do you handle shade matching for anterior cases?”

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Precision Aesthetic Solutions:

  • Digital Photography Analysis: High-resolution shade assessment protocols
  • Custom Shade Appointments: Sydney clients welcome for in-person consultations
  • Master Ceramist Expertise: 30+ years of aesthetic restoration experience
  • Try-in Options: Bisque bake trials for critical anterior cases

 

Technology Integration: Calibrated lighting systems and digital shade analysis ensure consistent, accurate colour matching even for the most challenging aesthetic cases.

RWD Dental Business & Pricing Questions

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9. “What are your prices for different crown materials and complexity levels?”

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Transparent Australian Pricing Structure:

  • Competitive rates aligned with premium quality outcomes
  • Volume considerations for established practice partnerships
  • No hidden fees – comprehensive service included
  • GST-inclusive pricing with detailed invoicing
 

Investment in Excellence: Our pricing reflects the advanced technology, master craftsmanship, and precision outcomes that reduce your chairside time and enhance patient satisfaction. Contact us for detailed pricing schedules tailored to your practice volume.

10. “Do you offer payment terms or bulk pricing for high-volume practices?”

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Australian Practice Partnership Benefits:

 
  • Payment Terms: 7 days from statement
  • Volume Partnerships: Tiered benefits for committed practice relationships
  • Preferred Partner Status: Priority scheduling and dedicated account management
  • Practice Growth Support: Quarterly reviews and optimisation recommendations

11. “What’s included in your crown price?”

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Comprehensive Service Inclusion:

 ✅ CAD design and precision milling/pressing

 ✅ Multi-stage quality control and verification

 ✅ Master ceramist finishing and glazing

 ✅ Secure packaging

 ✅ Technical consultation and ongoing support

Additional Considerations: Courier costs, same-day rush fees, and custom packaging requests are quoted separately for transparency.

RWD Process & Communications Q&A

QuestionAnswer

12. “How do I submit cases and track progress?”

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Streamlined Australian Digital Process:

  1. Secure Upload Portal: Australian-hosted servers with case tracking
  2. Practice Dashboard: Complete case history and documentation
  3. Direct Communication: Chat with technicians and account managers
 

Partnership Transparency: Receive updates at design completion, production commencement, quality control verification, and dispatch stages.

Read more about our Collaborative Smile Design Process…

13. “Can I speak directly with the technician working on my case?”

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Direct Access Philosophy:

  • Technical Consultations: Direct communication with ceramists and CAD designers
  • Complex Case Planning: Pre-production discussions for optimal outcomes
  • Real-Time Collaboration: Design modifications during production, when feasible
  • Educational Partnership: Technical guidance and continuing education support

“We believe in true partnership. When you ring RWD, you’re speaking with experienced technicians who understand your clinical challenges. We’re not just a laboratory – we’re an extension of your practice team.”Rob Dulieu

 

Read more about dentist dental lab communication…

14. “What information do you need for optimal results?”

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Essential Case Documentation:

  • Preparation Photography: Multiple angles showing margins and occlusal clearance
  • Shade Information: Adjacent teeth, lighting conditions, patient information
  • Occlusal Requirements: Bite force considerations, bruxism history
  • Timeline Requirements: Standard or expedited delivery needs
  • Clinical Notes: Aesthetic prescription, patient preferences, special considerations
 

Partnership Excellence: The more information you provide, the better we can tailor the restoration to your patient’s specific needs and your clinical preferences.

15. “How do you handle difficult cases like severe discolouration or limited space?”

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Specialised Australian Expertise:

  • Severe Discolouration: High-opacity cores with custom layering techniques
  • Limited Space: Ultra-thin monolithic options (0.5mm minimum thickness)
  • Complex Anatomy: Advanced CAD design with handmade skill
  • Challenging Preparations: adjustment copings and communication

Master Ceramist Advantage: With over 30 years of prosthodontic experience, including training at the Malo Clinic Portugal under the guidance of Professor Palo Malo, and being recognised as an  All-on-4® Centre of Excellence, Rob Dulieu ensures that even the most challenging cases achieve exceptional outcomes.

RWD Dental – Logistics & Shipping Questions

QuestionAnswer

16. “How do you ship cases, and what’s the cost?”

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Australia-Wide Courier Network:

  • Standard Express: 24-48 hours, costs vary by location
  • Overnight Service: Next business day delivery
  • Same-Day Courier: Sydney metropolitan area, personalised RWD delivery driver
  • International: New Zealand and Pacific region capability
 

Professional Packaging: Custom protective packaging with temperature control for adhesive materials and precision restoration protection.

17. “Do you provide pickup service in my area?”

