The Ultimate Guide to Dental Milling Machines

Imagine recommending a crown for your patient and crafting it in your office that day. Dental milling machines with the latest digital technology make this convenient service possible and crucial to your growing practice.

Dental milling technology uses computer-aided design and manufacturing (CAD/CAM) systems. This helps dentists and lab technicians make different restorations, like veneers, crowns, and bridges. These machines are available as chairside, lab-based, and production center models, calibrated to fit dental professionals’ precise needs.

Dentistry has undergone digital innovations that seemed unimaginable mere decades ago. Constant software and equipment developments make restoring and maintaining oral health easier for patients.

At Shinoda Dental, we want you to have all the information to make the best decision. We will discuss the types of dental milling machines.

We will examine their typical uses in dentistry, discuss the benefits and drawbacks of having this equipment in-house, and explore future developments in dental milling technology.

What are Dental milling machines?

Dental milling machines have been a significant part of the switch to digitized dental care. Manufacturers often design these versatile tools for in-house use.

They help dentists and lab technicians create dental prostheses, making restorations faster, cheaper, and more convenient. They also fit better with a patient’s oral anatomy.

Shinoda Dental is a leading global provider of the top 10 Dental Milling Machines. It offers affordable, high-quality milling machines designed for dental clinics and labs. We have a strong reputation in the dental industry.

We supply advanced technology for in-office restorations, allowing you to serve your patients better. We support our equipment with top-notch customer service, helping you choose the best tools for your growing practice and changing industry needs.

An in-office dental milling machine for your practice or lab is a significant financial investment that requires careful decision-making. A detailed guide to dental milling machines can help you choose the best equipment for your daily work and patients’ needs.

Types of Dental Milling Machines

CAD/CAM dental milling machines use computer software and tools to create dental prostheses for restorative care. The machine uses a disc-shaped material to cut the shape of a new tooth or set of teeth with a milling bar. Many professionals use machines with scanners and cameras. These tools take digital impressions to create models of a patient’s teeth and supporting tissues.

Some dental milling machines are chairside, allowing dentists to create restorations in-house, making them suitable for smaller practices. Designers create others as more sizeable labside and production-center models, enabling more varied and complex restorations.

You can configure dental milling machines as wet, dry, or hybrid models. Wet machines reduce heat and friction during milling by using a liquid coolant. The coolant prevents heat damage for ceramic blocks that require cooler environments.

This wet method creates restorations with smoother surfaces. This is great for simple cosmetic items like bridges, veneers, and crowns. Wet milling is better for achieving high surface quality and a natural appearance. The focus is not on serving many patients or creating complex oral prosthetics.

Without liquid coolants, dry milling machines typically produce restorations with durable materials like polymers and zirconia. This process is normally less time-consuming and more efficient. Dry-milled prosthetics are better for patients needing full-mouth or arch restorations.

Some dental milling machines are hybrid, meaning they use both wet and dry methods. One advantage of these models is that they can create a wider variety of restorations using diverse materials. However, switching between wet and dry processing can be more time-consuming, requiring extra cleaning and recalibration. Another disadvantage is possible framework misfits from switching methods, reducing precision and accuracy.

Applications of Dental Milling Machines in Dentistry

Because dental milling technology is automated, milling machines provide multiple applications for dental practices and labs. The machine’s CAD/CAM system automatically creates a prosthetic that a dentist can place immediately in the patient’s mouth. Dental milling machines enable dentists to create:

• Bite splints
• Bridges
• Crowns
• Dental bars
• Dentures
• Fillings
• Implants
• Inlays and onlays
• Surgical guides
• Veneers

In-clinic milling saves time and adds efficiency to restorative dentistry. New dental milling technology lets dentists make dental fixtures on-site even in small practices. They no longer have to wait for an outside lab to process them.

The dentist who makes dental impressions for crowns or fillings can ensure accuracy by controlling the milling process. A chairside dental milling machine can make many restorations, helping one practice treat patients with different dental problems.

