Dentsply Sirona inLab Workflow: CAD/CAM from Scan to Crown
Dentsply Sirona's inLab platform is one of the most comprehensive closed-loop CAD/CAM ecosystems available to dental labs. Originally built around the Cerec chairside system, the inLab line extends Sirona technology into the traditional lab environment with dedicated lab scanners, CAD software, CAM software, and milling units. For labs already embedded in the Sirona ecosystem—or those receiving digital scans from Cerec-equipped offices—the inLab workflow offers real efficiency advantages. This guide breaks down the components, their roles, and how to get the most from the platform.
The inLab Ecosystem Components
inLab Scan Scanners
Dentsply Sirona offers the inLab Scan Pro as their primary lab scanner. It uses blue-LED structured light technology and produces scan data in STL format compatible with all major CAD platforms. Key specs:
- Scanning accuracy: ≤7 microns
- Bite scanning capability: yes
- Articulator mounting: optional hardware support
- Export formats: STL, PLY, OBJ
- Scan time per model: approximately 60–90 seconds
The inLab Scan Pro integrates directly with inLab CAD software, allowing the lab to move from physical model to digital case without manual file management steps. Cases are automatically organized by patient and date in the Sirona Connect case management system.
inLab CAD Software
inLab CAD is Sirona's lab-specific design software, distinct from the Cerec chairside software (which is focused on single-unit in-office cases). inLab CAD supports:
- Single-unit restorations: crowns, inlays, onlays, veneers
- Bridges up to full arch
- Implant-supported restorations and bars
- Removable partial denture (RPD) frameworks
- Full-arch implant prosthetics (with appropriate modules)
- Abutment design
The software's design interface is guided and wizard-driven, making it accessible for technicians new to CAD design. Advanced users can override the automated proposals at every step. The virtual articulator module is particularly well-developed in inLab CAD, allowing occlusal design against a realistic biomechanical simulation of jaw movement.
inLab CAM Software
inLab CAM handles toolpath generation and machine interface for Sirona's milling units. It supports Sirona's own machines natively and can also generate NC code for compatible third-party mills. Features include:
- Automatic nesting (multiple restorations per disc)
- Material-specific milling strategies
- Bur wear tracking
- Estimated milling time calculation
- Batch queuing across multiple cases
inLab MC X5 and MC X5 PLUS Milling Units
The inLab MC X5 is Sirona's 5-axis lab milling unit. It can process a full range of dental materials including zirconia (wet and dry), e.max CAD, PMMA, composite, cobalt-chrome, and titanium. The MC X5 PLUS adds an automated disc changer for unattended overnight milling runs.
| Feature | inLab MC X5 | inLab MC X5 PLUS |
|---|---|---|
| Axes | 5 | 5 |
| Material range | Zirconia, e.max, PMMA, metal | Same |
| Disc changer | No (manual disc change) | Yes (4+ discs) |
| Unattended operation | Limited to one disc | Full multi-disc queues |
| Footprint | Compact | Larger |
Sirona Connect: The Case Management Layer
One of inLab's most underappreciated advantages is Sirona Connect, the cloud-based case exchange platform. Dentists using Cerec chairside systems can send digital scans directly to your lab through Sirona Connect. The lab receives a fully digital case with the design intent and prescription built in—no physical models, no conventional impressions, no scanning required on the lab side for those cases.
For labs serving Cerec offices, Sirona Connect creates a tight digital pipeline that eliminates one of the most labor-intensive steps in the digital lab workflow. If a significant portion of your referring offices use Cerec or Primescan, getting set up on Sirona Connect is worth the administrative overhead.
inLab vs. Open Ecosystem: The Core Trade-Off
The inLab platform's tight integration is both its strength and its constraint. Labs considering inLab should understand what they're trading:
| Factor | inLab (Closed Ecosystem) | Open Ecosystem (e.g., exocad + any mill) |
|---|---|---|
| Integration simplicity | Excellent — everything talks natively | Good — requires configuration |
| Scanner flexibility | Best with inLab Scan; accepts STL from others | Any scanner with STL export |
| CAD software power | Good for most cases; advanced users may prefer exocad | exocad is often preferred for complex cases |
| Mill choice | Best with inLab MC units; can export NC for others | Any compatible mill |
| Case exchange with offices | Excellent via Sirona Connect (Cerec offices) | Via IDS, 3Shape Communicate, or direct STL |
| Material range | Wide, but Sirona blocks optimize performance | Unlimited material choice |
| Support | Single vendor support | Multi-vendor support management |
| Cost | Premium—Sirona gear commands a price | Variable; can be optimized |
Who inLab Is Best For
The inLab platform is the right choice for labs that:
- Serve a significant number of Cerec/Primescan offices and want frictionless digital case intake
- Prefer a single-vendor relationship for support and accountability
- Want a guided, wizard-driven design workflow that reduces training time for new technicians
- Are growing into more complex implant and multi-unit work and want a platform that scales
- Value the integration quality and are willing to pay the Sirona price premium for it
Getting the Most from Your inLab System
Software Training
Sirona offers inLab certification training, and it's worth attending. The software has significant depth that isn't obvious from the interface—particularly in the virtual articulator and implant modules. Most labs that are underperforming on inLab are leaving design quality and speed on the table because they haven't been through formal training.
Bur Management
inLab CAM tracks bur wear, but the tracking is only as accurate as your input. Log bur changes consistently and verify physically against manufacturer wear limits. Worn burs in a 5-axis system produce dimensional inaccuracies that are difficult to trace without good records.
Material Calibration
Sirona's recommended materials list is extensive, but the system supports open material use. When running non-Sirona materials, import the manufacturer's shrinkage compensation factors and validate with test pieces before committing to patient work.