The dental industry is constantly evolving, and new millable materials are playing a crucial role in improving efficiency, achieving better esthetics, and providing more comfort to patients. In this article, we will explore some of the latest developments in millable materials, including zirconia, polymers, nanoceramics, and PMMAs, and how they can benefit dental laboratories and dentists alike.

Zirconia

Preshaded multilayered zirconia allows technicians to minimize processing steps and achieve better esthetics more efficiently. Higher translucency multilayer zirconia may have different strength factors and design parameters, requiring laboratories to be familiar with the personality of each material. Repairing zirconia bridges or hybrids can be challenging, requiring careful planning and communication between the laboratory and the dentist.

Zirconia is one of the most popular millable materials in modern dentistry. Its esthetic properties and superior strength makes it ideal for fabricating long-lasting restorations that match the natural teeth. Preshaded multilayered zirconia is one of the latest developments in this field. It allows dental technicians to minimize processing steps and achieve better esthetics more efficiently.

With pre-shaded multilayered zirconia, the need for shading or pre-sintering zirconia hybrid with pink is eliminated because powerful porcelains are available for staining and glazing. This streamlines workflows reduces processing time, and improves efficiency. However, laboratories need to be familiar with the personality of each material. With every advantage comes the need to learn how to deal with new factors. Higher translucency multilayer zirconia usually has a different strength factor, so operators need to learn when they can use it. Design parameters also may be different. As more materials become available, learning the indications and counter-indications becomes more challenging, but it is essential.

Polymers

High-performance or techno-polymers provide more comfort to patients and can be milled more easily in-house than metal frames. Polymers can be used in combination with other materials, such as lithium disilicate crowns or teeth, to achieve better restorations for specific patients. New developments in PMMAs for digital dentures offer 13-layer gradients of translucency and chroma, denser and less porous blanks, and esthetic full-arch temporaries without reinforcement.

Polymers are another type of millable material that is gaining popularity among dental technicians. These materials offer several advantages over traditional metal frames, including improved comfort and easier milling processes. High-performance or techno-polymers, such as PEKK or PEEK, do not replace current materials, but they are a fantastic add-on. Having PEKK or PEEK does not mean metal is no longer necessary; metal is still a very good material. For a patient who has enough vertical space, however, a polymer frame can provide more comfort, and it can be milled more easily in-house. Patients who have had other restorative work in the past comment that polymers are more comfortable. Regarding longevity, in approximately 7 years of polymer cases, I have not seen any failures.

Polymers also can be used in combination with other materials. For example, I can bond lithium disilicate crowns to the frame and finish with composite if I consider the exact recommended procedures. New developments in PMMAs for digital dentures offer even more exciting possibilities. PMMAs now offer 13-layer gradients of translucency and chroma in each blank, making it possible to create natural-looking dentures that match the patient's unique features. These blanks are denser and less porous, so they are really strong. It is now possible to fabricate full-arch temporaries without the need for reinforcement, resulting in a more esthetic outcome.

Nanoceramics

Nanoceramics have specific roles in replacing denture teeth, certain implant cases, and younger patients who still need braces. Nanoceramics are more forgiving than full zirconia crowns and easier to remove, but they may not mimic nature as consistently.

Nanoceramics are the newest addition to the list of millable materials in the dental industry. They offer several benefits over traditional materials, including better strength, durability, and aesthetics. Nanoceramics can replace denture teeth, certain implant cases, and other types of restorations. What sets nanoceramics apart from other materials is their flexibility and versatility. They are more forgiving than full zirconia crowns and easier to remove, making them an excellent option for patients who need frequent adjustments. However,it is important to note that nanoceramics may not mimic nature as consistently as other materials. While they offer excellent esthetics and strength, they may not perfectly match the natural teeth in terms of translucency or chroma. It is essential for dental technicians to understand the indications and limitations of nanoceramics and use them appropriately for specific cases.

Conclusion

The dental industry is becoming more competitive, and staying ahead of the curve requires a broad knowledge of current materials. By leveraging the advantages of new millable materials, dental laboratories can maximize efficiency while maintaining quality, achieve better esthetics more efficiently, and provide more comfort to patients. Whether it's zirconia, polymers, nanoceramics, or PMMAs, understanding the personality of each material and learning the indications and counter-indications are essential for success in the industry.

In summary, the latest developments in millable materials offer several benefits over traditional materials, including improved efficiency, better esthetics, and increased patient comfort. Dental technicians who keep up with these advancements and master the techniques required to work with these materials will be in a better position to meet the demands of their clients and succeed in the industry. As new materials continue to emerge, it is critical to stay informed and continuously learn about how they can be used to improve the quality of dental restorations. By doing so, we can ensure that patients receive the best possible care and achieve optimal oral health outcomes.