Many articles will tell you that, when equipment like CAD/CAM mills hit a certain age, it’s automatically time to upgrade. This isn’t one of those articles. Obviously, if your current mill is on its last legs, that’s a different story. But generally speaking, deciding when to pull the trigger on an upgrade is a more complex decision when your current mill is still working acceptably well. Certainly, there’s also the temptation to “drive it till it dies” and squeeze every last drop of life from it.
On the other hand, just as you can become “nose blind” to food smells or pet odors in your own home, you can also get used to an underperforming piece of equipment that’s slowing down your practice without you necessarily realizing it. That makes sense, right? If you have nothing to compare your current mill to, then you can’t know how much the return on your investment has diminished since you first put it into service. It’s like getting that last squeeze of toothpaste from the tube: you work a lot to get just a little.
In this article, we’ll discuss how older mills compare with newer ones so you can decide whether it’s time to start shopping for a new one—and maybe even visit an equipment showroom like Benco Dental’s CenterPoint facilities, where you can try a newer mill in person and make the most informed decision. Together with tax incentives, current pricing and sinking financing rates, the time might be right to retire or sell your old mill and trade up to better efficiency and performance.
The Demand for More ROI With Each New Generation
Dental mills, also known as CAD/CAM (Computer-Aided Design/Computer-Aided Manufacturing) systems, have revolutionized the process of creating dental prosthetics. These sophisticated machines use computer-controlled precision to mill restorations from blocks of ceramic or composite materials with incredible accuracy and efficiency.
As technology advances and 3D printing becomes easier and more accessible, other forms of digital dentistry are evolving alongside it. Newer generations of dental mills boast enhanced features, such as faster milling speeds, improved precision, and expanded material compatibility.
One of the main drivers behind the rapid evolution of dental mills is the demand for greater efficiency and productivity in dental practices. With advancements in software algorithms and hardware capabilities, modern dental mills can produce restorations with unmatched speed and precision, allowing dental professionals to streamline their workflows and deliver prompt, high-quality care to patients.
In addition to improved performance, newer dental mills often come equipped with advanced features that expand their capabilities and versatility. For example, some models offer multi-axis milling capabilities, allowing for the creation of complex restorations with intricate shapes and contours. Others may incorporate integrated scanning systems, enabling seamless digital workflows from impression to restoration fabrication.
The best way to understand how these developments are playing out is to look at two specific examples: chairside mills and lab mills.
Chairside Mills: Then and Now
The Micro 4X: Advancements and Limitations
A key feature of the Amann Girrbach Micro 4X, introduced in 2015, is its rapid milling capabilities, allowing for the swift fabrication of various dental restorations such as crowns, bridges, inlays, and onlays. Its software is designed to customize these restorations as precisely as possible, ensuring optimal fit and aesthetic outcomes. Moreover, the mill’s user-friendly interface was a big step forward in minimizing the learning curve for dental professionals, making it accessible for practitioners with varying levels of technological expertise.
However, it’s crucial to acknowledge the limitations inherent in the Micro 4X CAD/CAM mill. While it excels in efficiency and convenience, it may not be suitable for all cases, particularly those involving intricate restorations or specialized materials. It was only designed as a dry mill and does not have wet mill capabilities. Despite these drawbacks, the Micro 4X represented a significant step forward in chairside dental technology, offering enhanced efficiency and precision in restoration fabrication for the time.
Milling Materials: Pucks and Blocks
In CAD/CAM milling technology, the terms “puck” and “block” refer to the form in which the material used for creating dental restorations is supplied to the milling machine.
Puck technology involves using prefabricated ceramic or resin blocks that are shaped like a puck. These pucks typically contain a single block of material that is large enough to accommodate several restorations. The milling machine carves out the desired restoration from the surface of the puck. Puck technology is known for its efficiency and ease of use, as it allows for the milling of multiple restorations without the need for frequent material changes.
On the other hand, block technology utilizes larger blocks of material, usually ceramic or resin, from which individual restorations are milled. These blocks come in various sizes and shades to accommodate different restoration types and patient preferences. Block technology offers flexibility in terms of material selection and customization but may require more frequent material changes if multiple restorations with different specifications are needed.
The Micro 4X uses pucks and cannot use blocks, limiting its range of materials. It is an advanced milling technology that gave many dental providers a gateway into CAD/CAM milling in their office, but technology continues to evolve, and what was once cutting edge is now being supplanted by more versatile tools.
A New Standard: Ceramill Motion DRS
The Ceramill Motion DRS CAD/CAM mill is a notable addition to the array of dental technology available to professionals in the field. This sophisticated device integrates computer-aided design and computer-aided manufacturing (CAD/CAM) processes to facilitate the efficient fabrication of dental restorations. Its sleek design and advanced capabilities make it a valuable asset in modern dental practices.
One of the standout features of the Ceramill Motion DRS is its Dynamic Response System (DRS), which enhances milling precision and efficiency. The DRS technology allows for real-time adjustment of milling parameters based on the material properties and milling conditions, ensuring optimal results for each restoration. This dynamic approach minimizes the need for manual adjustments and maximizes the quality of the final product.
