Digital Dental Lab — CAD/CAM, Scanner-Compatible, No Subscription

Digital Dental Lab — CAD/CAM, Scanner-Compatible, No Subscription

Send scans from any scanner you own. Pay per case. No scanner to lease. No monthly minimum.

A Digital Dental Lab Without the Lock-In

Peak Dental Studio is a fully digital dental laboratory. However, unlike subscription labs that bundle a “free” intraoral scanner with a monthly minimum spend, Peak does not lock the workflow to one scanner brand or one billing model.

Specifically, you can send scans from any iTero, Medit, 3Shape TRIOS, or STL-format scanner. Alternatively, you can send traditional PVS impressions or poured alginate with our prepaid 2-day return shipping.

Furthermore, our model is straightforward. Pay per case. No subscription. No scanner financing tied to your case volume. No equipment to return when you switch labs.

Send a Digital Case → Read the Dandy Dental Lab Review → (for a comparison to bundled-scanner subscription labs)

Scanners and Files Peak Accepts

Scanner / File Type Status
iTero (Element, Element 2, Element 5D, Lumina) ✓ Accepted, all generations
3Shape TRIOS (3, 4, 5, 5 Wireless) ✓ Accepted, all generations — TRIOS .dcm or STL export
Medit (i500, i700, i900) ✓ Accepted
3M True Definition ✓ Accepted
Carestream / Cerec / Planmeca / Aoralscan ✓ Accepted via STL export
STL files (any source) ✓ Accepted
PLY files ✓ Accepted
Traditional PVS impressions ✓ Accepted with prepaid 2-day return shipping
Poured alginate impressions ✓ Accepted with prepaid 2-day return shipping

If you have a less common scanner or file format, email support@peakdentalstudio.com with the file type. Then, we will confirm compatibility before you submit.

CAD/CAM Production at Peak

Milled restorations

We mill several material categories in-house. Each is matched to the right indication, not a default selection.

3D-printed components

In addition to milled work, we 3D-print several case categories.

  • Surgical models for try-in
  • Provisional restorations
  • Diagnostic wax-ups and 3D mock-ups for chairside try-in
  • Custom impression trays
  • Splints, night guards, and Essix retainers — see Orthodontic Appliances
  • Surgical guide planning coordination

Digital design and framework verification

Each case runs through structured design and verification stages.

  • Single-technician digital design through final stain
  • Verification jig testing on multi-unit implant cases
  • Try-in stages built into the workflow on full-arch and full-mouth rehab — see Signature Full Arch

Digital Workflow Without the Subscription Trap

Some labs offer a “free” intraoral scanner in exchange for a monthly minimum lab spend. As a result, the math works for high-volume practices and breaks for everyone else. In contrast, Peak’s digital workflow is decoupled from any subscription model.

Workflow Element Peak Dental Studio Subscription Lab
Scanner Bring your own Leased to you, must return on cancellation
Per-case pricing Pay per case quoted at submission Per-case + monthly minimum (paid even on slow months)
Contract / commitment None Month-to-month subscription, but scanner is leased equipment
Scanner brand flexibility Any major scanner accepted Locked to bundled scanner
Switching labs later Send your next case to anyone — no lock-in Return scanner; renegotiate workflow

Therefore, the decoupled approach gives the practice scanner ownership, lab flexibility, and predictable per-case economics. For the trade-off detail, see our full Peak vs Dandy comparison and Dandy Dental Lab Review.

Submitting a Digital Case to Peak

What to send

A complete digital submission includes the following.

  • Scans (any compatible format)
  • Bite registration (digital scan or PVS bite)
  • Shade photographs (two lighting conditions)
  • Rx with case detail: restoration type, material preference, opposing dentition, patient parafunction notes
  • For implant cases: brand, system, platform diameter, torque value, scan body type — see also Dental Lab Case Planning

How to send

You have several options for getting cases to us.

  • Direct upload — most modern scanners send directly to lab portals (we will set up your portal at account activation)
  • Email upload — STL/PLY/.dcm files sent to support@peakdentalstudio.com
  • Cloud transfer — Dropbox, Google Drive, or WeTransfer for large multi-arch files
  • Traditional impressions — call (801) 850-8758 to request prepaid 2-day shipping labels

Account activation

New accounts are activated within one business day. Specifically, email support@peakdentalstudio.com or call (801) 850-8758 to set up.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Peak Dental Studio a fully digital dental lab?

Yes. The full Peak production workflow is digital. Specifically, this includes design, milling, framework verification, and 3D-printed components. However, we still accept traditional PVS and alginate impressions for practices that have not fully digitized.

Which intraoral scanners does Peak accept?

All major scanners. Specifically: iTero (any generation including Lumina), 3Shape TRIOS (3, 4, 5, 5 Wireless), Medit (i500, i700, i900), 3M True Definition, Carestream, Cerec, Planmeca, and Aoralscan. Additionally, any STL or PLY file from any other scanner is accepted.

Do I have to lease a scanner from Peak to send digital cases?

No. Peak does not lease scanners and does not require a scanner subscription. Therefore, you can bring whatever scanner you own — or send PVS impressions if you prefer.

How does this differ from Dandy or other subscription labs?

Subscription labs bundle a “free” scanner with a monthly minimum spend. As a result, the scanner is leased — you return it when you cancel. In contrast, Peak quotes per case with no minimum and no subscription. You own your scanner; you choose your lab. For the full breakdown, see our Peak vs Dandy comparison.

What CAD/CAM materials does Peak mill?

We mill PEAK Zirconia™ (multiple translucency formulations), lithium disilicate (e.max), PFM, gold and high-noble alloys, plus milled titanium and zirconia custom abutments. Additionally, we 3D-print acrylic for provisionals, surgical guides, and try-in models. For pricing, see Pricing.

Can I send digital scans for full-arch and All-on-X cases?

Yes. Multi-arch digital scans are accepted for All-on-X case planning. Furthermore, library compatibility for major implant systems (Nobel, Straumann, Zimmer Biomet, BioHorizons, Hiossen, MIS, Neodent) is confirmed at case review. For more on full-arch workflow, see All-on-X Dental Lab.

Is the digital workflow faster than traditional impressions?

On most cases, yes. Specifically, digital scans eliminate impression-material distortion, shipping time on physical impressions, and pour or model fabrication. Therefore, standard turnaround at Peak is 2 weeks for digital crown cases. Rush options are available.

What scan files do you prefer — OEM-native or STL?

Either works. However, OEM-native files (TRIOS .dcm, iTero, Medit) preserve more case context and are preferred when available. Meanwhile, STL is universally compatible and accepted on all cases.

Do you provide chairside scan review or AI scan analysis?

Pre-fabrication case review is standard on every multi-unit case. As a result, a real technician verifies scan quality and case completeness before fabrication. However, we do not currently offer AI-assisted chairside scan review during the appointment.

How do I set up a digital account with Peak?

Email support@peakdentalstudio.com or call (801) 850-8758. Account activation is completed within one business day. Then, we will set up your portal access and send submission instructions.

Send Your First Digital Case at No Commitment

Send Peak Dental Studio one case from your existing scanner. There is no subscription. There is no minimum. Also, no scanner to lease.

Send a Digital Case → Talk to a Lab Director → See Pricing →

Have a question about scanner compatibility or digital workflow? Email support@peakdentalstudio.com or call (801) 850-8758.