With the advancements in technology, the field of dentistry has seen a tremendous transformation in the past decade. One such innovation is the dental crown milling machine. It is a computer-aided manufacturing system that automates the process of creating dental crowns.
What is a dental crown milling machine?
A dental crown milling machine is a device that is designed to fabricate dental crowns using computer numerical control (CNC) technology. The machine can mill different materials such as porcelain, zirconia, and ceramic.
How does it work?
The process of creating dental crowns with the milling machine begins with taking an impression of the patient's teeth. The dentist then creates a virtual model of the tooth on a computer using specialized software. The software allows the dentist to design the crown's shape, size, and color to match the patient's natural teeth.
Once the design is complete, the machine then shapes the crown out of a block of material, according to the specifications inputted by the dentist. The machine uses a diamond-coated milling tool to precisely cut the material until the final crown is produced.
The Advantages of Dental Crown Milling Machines
1. Faster Production
With the traditional method of creating dental crowns, it would take several days to create one that fits perfectly into a patients mouth. But, with the dental crown milling machine, the process can be completed within a few hours.
2. Accurate and Consistent Results
The use of computer-aided manufacturing ensures that the dental crowns are of a high degree of accuracy, precision, and consistency. Thus, ensuring a perfect fit for the patient's teeth.
3. Minimal Human Error
With the traditional methods, there was always a possibility for human error, which could lead to ill-fitting crowns. But, with the milling machine, the risk is reduced significantly since the machine uses CAM software to design and manufacture the crown.
4. Customization
The dental crown milling machine allows for customization, ensuring that the crowns produced are unique to the patient's needs. This customization may include shape, size, and color, ensuring that the crown blends with the patient's natural teeth.
Dental Crown Milling Machine Price
The price of dental crown milling machines varies significantly based on various factors such as:
1. Brand
Different brands have different prices for their milling machines. While some brands are more expensive, they may have superior features, quality, and performance, while others are cheaper.
2. The model of the milling machine
Depending on the model, you could find a basic milling machine with limited capabilities that are the most affordable or high-end machines that can do more and cost more.
3. The number of axes
The more axes a milling machine has, the more precise work it can do. With that precision comes more complexity and the need for more software processing power, which can affect the price of the machine.
4. Warranty
The duration and terms of the warranty could affect the price of the milling machine. Some warranty terms weigh on the machines' price, while others offer more peace of mind and are worth the extra cost.
Conclusion
A dental crown milling machine can complete the manufacturing process of a dental crown in one appointment, saving dentists time and helping patients get their teeth repaired quickly. With the technology becoming more advanced, these machines will likely become optimized, reducing the cost and giving dental professionals further improvements to their practice. Its an investment thats worth the expense.
