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📘 Supported File Types & Best Practices for Uploads

Overview

CAE Dental accepts a wide range of digital files to support accurate, efficient design workflows. This guide outlines the file types we support, recommended export settings, and best practices to ensure your cases move through production without delays.

📂 Supported File Types

🦷 1. Intraoral & Model Scans

Accepted formats:

  • STL (most common and recommended)
  • PLY (includes color data)
  • OBJ (less common but supported)
  • DCM (3shape scan file less common but supported)

Notes:

  • STL is ideal for most restorative, implant, and ortho cases
  • PLY & DCM is preferred when color information helps with margin visibility
  • OBJ is acceptable but may vary depending on scanner export settings

📸 2. Photos

Accepted formats:

  • JPG / JPEG
  • PNG

Recommended photos:

  • Shade tab photos
  • Pre‑op and post‑op images
  • Bite photos
  • Full‑face smile images (for dentures, wax‑ups, and cosmetic cases)

📁 3. Compressed Files

Accepted formats:

  • ZIP
  • RAR (supported but ZIP is preferred)

Use compressed files when:

  • Sending multiple scans
  • Including documentation or DICOM exports
  • Uploading large photo sets

🧾 4. Documents

Accepted formats:

  • PDF
  • TXT

Use these for:

  • Case instructions
  • Implant details
  • Rx forms
  • Special notes

✨ Best Practices for File Uploads

1. Use Clear File Names

Good naming helps prevent confusion and speeds up design.

Recommended:

  • Upper.stl
  • Lower.stl
  • Bite.stl
  • ShadePhoto.jpg

Avoid:

  • scan1.stl
  • asdf123.stl
  • IMG_2048.jpg

2. Trim and Clean Your Scans

Before exporting:

  • Remove excess soft tissue
  • Eliminate floating artifacts
  • Ensure margins are visible
  • Verify the bite scan aligns properly

Clean scans reduce design time and minimize revision requests.

3. Export at Full Resolution

Always export at the scanner’s highest quality setting.
Low‑resolution scans may cause:

  • Poor margin detection
  • Inaccurate occlusion
  • Rough surfaces in the final design

4. Include All Required Components

Most cases require:

  • Upper arch
  • Lower arch
  • Bite scan
  • Photos (if applicable)

Implant cases may also require:

  • Scan body scan
  • Implant system details
  • Tissue scans

Denture cases may require:

  • Bite registration
  • Smile photos
  • Existing denture scans

5. Upload Files Before Submitting

Uploading all files during checkout helps avoid delays.
If you need to add files later, you can upload them directly inside the order page.

6. Check File Size

Large files (over 500MB) may upload slowly depending on your connection.
If needed:

  • Compress into a ZIP
  • Remove unnecessary data
  • Ensure your internet connection is stable

🚀 Tips for Faster Turnaround

  • Provide clear case notes
  • Upload shade photos for anterior cases
  • Use PLY for color‑sensitive margins
  • Double‑check bite alignment before exporting
  • Respond quickly if we request additional files

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