High Performance Milling
Alan Jurim, DDS, on the vhf Z4
Alan Jurim, DDS
We have been involved in CAD/CAM dentistry since 2006 when we began milling in our dental laboratory. Back then, the cost to enter the market for CAD/CAM milling units was tremendous. We were already gaining experience before the milling machines started to become less complex, more accurate, and more economical. In my eyes, the primary benefits of CAD/CAM technology for dentists are certainly efficiency and precision. Thanks to vhf's Z4, we are able to deliver the highest quality restorations.
One of the biggest advantages that vhf offers is a fully integrated workflow. We use the Z4 with 3Shape's TRIOS in-traoral scanner and the TRIOS Design Studio. Pri-marily, we grind glass ceramics on our milling machine, but our favorite materials are the hybrid ceramics.
Working with the Z4 has been a fantastic experience. We get better results in less time-right out of the mill. Regarding the performance of same-day restorations, it has rejuvenated our office. The Z4 mill is exceptionally accurate and consistent, which means greater efficiency for us. With the improved results, we are seeing a decrease in our patients' visit time.
We recently had a patient who was in urgent need of an onlay. We were able to scan the tooth and design a beautiful restoration that we milled on the Z4 within minutes. When we brought the patient back to the front desk, he thought he would need to make a follow-up appointment; however, he only had to wait a few minutes to get his new onlay inserted. This is great from the front office's perspective too because we know how consistent we can keep the scheduling. Our time is very important, and the Z4 helps us to plan accordingly.
Another big advantage of the Z4 is that it can mill provisional materials, which revolutionizes implant dentistry in particular. Prior to same-day dentistry, many milling machines had issues with grinding or milling acrylics and polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA). With the Z4 and the tools available from vhf, for immediately provisionalized implant cases, we are now able to quickly scan, design, and predictably mill an acrylic implant provisional restoration and deliver it to the patient right after surgery. In addition to restorations made from glass ceramics, PMMA, zirconia, and composites, the Z4 can finish more than 140 prefabricated titanium and cobalt-chrome implant abutments from a variety of manufacturers.
Daily maintenance for the Z4 is extremely simple. With an integrated PC and touch screen, a laptop or tablet is not necessary, and assistants are able to navigate the machine after receiving only minimal training.
I recommend the Z4 to colleagues because it will definitely enhance their productivity. With the Z4, dentists can easily advance to a new level of restorative capability. Having a system that works flawlessly is great. It is a win-win for offices and patients. Clinicians can be more productive, and patients can experience better service, which leads to both better results and happier patients.
Key Takeaways
1. Highest precision: milling and grinding in ultra high-definition with 3-μm repetition accuracy
2. Fastest production: restorations in less than 10 minutes and 2-second block insertion with a 100,000-rpm electrical high frequency spindle
3. User-friendly: easy to learn, operate, and maintain
4. Complete independence: fully integrated workflow and validation with all established scanners and design software applications as well as a full selection of 30 block materials from 12 manufacturers and more than 140 titanium and cobalt-chrome (CoCr) prefabricated abutments from 11 manufacturers
Manufacturer Information
vhf Inc.
vhf.com
631-524-5252
About the Author
Alan Jurim, DDS
Director of Digital Dentistry at New York Medical College
Hawthorne, New York
Chief Dental Officer
BioDental Sciences
