Pricing is the first question most dental labs and practices ask when exploring outsourcing — and it’s one of the least transparent topics in the industry. This guide provides real-world price ranges across major restoration categories for 2026, along with the factors that drive cost variation between providers.
Understanding Offshore vs Domestic Outsourcing Pricing
The dental lab outsourcing market has two broad segments:
- Domestic outsourcing: Using a local or national lab (same country). Higher labour costs are reflected in prices. Faster physical sample turnaround where needed.
- Offshore outsourcing: Using an international lab — typically Vietnam, China, or other lower-labour-cost countries. Significantly lower per-unit prices. Best combined with digital workflows (STL file transfer) to eliminate shipping delays on digital-only deliverables.
World Dental Lab is based in Vietnam and serves clients in 32 countries. Our pricing reflects offshore rates while maintaining ISO-compliant quality standards.
Crown Pricing: 2026 Benchmarks
| Crown Type | Domestic Lab (US) | Offshore Lab |
|---|---|---|
| Full-cast metal crown | $80–$140 | $15–$35 |
| PFM crown (base metal) | $100–$180 | $20–$45 |
| Monolithic zirconia crown | $90–$160 | $18–$40 |
| Layered zirconia crown | $130–$220 | $35–$70 |
| e.max crown (pressed or CAD) | $130–$230 | $30–$65 |
| Implant crown (zirconia) | $150–$280 | $40–$85 |
Bridge and Full-Arch Pricing
| Restoration | Domestic Lab (US) | Offshore Lab |
|---|---|---|
| 3-unit zirconia bridge | $270–$480 | $55–$120 |
| 3-unit e.max bridge | $390–$690 | $90–$175 |
| 4-unit zirconia bridge | $360–$640 | $70–$150 |
| Full-arch zirconia (All-on-4/6) | $2,500–$5,000 | $600–$1,400 |
Other Restoration Pricing
| Product | Offshore Price Range |
|---|---|
| Porcelain veneer (e.max) | $30–$65/unit |
| Feldspathic veneer | $45–$90/unit |
| Night guard (hard acrylic) | $15–$35 |
| Michigan splint | $20–$45 |
| Clear aligner (per arch) | $99–$199 |
| CAD/CAM crown design only (STL) | $5–$15/unit |
| Surgical guide design | $45–$95 |
What Drives Price Variation Between Labs?
- Material quality: Premium zirconia brands (Katana UTML, IPS e.max) cost more than generic alternatives — and the difference shows in translucency, colour stability, and strength
- Technician skill level: Layered and characterised restorations require more skilled labour — priced accordingly
- Warranty terms: Labs offering 2-year warranties typically have lower remake rates — the warranty is priced into the base cost
- Rush fees: Most labs charge 20–50% premium for 2-day turnaround vs. standard 5-day
- Volume discounts: Labs sending 50+ units/month typically receive preferential pricing
Total Cost of Ownership: Beyond the Per-Unit Price. For turnaround benchmarks by restoration type, see our Dental Lab Turnaround Time Guide. For quality compliance requirements, read ISO 13485 for Dental Labs.
When evaluating outsourcing cost, look beyond the per-unit price to include:
- Shipping cost and customs duties (for international orders of physical restorations)
- Remake rate — a low-cost lab with a 10% remake rate may cost more than a mid-priced lab with a 1% remake rate
- Time cost of managing quality issues and remakes
- Patient chair time for remakes and adjustments
For a detailed analysis of in-house vs. outsourcing economics, see our CAD/CAM outsourcing cost comparison.
Get a Custom Quote From World Dental Lab
Our pricing is transparent and volume-based. Send us your typical monthly case mix and we’ll provide a personalised quote.
