Lab Tested Outlaw Approved
Independent buying guidance, upcoming equipment comparisons and practical questions to help orthodontic labs make smarter purchasing decisions.
Equipment Guidance Through OLS
After nearly 30 years working in orthodontic laboratories I know how expensive the wrong equipment decision can be. Some products featured here are available through Orthodontic Lab Solutions as an authorized reseller. For others I have direct relationships with manufacturers and distributors who can help get the right solution into your lab.
My goal is not to push a product. My goal is to understand your workflow, help you compare the real options and reduce the chance of a costly mistake.
Official Review
Completed reviews and products currently being tested inside a working orthodontic lab. A final Lab Tested Outlaw Approved rating is only given after hands on evaluation is complete.
A detailed review based on real use inside a working orthodontic lab. The page will cover setup, training, supported appliance designs, production impact, maintenance, accuracy, final hand adjustments and long term ownership.
A large format pressure former designed for multi appliance production. The future review will examine forming consistency, sheet usage, cycle workflow, setup requirements, material compatibility, maintenance and whether the larger format creates a practical return for orthodontic labs.
Sunstone offers precision welding systems for wire to band and band to bar applications. Testing will compare learning curve, weld control, joint quality, cleanup, shielding requirements, daily workflow and the practical differences between pulse arc and laser systems.
A dental and medical masked SLA printer built around speed, material workflows and repeatable production. The review will focus on model throughput, surface quality, dimensional consistency, resin handling, washing and curing, software, operating cost and orthodontic appliance applications.
An enclosed steam cleaning containment system created by Orthodontic Lab Solutions to help control wax, moisture and debris while cleaning orthodontic appliances and models. The prototype is being refined and tested in a working lab with a focus on cleaner work areas, easier cleanup, visibility, access and everyday durability.
Hands on testing will examine steam output, heat up and recovery time, tank capacity, pressure consistency, controls, safety, maintenance, cleaning performance and how well the steamer handles the daily demands of an orthodontic laboratory.
Upcoming coverage will look at case intake, scheduling, production tracking, digital file handling, billing, communication, reporting, automation, training, support and how the software fits into real orthodontic lab workflows.
Planned for Future Testing
Products, equipment and material categories we plan to research or test in the future. These items are not currently under hands on evaluation and no rating has been assigned.
A benchtop CNC wire forming system developed for orthodontic production. Research will compare scan based design, technician control, appliance coverage, wire handling, software workflow, calibration, output consistency and total ownership cost.
Automated orthodontic wire bending systems aimed at Hawley, fixed retainer and other appliance workflows. Future coverage will verify supported designs, software maturity, wire options, accuracy, service, training and how much technician finishing remains.
A category comparison focused on torque, speed control, vibration, noise, chuck design, ergonomics, dust exposure, repairability and how each handpiece performs during acrylic trimming and appliance finishing.
Future testing will compare steam output, recovery time, tank size, safety, maintenance and footprint alongside pressure pot capacity, pressure stability, heat options, sealing, acrylic processing results and everyday reliability.
A broad comparison of forming pressure, heating control, sheet formats, multi model capacity, material compatibility, cooling workflow, maintenance, footprint and suitability for retainers, aligners, splints and other appliances.
Coverage will compare laser and bur based trimming, cut path creation, edge quality, throughput, nesting, software integration, calibration, consumables, dust or fume control and the amount of hand finishing still required.
Printer comparisons will examine validated materials, speed, accuracy, build area, support strategy, software, washing and curing, service, resin cost and suitability for models, indirect bonding, splints and direct printed appliances.
Research will compare scan speed, full arch consistency, bite capture, tip size, wireless options, subscription costs, file access, lab communication and how cleanly each system fits into orthodontic appliance workflows.
This comparison will cover clear aligner and Essix style retainer materials, including sheet thickness, stiffness, flexibility, stress retention, clarity, stain resistance, crack resistance, forming behavior, trimming, finishing, patient comfort and cost per appliance. Brand specific testing can be added later as materials are used in the lab.
This section will follow direct aligner materials, compatible printers, design software, curing and finishing protocols, shape memory behavior, clinical evidence, regulatory status and how direct printing compares with thermoforming.
Future research will cover machine types, alloys, framework design, support removal, heat treatment, powder handling, filtration, safety, software, finishing and whether in house production makes sense for orthodontic labs.
A practical comparison of acrylic burs, carbide cutters, polishers and specialty finishing tools based on cut speed, control, heat, clogging, surface finish, durability and cost per appliance.
Testing will compare wire alloy, temper, springback, formability, weldability, solder behavior, polish, consistency and which sizes work best for common retainers, clasps, bows and fixed appliances.
An organized research area for acrylics, separators, clasps, screws, springs, tubes, attachments, thermoforming materials, polishing supplies and the everyday components used to fabricate orthodontic appliances.
Future coverage will compare screw design, available sizes, activation, framework compatibility, insertion workflow, documentation, laboratory requirements and the supporting clinical and technical information available for each system.
Buyer's Guide
Planned comparisons for wire, burs, acrylics, retainer materials, aligner materials, screws and other orthodontic appliance supplies.
A side by side guide to AOS, Pensa, DenckOrtho and other systems covering supported designs, wire range, software, speed, training, finishing requirements, service and total cost.
A practical guide to pressure, heat control, forming area, sheet compatibility, compressed air, production volume, maintenance and the differences between single model and multi model workflows.
A comparison framework for speed, accuracy, validated resins, build size, software, post processing, service and true operating cost across small, medium and production focused labs.
A guide to laser versus bur cutting, throughput, software integration, edge finish, consumables, extraction requirements, calibration and return on investment.
A comparison centered on file access, scan quality, communication tools, subscriptions and how each scanner connects orthodontic offices with outside or in house labs.
Separate practical guides for the workhorse equipment used every day, with attention to reliability, service, safety, capacity, ergonomics and long term cost.
A material focused guide that explains sizes, temper, spring properties, fabrication behavior and which wire characteristics matter for common orthodontic appliances.
Knowledge Center
Practical articles that explain technology, ownership costs, workflow requirements, maintenance and how to evaluate return on investment.
How the two forming methods differ in force, detail, material control, workflow, cost and the types of orthodontic appliances each method is best suited to produce.
A realistic look at design time, operator training, appliance coverage, hand finishing, quality control and where automation helps without removing skilled technician oversight.
A neutral introduction to materials, printers, software, curing, finishing, shape memory claims, available evidence and the questions labs should answer before investing.
An overview of metal printers, powder safety, inert gas, filtration, support removal, heat treatment, finishing, staffing and the production volume needed to consider the investment.
A step by step explanation of scan intake, file checks, design, printing, appliance fabrication, quality control and communication between the orthodontic office and lab.
A practical method for comparing labor, throughput, consumables, training, service, downtime, financing and the number of cases required before an investment begins to pay back.
How diameter, alloy, temper, springback, weldability and appliance design affect wire selection and final performance.
A simple framework for cleaning, calibration, filters, lubrication, software updates, replacement parts, service records and avoiding preventable equipment downtime.
Help Choose What We Test Next
Are you a manufacturer or distributor with a product you would like evaluated in a working orthodontic lab? Or are you a lab owner, technician or orthodontic team member who wants to see a specific product tested next? Send us your suggestion. We are always looking for equipment, materials and new technology worth putting through a real world review.
Not Sure Which One Is Right?
Every orthodontic lab has a different team, budget, workflow and growth plan. We can help you compare equipment, understand the hidden requirements and choose a solution that makes sense for your lab.
