Using the Most Efficient Mill and Material Because It Matters
Inside Dental Technology delivers updates on digital workflows, materials, lab techniques, and innovation in dental technology through expert articles and videos.
May 1, 2016
Volume 7, Issue 5, May 2016
Page(s):
By Don Albensi Jr.
In recent years, countless manufacturers have been trying to develop a translucent zirconia that is as good as or comparable to IPS e.max from Ivoclar Vivadent. However, at Albensi Laboratories we believe we already have everything we need because e.max is a high-quality, esthetic product that cannot be compared to any zirconia on the market.
Our goal has been to fabricate more e.max restorations in a shorter period of time so that we can provide these quality products to a wider range of dentists and patients. Fortunately, we have been able to nearly double our e.max production efficiency and also improve the quality of our restorations by using the Wieland Zenotec select hybrid milling machine from Ivoclar Vivadent with IPS e.max CAD for Zenotec.
In 2009, we were using a different milling machine and were able to manufacture only 25 e.max units per day. Block costs were higher, and a dongle fee increased production costs. With the traditional production methods for e.max, we were limited to one unit per job. Because of that milling machine’s inefficiency, we eventually were 3D printing and pressing 100% of our e.max restorations.
We integrated three Zenotec select hybrids into our operation last August. The machine can hold 48 blocks at one time and is capable of producing 45 units per day without interruption to allow for daily maintenance and tool replacement. With our three mills, we have a daily milling capacity of 135 e.max units per day. We eliminated 10 production steps, decreased labor, and improved predictability.
The e.matrix tool, a special adaptor inside the Zenotec select hybrid, allows us to load 48 e.max CAD units into the machine at one time, rather than the traditional method of loading one or two blocks.
Crystallization in 28 minutes also offers a clear advantage over the 12-plus-hour sintering cycle required for zirconia.
Zirconia has been a sought-after product because it required less labor (scanning, designing, milling, cutting out, cleaning, sintering, and contouring) than traditional processes. Now, with the combination of IPS e.max CAD and the Zenotec select hybrid, the workflow has become even more productive and efficient.
The final results that we have seen from milling IPS e.max CAD in the Zenotec select hybrid have been clear. We have seen a dramatic increase in predictability and higher-quality restorations for both dentists and ultimately their patients.
The statements and opinions contained in the preceding material are and not of the editors, publisher, or the Editorial Board of Inside Dental Technology.
Manufacturer Information
Ivoclar Vivadent
ivoclarvivadent.com
800-533-6825
Don Albensi Jr.
COO
Albensi Laboratories
Irwin, Pennsylvania
