High-Precision Dental Restorations with In-House Milling in Palmer, MA

At Palmer Dentistry & Implants, we use in-house dental milling machines to create custom crowns, bridges, veneers, and inlays—designed, shaped, and placed with exceptional precision. By combining digital scans and computer-guided milling, we deliver beautiful, functional restorations in less time, often in just a single visit.

What Is a Dental Milling Machine?

A dental milling machine is a compact, computer-controlled tool that uses 3D scans of your teeth to carve restorations from strong, biocompatible materials. Using a precise rotating cutter, it mills prosthetics like:

• Crowns
• Veneers
• Bridges
• Inlays and Onlays

This technology ensures a tailored fit, natural appearance, and excellent long-term durability.

What Materials Are Used in Dental Milling?

We select the material for your restoration based on your specific clinical and cosmetic needs. Common options include:

• Zirconia – Extremely strong and stain-resistant; ideal for molars and multi-unit bridges
• Ceramic – Provides a natural look with excellent translucency
• PMMA (Acrylic Resin) – Best for temporary restorations and trial dentures
• Wax – Used for prototypes and diagnostic planning
• Titanium or Cobalt Chrome – Used in implant cases or when exceptional strength is required

Your dentist will recommend the best option based on durability, aesthetics, and biocompatibility.

Types of Dental Milling Machines

We employ various milling methods, depending on the type of restoration and material required.

Dry Milling

• Ideal for zirconia and PMMA
• Requires minimal coolant
• Allows precise shaping for soft materials

Wet Milling

• Used for hard ceramics and metals like titanium
• Uses water or lubricant to reduce friction and heat
• Provides smooth finishes and superior strength

Hybrid Milling (Dry/Wet)

• Offers flexibility across a wide range of materials
• Ideal for a variety of clinical applications
• Requires careful maintenance between modes

Our team selects the right milling approach to ensure your restoration is crafted with optimal accuracy and performance.

Why Choose Milled Restorations?

• Faster turnaround—no off-site labs or waiting
• Exceptional fit and comfort
• Long-lasting strength and beauty
• Digital accuracy for better bite alignment
• One-visit convenience for many cases

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What’s the advantage of milling restorations in-house?
A: It speeds up treatment, reduces the need for temporary restorations, and delivers precise results with fewer appointments.

Q: Are milled crowns just as strong as lab-made ones?
A: Yes. When crafted from high-quality materials like zirconia or ceramic, they are just as durable and often more precisely fitted.

Q: Can I choose the material used for my restoration?
A: Absolutely. We’ll explain the pros and cons of each material and recommend what works best based on your clinical and cosmetic goals.