Advantages of Dental Milling Machines

The best dental milling machines improve how dental practices work. They let dentists take impressions and make natural-looking appliances in one visit. The more you learn about milling machines, the more familiar you will likely become with their advantages:

• Customization: Today’s milling machines allow practitioners to customize them for their practices. A chairside milling machine can help with both large-scale production and simple tasks. It has tools and software that you can adjust to meet your needs.
• Efficiency: A well-maintained dental milling machine can make many parts at once, which a lab technician cannot do. Also, an automated system that operates a five-axis machine removes the possibility of human error.
• Precision: CAD/CAM programming automates each step in the process, leading to uniform and consistent prostheses with exact measurements.
• Versatility: Dental milling machines can handle multiple functions and produce restorative components. Machines with five axes can perform more adaptations to fit manufacturing requirements and patients’ complex oral care demands.
• Cost savings: Dental milling technology is inherently efficient with materials. The precise cutting minimizes waste, increasing cost savings. In-house production also eliminates the expense of sending dental impressions to a lab to produce restorations.
• Patient satisfaction: Patients who receive good service and quality care in one visit are more likely to return. They will also recommend your practice to others.

Disadvantages of Dental Milling Machines

Understanding how milling machines operate includes anticipating machining problems that could diminish efficiency and lead to inaccuracies. The disadvantages of owning a milling machine include:

• High initial cost: A chairside dental milling machine can be costly. The larger the machine, the more significant the investment. In addition to the equipment, you must consider paying for software updates, component upgrades, repairs, and restorative materials.
• Required technical expertise: Dental school typically does not include training on operating milling machines. Learning to use and maintain the equipment takes time.
• Maintenance requirements: Even with excellent customer service and support, daily maintenance is ongoing. Even if staff are well-trained in cleaning and inspections, one malfunction can disrupt office operations and affect the quality of patient care.
• Material limitations: Your milling machine will likely not accommodate all materials. For example, you need a wet milling machine to work with acrylics, wax, and some porcelains.
• Potential machining defects: Some problems are unavoidable, including tool wear, overheating, and vibrations from moving parts. Other issues can result from bad maintenance, including overheating, rough surfaces from wrong measurements, misalignment, and insufficient rigidity.
• Size restrictions: A milling machine for in-office use may have some limitations regarding functions and features. Larger machines typically have more applications, but your office may not be able to accommodate the technology physically.

Price Ranges of Dental Milling Machines

Prices for dental milling machines vary depending on the manufacturer, features, size, and capabilities. Depending on your needs for versatility and speed, expect to spend between $20,000 and $150,000. Our dental milling guide shows the price ranges and main features of entry-level, mid-grade, and high-end milling machines.

Maintenance of Dental Milling Machines

Regardless of type or price range, the best dental milling machines deliver consistently with regular and thorough maintenance. Equipment that works well will last long enough to pay for itself. It will give accurate results, improve efficiency, and reduce safety risks from malfunctions.

Proper maintenance of your dental milling machine requires the following tasks:

• Dusting the work chamber and all milling machine components at the end of each day
• Cleaning the surface and internal milling parts
• Regularly lubricating all moving parts, including the spindle and guide rail, and the tool holder
• Checking for software updates
• Calibration checks on the milling tools and axes
• Reviewing error logs and identification of recurrent malfunctions
• Checking the cooling system and cleaning or replacing faulty filters
• Inspecting all components, such as electrical connections and belt and pulleys

Contact your manufacturer or retailer’s customer service to schedule quarterly performance tests. Leaning on the experts helps catch problems that regular maintenance often overlooks. Also, become familiar with your milling machine’s operational manual and follow all guidelines to prevent avoidable breakdowns and glitches.

Tips for Choosing the Best Dental Milling Machine

A milling machine that works for a new practice may not be suitable for a busy dental office. Therefore, finding the right equipment takes considerable research and planning. We suggest you take the following steps when researching the best dental milling machines.

Conduct a Needs Assessment

The best machine is one that will fit the unique needs of your practice or lab. Look at your usual patients, dental specialties, and procedures your office often performs. Consider the technology you want to add to your practice and how much restorative dentistry you currently perform.

