FAQs About Dental Milling: Everything Dentists Need to Know

So you’re thinking about dental milling? So are many of the doctors we work with!

Today, we’re answering some of the most common questions we’ve heard related to dental milling, from the most basic to the more advanced. 

What is Dental Milling?

Dental milling is a subtractive manufacturing process integral to modern dental practices and laboratories. 

It involves the precise machining of dental restorations such as crowns, bridges, veneers, inlays, onlays, and implant abutments from solid blocks of materials like zirconia, ceramics, and composite resins. 

Utilizing advanced CAD/CAM systems, digital impressions captured via intraoral scanners are transformed into detailed 3D designs. 

These designs guide the milling machine, which meticulously carves the restorations to exact specifications. This process not only ensures high precision and accuracy but also enables the production of highly customized and well-fitting restorations, significantly enhancing patient outcomes and streamlining dental workflows.

How Does Dental Milling Work?

Dental milling begins with taking a digital impression of the patient's teeth using an intraoral scanner. 

This digital data is then used to design the restoration in CAD software. The design is transferred to the CAM software, which generates the toolpaths for the milling machine. The milling machine then carves the restoration out of a solid block of material, following the precise instructions provided by the CAM software.

What Materials Can Be Used in Dental Milling?

Dental milling machines can work with a variety of materials, including:

• Zirconia: Known for its strength and durability, ideal for crowns and bridges.
• Ceramics: Offers superior esthetics, suitable for anterior restorations.
• Composite Resins: Used for temporary restorations and certain permanent applications.
• PMMA (Polymethyl Methacrylate): Commonly used for temporary crowns and bridges.
• Titanium: Often used for implant abutments due to its biocompatibility and strength.
• Wax and Acrylic: Used for creating models and provisional restorations.

What Are the Benefits of Dental Milling?

1. Precision and Accuracy: Dental milling provides highly accurate and precise restorations, ensuring a perfect fit and optimal function.
2. Customization: Each restoration is custom-made to match the patient's unique dental anatomy.
3. Efficiency: Milling can significantly reduce turnaround times, allowing for same-day or next-day delivery of restorations.
4. Cost-Effectiveness: In-house milling reduces the need for outsourcing, saving time and money.
5. Consistency: The digital workflow ensures consistent quality and results with each restoration.

What Types of Dental Milling Machines Are Available?

There are two main types of dental milling machines: wet milling and dry milling.

• Wet Milling: Uses a liquid coolant to reduce friction and heat, ideal for processing materials like glass ceramics and metals.
• Dry Milling: Does not use liquid coolant, suitable for materials like zirconia and PMMA. It is faster and less messy but may not achieve the same surface finish as wet milling.

How Do I Choose the Right Milling Machine for My Practice?

When choosing a dental milling machine, consider the following factors:

• Applications and Material Needs: Identify the types of restorations you plan to produce and ensure the machine can handle the required materials.
• Precision and Speed: Evaluate the machine's accuracy and production speed.
• Cost: Consider the initial investment, maintenance costs, and potential return on investment.
• Ease of Use: Look for user-friendly machines with intuitive software.
• Support and Training: Choose a manufacturer that offers robust customer support and training programs.

What Maintenance Does a Dental Milling Machine Require?

Regular maintenance is essential to keep your dental milling machine in optimal condition. Here are some maintenance tips:

• Cleaning: Keep the machine clean and free from dust and debris. Follow the manufacturer's guidelines for cleaning and disinfection.
• Lubrication: Ensure that moving parts are properly lubricated to prevent wear and tear.
• Calibration: Regularly calibrate the machine to maintain accuracy.
• Tool Replacement: Replace milling burs and other consumables as needed to ensure optimal performance.
• Professional Servicing: Schedule regular servicing by qualified technicians to address any potential issues and perform necessary adjustments.

Can I Integrate Dental Milling with Other Digital Dentistry Technologies?

Yes, dental milling can be seamlessly integrated with other digital dentistry technologies such as intraoral scanners, CAD software, and 3D printers. This integration enhances workflow efficiency, improves accuracy, and allows for comprehensive treatment planning and execution.

READY TO GET STARTED? REACH OUT!

We have a team of dental technology experts ready to help you find the right equipment for your practice, including our resident expert -  Milling Sales Director, Joe Andrasko.

We’ve worked with thousands of dentists across the US. We know what it takes to get up and running quickly, especially with new technology. 

That’s why we back all of our products with a comprehensive warranty, product support, installation, and perhaps, most importantly, online and on-site training to help get you and your staff started with your new technology as quickly as possible.

Ready to begin? Give us a call at (281) 789-7270 or fill out an online inquiry form below. We look forward to earning your business.