In addition to its DRS capabilities, the Ceramill Motion offers a range of features designed to streamline the restoration process. Its high-speed milling spindle enables swift fabrication of crowns, bridges, and other restorations with exceptional accuracy. The intuitive software interface allows for easy customization of restorations, ensuring precise fit and aesthetics for each patient. Furthermore, the open system architecture of the Ceramill Motion provides compatibility with a wide range of CAD software and materials, offering flexibility to dental professionals in their choice of design and materials.
Like any technology, it may have a learning curve for users unfamiliar with CAD/CAM systems, requiring training and practice to master. Benco Dental offers coaching and training on a wide range of CAD/CAM systems, ensuring that you are purchasing a product that can give you the maximum value and efficiency. From installation to teaching you every element of owning and operating a milling system, Benco Dental’s expert equipment specialists can make the transition to new tech easy and profitable.
All things considered, the Ceramill Motion DRS represents a significant advancement in CAD/CAM milling technology, offering efficiency, precision, and versatility to dental practices.
Lab Mills: Then and Now
Ceramill Motion 2
The Ceramill Motion 2 CAD/CAM mill, introduced back in 2012, emerged as a pioneering instrument within the dental technological landscape, heralded for its innovative features, 5-axis milling, and contributions to streamlining restorative dental procedures.
Upon its introduction, it represented a significant leap forward in dental fabrication technology, boasting high-speed milling capabilities and precise spindle mechanisms to ensure the accurate production of various dental prosthetics. Its compatibility with a diverse array of dental materials further cemented its status as a versatile tool for dental professionals seeking efficiency and customization in their practice.
The evolving landscape of dental technology has introduced newer advancements and methodologies that surpass the capabilities of the Ceramill Motion 2. While lauded for its efficiency and precision, the device may encounter challenges when confronted with complex cases or materials that demand specialized handling. Also, its lack of a touchscreen meant that it had to be run via software that often required some training to properly use.
However, these functional limitations allow the Ceramill Motion 2 to have a smaller footprint, making it easy to incorporate into many different lab layouts regardless of space limitations.
Ceramill Matron
The Ceramill Matron CAD/CAM mill is a noteworthy addition to the field of dental technology, offering a robust tool for the precise fabrication of dental restorations. This device integrates advanced computer-aided design and manufacturing (CAD/CAM) processes, making it an essential asset for modern dental practices. Its ability to produce accurate and high-quality dental prosthetics such as crowns, bridges, and inlays highlights its significance in enhancing dental workflows and patient outcomes.
The Ceramill Matron CAD/CAM mill features a large, intuitive touchscreen that significantly enhances its usability. This touchscreen interface provides dental professionals with easy access to all of the machine’s functions and settings, streamlining the operation process. The interface is designed to be user-friendly, allowing for quick adjustments and efficient workflow management. The clear, responsive display helps users navigate through different milling options and monitor progress in real-time, which is particularly beneficial in a busy dental laboratory environment.
One of the unique aspects of the Ceramill Matron is its compatibility with various mandrel adaptors, including those for AG, Universal, and Programill. These adaptors enable the machine to accommodate a wide range of tools and materials, making it versatile and adaptable to different milling requirements. This compatibility ensures that dental professionals can use the Ceramill Matron with their existing toolsets and materials, reducing the need for additional investments and facilitating a smoother integration into their current workflows.
Furthermore, the Ceramill Matron is equipped with a 6mm shank, which is particularly advantageous for metal processing. This feature allows the machine to mill materials such as cobalt-chromium (CoCr) and titanium with unique speed and precision. The ability to process these metals in-house represents a significant advancement for dental laboratories, as it reduces reliance on external suppliers and shortens turnaround times for metal restorations. The 6mm shank enhances the machine’s stability and accuracy during milling, ensuring that complex metal restorations are produced with high quality and consistency.
Maximize Your ROI
Despite the many benefits of upgrading to the latest dental mill technology, dental professionals may face challenges in keeping pace with the rapid rate of innovation. The cost of acquiring new equipment, along with the need for ongoing training and support, can pose significant barriers for dental practices. Additionally, as we’ve noted, the constant influx of new features and upgrades can make it challenging to determine the optimal time to invest in a new dental mill. However, many times, the ROI can cover the cost of this investment much sooner than many dentists anticipate.
Staying current with technological advancements in dental mills and tools is essential for remaining competitive in today’s dental landscape. By embracing innovation and investing in state-of-the-art equipment, dental professionals can enhance their clinical capabilities, improve patient outcomes, and position their practices for long-term success. Moreover, ongoing education and training programs can help dental professionals harness the full potential of their dental mill technology and stay at the forefront of their field.
Keeping Pace with Innovation
Only you can decide when the time is right to upgrade, but one thing’s for sure: the rapid pace of innovation in dental mills and related tools presents both opportunities and challenges for dental professionals. By embracing technological advancements, staying informed about the latest developments, and investing strategically in equipment upgrades, dental practices can continue to deliver exceptional care and meet the evolving needs of their patients in the digital age. Perhaps the best news of all is that, like televisions, the price/performance ratio is improving practically by the minute, so the best value products are the ones available right now.
Tell us how you are using digital dentistry in your practice. Or, if you have more questions, give us a call, drop us a line, or even better, schedule a no-pressure, no-hassle visit to one of our showrooms to go hands-on with the latest technology. This way, you can be sure making the most informed decision about your CAD/CAM workflow, or any major purchase decision.
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