What To Do If Your PEEK Dental Block Milling Goes Wrong: Troubleshooting Tips

In contemporary restorative dentistry, PEEK Dental Blocks have emerged as a vital material for dental laboratories. PEEK, which stands for poly-ether-ether-ketone, is valued for its flexibility, wear resistance and the ability to be combined with polymerized porcelain and flexible PMMA. It is now a popular alternative for bridges, crowns and contours due to adaptability. However, there are drawbacks to using PEEK, just like with other innovative dental material. Milling defects may lead to chipping, lack of fit, or roughness. The good news is that with proper knowledge and suitable dental lab tools, defects can be avoided and even rectified.

Problem 1: Chipping While Milling

The Issue:

One of the most frequent issues when working on PEEK Dental Blocks is chipping along edges or in fine sections of a restoration. Not only is this weakening of the structure, it may also compromise the esthetic outcome when porcelain is added to the surface.

The Solution:

Chipping is usually caused by worn-out milling burs or when the mill bites too hard. The best way to avoid it is to keep your dental lab instruments sharp, calibrated correctly, and change them regularly. Technicians should also employ stable, consistent milling techniques that don't lead to overheating or stressing thin margins. Minimizing aggressive cuts preserves the integrity of the PEEK structure.

Problem 2: Final Restoration Poor Fit

The Issue:

Another common problem is poorly fitting restorations. The poor fit may be in a bridge, crown, or framework and results in wasted materials and time.

The Solution:

A poor fit is typically due to digital design mistakes or incorrect tool settings when milling. To correct this, technicians should thoroughly check the CAD design before they cut into the PEEK Dental Blocks. Verify the milling machine's calibration and that the measurements are in conformity with the desired restoration. It is crucial to use good quality dental lab tools for proper shaping. Post-adjustments, it is advisable to do a trial fitting so that the restoration is properly seated without any stress points.

Problem 3: Rough Surfaces After Milling

The Issue:

When the restorations come out of the milling machine with thick, rough or right surfaces, they are uncomfortable for patients and are difficult to polish for a natural appearance. The rough texture usually occurs due to incorrect speed, decrease in equipment or leave the necessary finishing processes.

The Solution:

To prevent this, the technician ought to mill PEEK using the right parameters and polish the framework right after cutting. Polishing not only enhances esthetics but also provides comfort and resistance to wear. The use of the right polishing accessories coupled with repeated strokes will provide a smoother finish. Spending on quality dental lab tools also minimizes the occurrence of irregular textures.

Preventing Future Milling Problems

Troubleshooting is important, but prevention saves time and money in greater amounts. Here are some fast methods:

• Inspect and maintain dental laboratory instruments regularly for accuracy and durability.

• Use standard milling parameters for PEEK to avoid heat and pressure buildup.

• Keep PEEK Dental Blocks stored properly to avoid contamination or unintended surface damage.

• Educate technicians in newer techniques for managing newer dental materials successfully.

By implementing these protective measures, labs can prevent possible mistakes and get uniform results when dealing with PEEK.

Why HaHasmile?

At HaHasmile, we know dental labs require trustworthy materials and reproducible results. Our goal is straightforward: high-quality dental materials at reasonable prices and assisting technicians with accurate, natural restorations. With 10+ years of production experience, international approvals (CE, FDA, ISO), and an excellent reputation in over 190 countries, we stand for quality and trust.

Each product, ranging from zirconia to PEEK Dental Blocks, is designed with rigorous quality control. Our raw materials are precisely selected for uniformity and stability, and each block is checked prior to departing the factory. Added to prompt delivery and good response, we ensure customers receive the assistance they require at each phase.