Dental Nation
Dental technology

Dental Milling Center Technology

A dental milling centre produces CAD-CAM restorations, with marginal fit and mechanical results varying by restoration method.

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The short answer

Dental milling centre technology produces CAD-CAM restorations that are assessed for fit, mechanical properties, appearance, and colour stability.

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Dental Milling Center Technology dental educational illustration

What does a dental milling centre do?

The relevant evidence compares milled and 3D-printed interim fixed dental prostheses with conventionally manufactured ones in natural teeth.

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Outcomes compared for interim prostheses
OutcomeWhy it is assessed
Marginal fitIt compares the fit of milled, printed, and conventional restorations[1]
Mechanical propertiesIt compares how the restoration performs mechanically[1]

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Fabrication methods in the comparison
MethodRestoration type
MillingCAD-CAM interim restoration[1]
3D printingCAD-CAM interim restoration[1]

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How is the technology used in restorative dentistry?

CAD-CAM materials are used in restorative and prosthetic dentistry. Their clinical applications relate to their composition, optical properties, mechanical features, and intended use.

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Why can results differ between restorations?

In the interim-prosthesis review, five of eight studies favoured milled restorations for mechanical properties, while two favoured conventional restorations. Findings on marginal fit also differed across studies.

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What is compared with milling?

3D-printed and conventionally manufactured interim restorations are the main comparison routes in the reviewed evidence. They are evaluated against milled restorations for the same outcomes.

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What does this mean for the restoration you receive?

The way a restoration is fabricated is one part of its result. The materials used also affect clinical outcomes, and CAD-CAM materials have a wide range of clinical applications.

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What should be judged alongside the technology?

Fit and mechanical performance need to be considered separately. One fabrication route may perform better for a measure in one study while another route performs better for that measure elsewhere.

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Frequently asked questions

Does milling guarantee the best fit?

No. The reviewed studies reported different findings on marginal fit for milled, printed, and conventional interim restorations.

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