Chairside CAD/CAM Wet Milling Time-Saving Guide: Step-by-Step from Preparation to Cementation

Introduction to Chairside CAD/CAM Wet Milling
In the fast-paced world of digital dentistry, chairside CAD/CAM systems with wet milling capabilities have revolutionized restorative procedures. These systems enable same-day restorations, primarily using materials like glass ceramics (e.g., lithium disilicate) for crowns, inlays, onlays, and veneers. By integrating intraoral scanning, virtual design, and on-site manufacturing, wet milling minimizes patient visits and maximizes clinic efficiency.

As of 2025, the global dental CAD/CAM market is valued at approximately $3.1 billion, with projections reaching $7.48 billion by 2034 at a CAGR of 10.29%. This growth is driven by rising oral health issues affecting over 3.5 billion people worldwide and demand for quick, aesthetic solutions. Wet milling, which uses coolant to prevent material overheating, ensures precise, smooth finishes ideal for anterior aesthetics. Compared to traditional lab-based methods requiring 3-14 days, chairside wet milling compresses the timeline to 45-90 minutes per restoration, saving hours in clinical time and days in waiting.

Step 1: Tooth Preparation – Setting the Foundation Efficiently

The process begins with tooth preparation, removing decayed or damaged enamel to create space for the restoration. In chairside setups, this step takes 10-20 minutes, depending on complexity. Traditional methods might extend this due to impression waits, but digital integration allows immediate progression.

Step 2: Digital Scanning – Quick and Accurate Data Capture
Intraoral scanners capture 3D images in 2-5 minutes for a single unit, far quicker than silicone impressions (10-15 minutes plus setting time). No physical models mean no shipping delays to labs, saving 1-3 days in conventional workflows.

Step 3: Computer-Aided Design (CAD) – Virtual Planning in Minutes
Load scan data into CAD software for virtual restoration design, taking 5-15 minutes. AI-assisted tools suggest optimal shapes, occlusion, and contours, cutting manual tweaks by half compared to analog wax-ups (30-60 minutes).

Step 4: Wet Milling – Precision Manufacturing On-Site
The core of time savings: Wet milling carves the restoration from a glass ceramic block in 8-15 minutes using 4- or 5-axis machines. Coolant prevents cracks, yielding smooth surfaces ready for minimal post-processing.
Compared to lab milling (plus shipping, 1-7 days), this in-office step saves days. Multi-block systems process up to 6 small units simultaneously, ideal for high-volume clinics in Asia-Pacific.

Step 5: Crystallization and Firing – Rapid Material Strengthening

For lithium disilicate, crystallization in a compact furnace takes 9-20 minutes. Pre-crystallized blocks skip extended firing, reducing to polishing only (5 minutes).

Traditional ceramics require 6-8 hours of lab firing, making chairside a game-changer for same-day delivery. Quick cycles (around 15 minutes) suit busy North American practices.

Step 6: Staining, Glazing, and Polishing – Aesthetic Final Touches
Apply stains for shade matching and glaze for shine, firing at low temperatures for 1-2 minutes, plus polishing (5-10 minutes total). This enhances translucency and durability without lengthy lab steps.
Savings: Avoids 1-2 day lab finishing, keeping the process under 90 minutes overall.

Step 7: Try-In and Cementation – Immediate Placement

Final try-in, occlusion adjustments, and adhesive cementation take 10-20 minutes. Digital previews reduce revisions, saving 5-10 minutes per case.

In conventional dentistry, this requires a second visit (another 30-60 minutes plus scheduling delays).

Overall Time Savings and Efficiency Gains
A full chairside wet milling restoration averages 45-60 minutes from preparation to cementation, with some systems achieving under 45 minutes for simple cases. Versus traditional: Saves 3-14 days in turnaround and 1-2 hours in total chair time by eliminating second visits.
Key efficiencies:
Reduced remakes (<5% vs. 10-15% traditional) due to digital accuracy.
Material waste minimized with precise milling.
ROI in 1-2 years through in-house production, cutting lab fees by 50-70%.
Challenges include initial investment ($50,000-$150,000) and training, but benefits outweigh for high-volume clinics.
Conclusion
Chairside CAD/CAM wet milling transforms dentistry by condensing weeks into minutes, enhancing outcomes and satisfaction. This step-by-step guide underscores its time-saving potential, making it essential for modern practices. As digital tools evolve, expect even shorter cycles, solidifying same-day dentistry as the standard worldwide.