700 vs. 200 Series: How the NDECC Raised the Bar

If you’ve been cruising through your NDECC prep using the old 200 series teeth, it’s time to buckle up. The 700 series rolled in —and it’s not here to play nice. Sleeker, tougher, and way more judgmental (yes, teeth can be judgmental now), the 700 series is raising the bar for every candidate.

Let’s break down exactly how the 700 series compares to the trusty old 200s—and why your burr game better be sharp.

Beautiful Teeth, Brutal Standards

200 series teeth? They were like the casual Friday version of dental anatomy—nice enough, but a bit… chill. The 700 series, though? Think photo-shoot ready. Crisp ridges, detailed fossae, textbook occlusion.

Sounds great, right? Until you realize that now your restorations are judged against these flawless, factory-born models. It’s like submitting your homemade burger next to a Gordon Ramsay special. Good luck.

No More Blaming the Tooth

Remember those days when the margin was off and you could mutter, “Eh, it’s the tooth’s fault”?

Not anymore. The 700 series teeth are consistent. Like, robot-level consistent. No weird bulges. No asymmetrical surprises.

Which means: when something goes wrong, guess who’s to blame? (Spoiler: it’s you.)

Cutting Just Got Real

The 200 series were kind of… soft. Easy on the hands. Friendly.

The 700s? They’re tough. Closer to natural enamel. Your burr will feel it. Your handpiece will feel it. And if you’re not ready, your prep will definitely feel it.

This is your wrist’s new workout plan.

Every Margin Now Matters

Margins on the 200s were like fuzzy borders—if you kind of hit them, you were fine.

But with 700s, those finish lines are sharp, clean, and impossible to fake. Every nick, ledge, or unsupported enamel spot screams out like a neon sign.

Precision is no longer optional. It’s survival.

Precision Contacts or Point Deductions

200 series teeth let you get away with a flat occlusal table and sort-of contact.

The 700s? Not having proper anatomy or tight contact isn’t just sloppy—it’s risky. These teeth expect respect. You miss a cusp, you miss a point.

Restore Anatomy—And Realism

Here’s where it gets interesting: some 700 series teeth come with realistic wear patterns.

That means you can’t just drop in textbook anatomy—you have to read the wear and restore accordingly. It’s like a puzzle, and the wrong piece stands out fast.

X-rays See What You Miss

200 series X-rays? Meh. The 700s? Crystal clear.

Great for spotting gaps, overhangs, or internal flaws… if you’re the examiner. Not so great if you were hoping that void would stay hidden.

Radiographs don’t lie. And neither does your score.

Fairer Exam, Tougher Grading

The switch to the 700 series makes the exam more standardized—everyone gets the same teeth, same features, same baseline.

That’s fair.

But it also means: there’s no forgiveness. You’re being judged against idealized perfection, not average performance.

Skill Over Speed, Every Time

The old teeth let you work fast and loose. But with the 700s, finesse wins over speed.

You’ll need sharper tools, better control, and real attention to detail. This is a craftsmanship exam now. Not a race.

Judged Against Perfection—Literally

Let’s be real: the 700 series was designed by machines, with ideal occlusion and anatomy baked in.

So guess what? That’s your new competition. And it doesn’t mess up.

No pressure.

New Teeth, New Rules

The game has changed. If you want to pass, you need to play at a higher level.

The 700 series isn’t here to trip you up—it’s here to test whether you’re ready for clinical reality. And that’s the real upgrade.

Practice smart. Prepare early. And remember—these teeth might be perfect, but you’re the one with the hand skills.