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Comprehensive Australian Coverage:

  • Sydney Metro: Daily pickup routes at no additional charge
  • Regional NSW: Daily pick-up via Aust Post or other relevant logistics company
  • Interstate:  Daily pick-up via Aust Post or other relevant logistics company
  • Digital Priority: Instant file transfer eliminates pickup requirements
 

Practice Convenience: You can use our Online Booking Page for job bookings

18. “What happens if a case is damaged in shipping?”

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All cases are packaged to protect against damage; however, if damage does occur in transit, we will remake it.

Excellence Standards: Less than 0.1% damage rate due to superior packaging protocols developed over 30+ years of Australian-wide service.

RWD Quality Control & Standards Questions

QuestionAnswer

19. “What quality control processes do you use?”

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Multi-Stage Australian Quality Assurance:

 
  1. Digital Verification: CAD design review and virtual fit analysis
  2. Production Monitoring: Real-time oversight of milling and pressing processes
  3. Physical Inspection: Dimensional accuracy and marginal fit verification under a stereo microscope
  4. Aesthetic Review: Colour matching and surface texture
  5. Documentation: Photography and quality certification for every case

20. “Are you TGA certified and compliant with Australian standards?”

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Complete Australian Regulatory Compliance:

 ✅ TGA Certification: Current therapeutic goods registration

 ✅ ISO 13485: Medical device quality management certification

 ✅ Australian Standards: AS/NZS compliance for all materials and processes

 ✅ Material Traceability: Photography and Lab sheets saved for each case

 

Professional Assurance: Certificates of compliance are provided with every case upon request, ensuring your practice meets all Australian dental standards.

Read more about RWD Dental Image…

21. “Can you provide references from other practices in my area?”

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Extensive Australian Reference Network:

  • 500+ Satisfied Dentists: Across Australia and New Zealand
  • Local References: Available for all major Australian cities

Professional Testimonials: Written and video references from long-term partners

Advanced Technical Questions for Rob Dulieu

QuestionAnswer

22. “Do you offer custom abutments and implant restorations?”

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Complete Australian Implant Solutions:

  • Custom Abutments: Titanium and zirconia, precision CAD/CAM milled
  • iCam Photogrammetry: Provides implant position accuracy for full arch cases
  • All Implant Systems: Nobel Biocare, Straumann, MIS, and others
  • All-on-4® Excellence: Australia’s only recognised Sydney-based Centre of Excellence
 

Passive Fit Guarantee: Advanced photogrammetry technology eliminates implant stress and complications, ensuring long-term success for your patients.

Read more about Dental Implants…

23. “Can you work with my existing bite registration and articulator settings?”

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Complete Technical Compatibility:

  • Digital Integration: Virtual articulation with physical verification
  • Custom Mounting: Your specific preferences and clinical protocols
  • Occlusal Verification: Cross-checking with multiple methodologies
 

Precision Partnership: Digital analysis combined with traditional articulation ensures optimal occlusal relationships tailored to your clinical approach.

24. “What CAD/CAM technology do you use, and how does it benefit my patients?”

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State-of-the-Art Australian Laboratory Technology:

  • 5-Axis Milling: Ensuring the most advanced miling geometries
  • Advanced CAD Software: Latest Exocad, 3Shape, Blender4Dental, DTX and Smilecloud updates
  • Material Optimisation: Case dependent
  • Quality Integration: Real-time monitoring and verification systems
 

Patient Benefits: A superior fit reduces the need for adjustment appointments, enables faster treatment completion, and results in long-lasting restorations with predictable outcomes that enhance your practice’s reputation.

Read more about Digital Dentistry…

25. “How do you handle try-ins and patient adjustments?”

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Flexible Australian Practice Support:

  • Bisque Bake Trials: For critical aesthetic cases requiring patient approval
  • 3D Printed Models: Verification of fit and occlusal relationships
  • Quality Provisionals: High-standard temporary restorations during fabrication
  • Technical Guidance: Expert support for minor chairside modifications

“Our precision manufacturing typically eliminates the need for extensive adjustments, but we support our dentist partners with whatever they need to achieve perfect patient outcomes. That’s what true partnership means.”Rob Dulieu

Ready to Partner with RWD Dental Image?

Experience the precision difference that comes from 30+ years of Australian prosthodontic excellence, combined with cutting-edge technology and true partnership commitment.

Contact RWD Dental Image:

  • Phone: (02) 93892000
  • Email: info@rwddental.com.au
  • Sydney Laboratory: Available for consultations and custom shade appointments

Proudly serving dental practices across Australia and New Zealand with precision, expertise, and partnership excellence.

We don't just make dental restorations - we build long-term partnerships that help Australian dentists deliver exceptional patient care.
Rob Dulieu, Dental Prosthetist at RWD Dental, smiling while holding a dental articulator in his right hand, standing beside a dental chair in a modern clinical setting
Robert Dulieu
Founder & Principal Prosthetist

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