How Much Does a Dental Milling Machine Cost?

So you’ve started researching the cost of incorporating chairside milling into your practice. Or, maybe you’re looking for a new system to help increase your efficiency and optimize the quality of your patient care. 

If you’re looking to make the investment in in-house dental milling, you want to know and compare the upfront and long-term cost so you can be sure you’re getting the best value on your purchase.

And, it’s important that you’re getting all of the details regarding included features, software, warranty and other equipment which may be required to make an apples-to-apples comparison of the different brands and models available. 

Today, we’ll outline what you can expect to pay for a complete dental milling system (which includes the ancillary equipment required for CAD/CAM milling), provide some questions to ask during your research, and  list a few additional considerations to help you along the way.

The Average Cost of a Dental Milling Machine

Dental milling machines (otherwise referred to as CAD/CAM mills) vary widely in cost, depending on their features, capabilities, and the manufacturer. Depending on the brand and model, a dental milling machine can range anywhere from $20,000 – $150,000 before you even invest in the ancillary technologies to make in-house milling possible.We find that mills with a good mix of technology and value are typically in the $50,000 - $100,000 range. 

Here’s a general breakdown of what you can expect to spend at each tier, including the major differentiators at each level:

1. Entry-Level Milling Machines: These machines are suitable for small dental practices or laboratories that require basic but consistent and reliable milling capabilities. Prices typically range from $20,000 to $50,000.
2. Mid-Range Milling Machines: Offering more advanced features and higher precision, mid-range machines are ideal for growing practices or labs with higher demand. Prices generally fall between $50,000 and $100,000.
3. High-End Milling Machines: These machines provide the highest level of precision, speed, and versatility, suitable for large dental laboratories or practices with extensive milling needs. One example of a premium milling machine is a CEREC mill, which includes integrated features and software to help deliver a premium user experience. High-end models such as the CEREC mill can cost between $100,000 and $150,000 or more.

Also, keep in mind that many CAD/CAM milling manufacturers offer a wide variety of customizations and functions that can greatly affect the price you will end up paying. And still, other brands have an “all or nothing” approach where you have to buy a fully loaded milling machine regardless of your current or future needs. Ultimately, you’ll have to decide what works best for you and your practice. 

Here are some questions to consider as you begin your research:

• What’s your budget?
• What types of restorations do you want to mill and out of what materials?
• What mills do fellow dentists you know use in their practice? 
• What’s your experience level with CAD/CAM milling? 

Essential Ancillary Equipment for Dental Milling

To fully leverage the capabilities of a dental milling machine, additional equipment is necessary. Here are the key components and their associated costs:

1. Intraoral Scanner

An intraoral scanner captures detailed digital impressions of a patient’s teeth and gums, eliminating the need for traditional impression materials. Prices for intraoral scanners vary based on their features and accuracy:

• Basic Models: $12,000 to $20,000
• Mid-Range Models: $20,000 to $35,000
• High-End Models: $35,000 to $50,000

For more on this topic, check out our article: How Much Does an Intraoral Scanner Cost?

Let’s take a moment to review one often-forgotten component of your milling purchase, the CAD and CAM software required to design and convert the dental restoration. Here’s a breakdown of each, including costs:

2. CAD Software

CAD (Computer-Aided Design) software is used to design dental restorations based on digital impressions. The cost of CAD software depends on its capabilities, user interface, and support options:

• Basic CAD Software: $2,000 to $5,000
• Advanced CAD Software: $5,000 to $15,000
• Premium CAD Software with Comprehensive Features: $15,000 to $30,000

3. CAM Software

CAM (Computer-Aided Manufacturing) software converts CAD designs into instructions for the milling machine. CAM software is important because efficient milling strategies can decrease the milling time and produce a higher quality final product. The cost of CAM software also varies based on functionality and integration features:

• Basic CAM Software: $2,000 to $5,000
• Advanced CAM Software: $5,000 to $15,000
• Premium CAM Software with Advanced Capabilities: $15,000 to $30,000

Additional Considerations that May Affect Cost & Value

• Training and Support: Proper training for dental staff and ongoing support are crucial for maximizing the benefits of dental milling technology. Training programs and support services can add $1,000 to $5,000 or more, depending on the provider and the level of training required.
• Maintenance and Consumables: Regular maintenance and the cost of consumables (such as milling burs, milling blanks or pucks, and coolant for wet-milling) should be factored into the total cost of ownership. Annual maintenance costs can range from $1,000 to $5,000, while consumables may cost several thousand dollars per year, depending on usage.

CAD/CAM Dental Milling Machines: Total Investment Overview

When considering the total investment for setting up a comprehensive dental milling workflow, combining the costs of a milling machine, intraoral scanner, CAD software, CAM software, training, and maintenance, the overall expenditure can range from $75,000 for a basic setup to over $200,000 for a high-end, fully integrated system.

At the more premium end, a CEREC mill will cost you more upfront, but it will include the CAD/CAM software. These full-integrated units range between $100,000 and $150,000, and as mentioned above this will vary depending on features and customizations.

While you're still reading, we would like to introduce ourselves here at Voxel Dental. We’ve helped thousands of dental and specialty practices get the best value from hand-selected and tested dental equipment from today’s leading and emerging manufacturers. 

Our customers recognize us for our ability to connect the entire digital workflow and provide you with the technology you need from start to finish, while providing hands-on training and support along the way.

This said, we’re able to provide both private practices and dental labs with a complete end-to-end dental milling solution to fit nearly any clinical purpose and output. 

We offer many complete dental milling solutions for under $50K. This includes a range of milling machines that cater to both wet and dry milling applications AND an intraoral scanner AND CAD/CAM software licenses. Truly everything you need to get started creating dental restorations with CAD/CAM milling, plus the expertise and advice to calibrate to your current and future needs.

We work with prominent milling manufacturers, VHF and Roland, known for their advanced milling machines and digital solutions in the dental industry.

• VHF offers a range of milling machines that cater to both wet and dry milling applications, featuring precision engineering, customizable workflows, and integration with CAD/CAM systems. With native CAM software included with each of their mills, that’s one added cost that you don’t have to worry about. Their expertise in high-speed milling technology has made them a trusted partner for dental professionals worldwide. We offer their latest E-Series milling machines, developed for their "E"ase-of-use and no requirement for an external compressor.
• Roland DWX dental milling machines combine speed, accuracy, and versatility, enabling users to achieve exceptional results across various materials and indications. With user-friendly interfaces, automated workflows, and robust performance, Roland has established itself as a leading provider of milling solutions for dental laboratories and practices.

Look forward to more content outlining the specific models and benefits you can find from each of these manufacturers. 

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, 24/7 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 here. We look forward to earning your business.