No point, I just thought I remember reading your posts where you were researching what to buy last year.
How long did it take for you go get over the learning curve?
Looking back 1 year has it worked out as good as expected?
Anything you'd do different?
Thanks
To be honest Al, it has been more of a roller coaster than a learning curve.
There is always something new to learn and the ability to network with DLN members has been my lifeline.I could never have learned techniques and proceedures this fast without the help of the folks here.
Here is what I've learned so far:
Margins are the biggest issue...as always.
Emax : I agree that pressing is more accurate than milled however there is a margin porcelain that can fix any voids .I still press when I can since I outsource every cad and it still takes less time to wax and press and it is cheaper as long as I have the ingots in stock.Sometimes it's easier to do cad if it is a rare shade or if I am really busy.
Zirconia: The 2 factors that I have found most important is the scan speed which dictates the detail of the margin and the accuracy of the milling center.
temps : These are so much easier in cad by far.The clear pmma material can also be cast so now I can design a full contour frame bridge, try it in, and then cut it back for ceramics .This is a major time saver.
Anything that is milled requires bur compensation so if you are dealing with minimal occlusal clearance that can be an issue.Therefore at this point I am still waxing my copings by hand.
I am looking forward to cad cast from Bego which will allow me to send the file to them and they will print( not mill) the waxup and cast it with their pressure casting machines in different alloys.
My cad designs are a bit sloppy still and I still require a bit of manual finishing but I have still freed up a substantial amount of time that I can spend on my ceramics.
If I were to do it over I would go with a different distributor but other than that I have no regrets.