Understand the Types of Milling Machines

Familiarity with the different types of machines is crucial to selecting the most appropriate one for your practice. You will probably want a dry milling machine if you mainly work with wax or zirconia.

A wet machine is better for ceramics or lithium disilicate. Using a hybrid machine has some downsides. However, you might want to buy one if you make different prostheses or need it for various uses.

Consider Machine Capabilities

Your choice of dental milling machine should also be based on what you need it to do. Here are the factors to consider:

• A machine with four or five axes can create more complex restorations than one with fewer axes. More axes mean enhanced flexibility for undercuts and other detailed features.

Higher-end machines usually have five axes. This allows them to make products faster. These products also have better precision, strength, and surface quality.

• Speed and precision: A machine with high-speed milling can create bridges, crowns, and other devices quickly, even in one office visit. With speed, you should not have to sacrifice precision, which is necessary for complex dental devices.
• Capacity: If your practice needs to handle a lot of restorations, think about a milling machine. It should be able to make several units at the same time. Such high capacity can boost patient satisfaction and add efficiency to your workflows.
• Build quality and maintenance: Quality refers to whether your machine will stand the test of time. It must be sturdy, mainly if you use it daily for multiple applications. Another criterion is how easy it is to clean and maintain. How difficult will it be to navigate the components and remove them for cleaning or repairs?

Assess Space and Installation

Consider the space required for the milling machine and any ancillary equipment. Account for your facility’s power source, and plan for the necessary plumbing if you obtain a wet model. Also, determine if the machine will need pressurized or compressed air and where in your physical space you can supply it.

Prioritize Ease of Use and Integration

After the appropriate training, your model should be relatively easy to use, even for staff inexperienced with milling machines. Seamless CAD/CAM software integration helps the machine fit into your current workflow, making it easier to use your digital tools. If possible, arrange an in-person or virtual demonstration of your prospective milling machine.

Ask About Training and Support

Manufacturers or suppliers of most high-quality CAD/CAM dental milling machines provide thorough training to all equipment personnel. They should also supply easily accessible resource materials for routine cleaning and minor repairs. Ask about post-sales service and support for handling problems.

Evaluate Cost and Return on Investment

It is essential to consider the cost of your dental milling machine. Look at short-term and long-term financial benefits or return on investment (ROI). The price might be worth it if your machine can reduce restoration time, boost patient satisfaction, and improve workflow. This is especially true if you can eliminate lab fees you would otherwise pay for dental prostheses.

Cost should factor into the scope of your dental practice or the applications you require. For example, consider whether you will use the extra features when choosing between a mid-range and high-end machine. You may realize that a less expensive machine can sufficiently meet your needs.

Future of CAD/CAM Dental Milling Machines

Dental milling machines are becoming more innovative. They are adapting to new developments in CAD/CAM systems and intraoral scanning. Here are some recent improvements to dental milling technology:

• Better vibration controls to reduce the noise that most machines produce
• Use of artificial intelligence (AI) to improve accuracy and speed and predict risks of restoration malfunctions
• Developments in new materials, including ceramics based on zirconium and lithium disilicate
• Technologies enabling remote access, teledentistry, and CAD mobility
• Use of CAD/CAM software for 3D printing

Experts predict significant market growth for dental milling machines. Business Wire estimated the global market at over $225 million in 2020. Analysts project this figure will reach more than $492 million by 2026.

Several factors drive the growth of this market. Older people have more dental problems, and there is a growing demand for cosmetic treatments. Additionally, materials such as metal and wax are widely used.

Conclusion

Choosing the right milling equipment requires an informed decision. This guide to dental milling machines discusses their purpose and uses.

We also covered the different types and explained the benefits and drawbacks of owning one. We shared tips for finding the best machine for your practice and looked at future developments of this digital innovation.

With time, you will likely view dental milling machines as required equipment instead of luxury or convenience. A milling machine is a wise investment. It offers speed, precision, and quick production of dental parts. This helps you stay ahead in digital dentistry.

To improve your practice with digital innovation, consider Shinoda Dental. They offer dental milling solutions. As a trusted dental supplier, we dedicate ourselves to providing quality products.