Long term safety: choosing the right dental manufacturing technology today for tomorrow
Many dental practices and laboratories that plan new investments face an important question: should they invest in subtractive milling technology or in additive 3D printing? Both paths lead to digital, efficient workflows – but they have different strengths and fields of application.
3D printers excel when many models, splints, or temporary restorations need to be produced in a short time. However, for restorations intended for permanent placement, other factors are decisive: precision, durability, and biocompatibility. In these indications, milling technology still clearly outperforms 3D printing. Anyone who decides to invest should therefore consider how their practice or laboratory balances short term provisionals and long lasting restorations.
Milling technology: proven in long term clinical studies
Milled dental ceramics such as glass ceramics and zirconia have been clinically validated for decades and documented in numerous studies¹ with survival rates of more than 90 percent after ten years. By contrast, 3D printed restorative materials are still relatively new, and comparable long term data is largely lacking. Those who choose milled ceramics are therefore not only opting for state of the art technology, but also for a treatment option with proven safety.
Strengths you cannot see – but you can feel
The flexural strength of a material largely determines the service life of a restoration. While 3D printed resin materials typically reach only about 80-150 MPa, lithium disilicate ceramics milled from blocks achieve around 500 MPa and zirconia can reach up to 1,200 MPa. A well milled, esthetic ceramic crown therefore not only looks good, but also offers mechanical reserves that reliably withstand daily functional loads.
Biocompatibility: trust begins with the material
For patients, biocompatibility is crucial – and it begins long before the restoration is placed in the mouth. 3D printing resins often contain reactive monomers and require precisely controlled post curing, as insufficiently cured resin is considered a potential health risk. Ceramic and metal milling blanks, on the other hand, are chemically almost inert and provide a level of safety based on many years of clinical experience.
Milling technology for high quality products – and 3D printing as a supporting technology
Ceramic restorations combine excellent biocompatibility with superior surface quality and natural esthetics – properties that 3D printed materials do not yet fully achieve. “When it comes to permanent restorations, milling technology using ceramic materials remains the undisputed first choice,” says Tim Zinser, Product Manager Dental at vhf camfacture AG. “Building on decades of expertise, we continuously advance our milling technology so that our users can always rely on maximum precision and reliability. 3D printing, as a flexible partner for models, splints, and provisional restorations, complements digital dentistry in a meaningful way.” Those who intelligently combine both technologies lay the foundation today for sustainable, future proof treatment concepts.
More information: Milling and 3D printing in dental technology
¹ Example: IPS e.max Scientific Report – clinical validation
https://www.zm-online.de/markt/marktanzeigen/detail/scientific-report-zu-ips-emax
