When choosing a millable material, consider factors such as material properties (strength, durability, aesthetics, and biocompatibility), compatibility with your milling equipment, and cost-effectiveness (balancing material cost, processing time, and waste reduction). Read our recent blog that highlights each of our millable materials to help you choose what is best for your lab!

To achieve optimal accuracy and precision, utilize high-quality CAD/CAM software, calibrate milling machines regularly, use appropriate milling parameters, and implement quality control measures to inspect milled restorations for defects.

Millable materials offer numerous benefits, including increased efficiency (faster production times and reduced labor costs), improved accuracy and precision (consistent, high-quality restorations), enhanced aesthetics (natural-looking and lifelike restorations), and greater design flexibility (creating complex and customized restorations).

To reduce material waste and maximize efficiency, focus on accurate digital design, efficient block management, regular maintenance of milling equipment, and proper storage of materials.

Polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) is often considered the most cost-effective milling material for dental labs, particularly for temporary restorations and denture bases. It offers a good balance of strength, aesthetics, and ease of processing, making it a popular choice for budget-conscious labs. However, the optimal choice also depends on specific factors like the type of restoration, desired properties, and the lab's equipment and workflow.

Zirconia is an excellent choice for dental crowns due to its exceptional strength, durability, and biocompatibility. It offers several advantages such as high translucency, resistance to staining, and minimal tooth reduction.

For denture bases, PMMA (Polymethyl Methacrylate) is the most commonly used millable material. It offers a good balance of strength, aesthetics, and ease of processing.

The answer depends on the specific needs of the dental lab and its clientele. However, zirconia has gained significant popularity in recent years due to its superior strength and durability. Its high wear resistance, low friction coefficient, and good corrosion resistance contribute to its longevity. Additionally, zirconia’s unique manufacturing process allows for a natural-looking, translucent material without compromising strength or durability.

The future of millable materials and milling technology is promising. Advancements in material science and digital dentistry will continue to drive innovation, leading to enhanced material properties (improved strength, aesthetics, and biocompatibility), faster and more precise milling (increased efficiency and reduced production time), greater design flexibility (the ability to create complex and customized restorations), and seamless workflow integration with other digital technologies like 3D printing and AI.