The Blurring of the Lines

Laboratories—most notably Glidewell Laboratories—have long dabbled in the manufacturer/supplier realm. But in the past 15 years, digital technology has been driving a role reversal as manufacturers/suppliers have begun stepping into the laboratory’s shoes.

Nobel Biocare was the first in the late 90s; now, there are more than a dozen manufacturer/suppliers that offer design and milling services for their laboratory customers. While some laboratory owners are concerned their suppliers are becoming their competitors, others aren’t bothered by the trend if the manufacturers aren’t serving dentists directly; they see it as one more way to obtain outsourced restorations and round out their product offerings.