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Table of Contents
Standard turnaround for a surgical guide design is 2-3 business days from the moment we receive your files. Express 24-hour delivery is available for every case type. Here's what that timeline actually means and how to make sure your case doesn't hit delays.
A 3D-printed template that fits over the patient's teeth or tissue and directs drill placement during implant surgery. It transfers the digital treatment plan into precise physical drill positions.
What Does "2-3 Business Days" Actually Mean?
The clock starts when we have everything we need — CBCT, intraoral scan, and implant specifications. Here's the breakdown:
A 3D surface mesh file format used in dental CAD/CAM. Intraoral scanners produce STL files that capture tooth and gingival surfaces for surgical guide fitting.
A 3D imaging technique that captures the jaw, teeth, and bone structure in a single rotational scan. It produces DICOM files used for implant planning, nerve mapping, and surgical guide design.
| Phase | Duration | What Happens |
|---|---|---|
| File upload + validation | Hours 0-4 | We verify file quality and completeness |
| CBCT analysis + anatomy mapping | Hours 4-12 | Bone density, nerve mapping, sinus evaluation |
| Implant planning + guide design | Hours 12-36 | Virtual placement, guide body engineering |
| Quality check + 3D review link | Hours 36-48 | Internal QA, interactive 3D viewer generated |
| Your review + revisions | Your pace | No time pressure on your end |
| Final STL delivery | Immediate | After your approval |
The 2-3 day turnaround covers Steps 1-4. Your review time doesn't count against the turnaround — take as long as you need to evaluate and request revisions.
Express 24-Hour: How It Works
| Case Type | Standard | Express (+$20-30) |
|---|---|---|
| Single implant (1-2) | 2-3 days | 24 hours |
| Multi-implant (3-5) | 2-3 days | 24 hours |
| All-on-X | 3-5 days | 48 hours |
| Zygomatic / complex | 5-7 days | 72 hours |
Express cases are prioritized immediately upon upload. The surcharge covers the rush handling and dedicated designer assignment — not reduced quality.
Need predictable scheduling for your implant cases? See how our turnaround fits your practice workflow.
What Causes Delays?
Most delays are on the submission side, not the design side. Here are the common blockers:
| Delay Cause | Time Added | How to Prevent |
|---|---|---|
| Incomplete CBCT (missing slices) | +1-2 days | Export full DICOM folder, verify before upload |
| No intraoral scan provided | +1-2 days | Upload STL with the CBCT, or order segmentation |
| Unclear implant specification | +1 day | Specify brand, size, and position in case notes |
| Large CBCT file upload timeout | +4-6 hours | Use cloud link (Google Drive) for files >200MB |
| Revision requests | +4-12 hours each | Normal — doesn't affect turnaround quality |
Digital-Only vs. Physical Guide Delivery
We deliver digital STL files — not physical printed guides. This is intentional and faster:
| Delivery Type | Turnaround | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Digital (STL files) — our service | 2-3 days design | $80 for single implant |
| Physical (printed guide) — traditional lab | 5-10 days total | $200-500 |
You receive the STL files instantly after approval. Local printing at your lab adds 1-2 days and $30-60 for the physical guide.
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FAQ
How long does it take to receive a surgical guide design?
2-3 business days for standard cases. Express 24-hour available for +$20-30 surcharge.
Is the 24-hour express really 24 hours?
Yes. You receive the completed 3D plan within 24 hours of file submission. The $20-30 surcharge covers priority handling.
What's the turnaround for All-on-X cases?
A full-arch implant rehabilitation protocol where 4-6 implants support a complete fixed prosthesis. It allows immediate loading, meaning patients receive teeth on the same day as surgery.
Standard: 3-5 business days. Express: 48 hours. Due to higher complexity (multiple implants, bone reduction planning).
Does revision time count against the turnaround?
No. The 2-3 day turnaround covers initial design only. Revisions typically take 4-12 hours each, and your review time is unlimited.
Can I get same-day delivery?
Not currently. Our fastest option is 24-hour express. Same-day would compromise quality assurance.
What happens if my files are incomplete?
We notify you within hours of upload. This is the #1 cause of delays — always verify your CBCT export is complete before uploading.
Do weekends count in the turnaround?
Business days only. A case submitted Friday evening is typically ready Monday or Tuesday.
How do I know when my case is ready?
You receive an email notification with a link to the interactive 3D review. You can also check status in your dashboard anytime.
Is there a rush fee for last-minute cases?
The express surcharge is $20-30 regardless of how "last minute" the request is. No additional rush fees.
What's the fastest I can have a physical guide in hand?
1 day design (express) + 1 day local printing = 2 days total from upload to physical guide.
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