Time Efficiency of Digitally and Traditionally Fabricated Single-Unit Restorations

Abstract

This in vitro research aimed to compare the time efficiency of a conventional method with a digital process for single-unit restorations. Time efficiency, in this context, refers to the time needed by a dental technologist to perform the necessary procedures in the dental lab. An academic model with seven dies in position 21 was created for single-unit restorations by using a 3D printer. Different manufacturing techniques were used: a 3D printer (Formlabs Form 3B), a dry milling machine (DWX-52DCi shape), and a wet milling machine (DWX-42W DG shape) for digital workflows, and traditional techniques and tools for the conventional workflow. The time taken for printing and milling the wax pattern was recorded for the digital workflows, serving as the operating time for the 3D printer and dry milling machine. The time taken to mill ceramic was also calculated for the workflow using a stopwatch. The total time required to complete the rest of the workflows, including design, sprue, investment, burn-out wax, press or firing ceramic, adjustment, and finishing, was also recorded. For the conventional approach, 3D printers and dry milling machines, the IPS e.max press process was used to obtain the final crown. The wet milling machine cooperated with IPS e.max CAD procedures to get the final milled ceramic crown. The ANOVA test was applied to detect the difference between digital and conventional workflow groups. On average, the entire traditional workflow took 208 minutes and 30 seconds. The average times for the whole digital workflows were 281 minutes and 55 seconds for 3D printer wax and the rest of the workflows, 222 minutes and 38 seconds for milling wax and the rest of the workflows, and 65 minutes and 21 seconds for milling ceramic and the rest of the workflows. Due to significant time differences between digital and conventional processes, ceramic milling offers a faster alternative to traditional methods