Precision Milled

How CAD/CAM Milling Is Shaping Dentistry Today

Digital dentistry is defined not only by its speed but also by its accuracy—and CAD/CAM milling technology has become central to this evolution. At Arch Dentistry, we rely on advanced production systems like the Ivoclar PrograMill PM7, a state-of-the-art 5-axis milling unit, to produce a wide range of dental restorations with remarkable precision and consistency. The result? Better-fitting prostheses, fewer adjustments, and a more predictable clinical experience for our patients.

What Is CAD/CAM Milling?

CAD/CAM stands for Computer-Aided Design and Computer-Aided Manufacturing. In dentistry, this process begins with digital scans or virtual designs of a restoration—such as a crown, bridge, or full arch prosthesis. These designs are then transferred to a milling unit, where they are carved from high-quality blocks of ceramic, composite, zirconia, or PMMA.

Unlike 3D printing, which builds structures layer by layer, milling subtracts material from a solid block using rotary burs and tools—similar to sculpting, but with micron-level control. The precision of this process is what makes CAD/CAM restorations superior in fit, contact, and marginal adaptation.

The Ivoclar PM7: A New Standard in Dental Milling

The Ivoclar PrograMill PM7 represents the cutting edge of dental milling technology. Designed for large-volume workflows and complex restorations, the PM7 offers:

Five-axis simultaneous milling, allowing for deep undercuts and intricate geometries
Automatic tool and disc changers, enabling uninterrupted production of multiple restorations in one cycle
Integrated RFID technology, which ensures that materials are correctly identified and milled according to validated parameters
Intelligent temperature control, preserving the structural integrity of milled ceramics and composites

Its high-performance spindle ensures consistent results with a level of repeatability that manual techniques or older systems simply cannot match.

Applications Across Dental Specialties

At Arch Dentistry, we use the PM7 across a wide spectrum of clinical cases:

Single-unit restorations: Crowns, inlays, onlays, and veneers milled in high-strength ceramics for natural aesthetics and long-term durability
Full-arch prostheses: Implant-supported zirconia bridges that are milled to ensure precise passive fit on multi-unit abutments
Temporaries and prototypes: Milled PMMA restorations help guide complex rehabilitations and allow for functional and aesthetic validation before final work
Custom abutments and implant bars: CAD-designed components that integrate seamlessly with implant platforms, improving long-term success
Occlusal splints and nightguards: Accurate, hard-wearing appliances tailored to each patient’s bite and occlusion

Clinical Benefits for Patients

The true advantage of CAD/CAM milling lies in its direct clinical benefits. These include:

Superior fit and function: Restorations milled from a digital workflow consistently fit more accurately than those produced by traditional means.
Reduced chair time: Less need for adjustment, grinding, or remakes translates to shorter appointments.
Improved longevity: Materials milled under optimal parameters are less prone to microfractures and wear.
Aesthetic predictability: Digitally planned and milled ceramics can be layered or stained to match surrounding teeth with high fidelity.

Redefining Precision in Patient Care

As digital tools become increasingly integrated into every phase of dentistry, technologies like the Ivoclar PM7 play a central role in ensuring that the final result lives up to the potential of the plan. From design to delivery, the CAD/CAM workflow offers unprecedented control, allowing clinicians to work more efficiently while delivering results that are functionally and aesthetically superior.

In this new era of restorative dentistry, precision is not just a luxury—it’s the standard. And thanks to advances in milling technology, we can now deliver that standard consistently, confidently, and quickly.