Why I Choose Amber Lithium Disilicate for CAD CAM Restorations by DT Keith Morgan
Keith Morgan is founder and director of Digital Dental Laboratory Toothworx and a proud UK Ambassador for Amber Mill lithium disilicate, available from DB Lab Supplies. Here, he talks about why he chooses Amber Mill lithium disilicate, and how suggesting Amber to clients has resulted in repeat requests.
Based in Cardiff, Toothworx is a crown and bridge lab offering the full-spectrum of services; from bespoke single unit restorations, to more specialist full contour implant retained work. It also offers an in-lab bespoke shade taking service. Keith became an Amber Ambassador in 2020, after being impressed with the product, and now regularly shares his cases on his Instagram and Facebook pages @toothworx and @toothworx1.
Images courtesy of Toothworx. Header image: Amber Mill Molar Crown finished with Miyo Liquid Ceramic, above image: Amber Mill 3/4 core layered with Emax Ceram Porcelain and Incisal Effects following in lab Tooth Mapping.
What restorations can be milled with Amber Mill lithium disilicate?
Keith says of Amber Mill, “I’m now able to offer next day crowns for local customers with Amber Mill. I use a wet mill DWX42W and Amber produces consistent results with minimal effort. I use Amber Mill for veneers, crowns, onlays and inlays, monolithic or porcelain layered. I began suggesting it to my clients on the basis that if they weren’t happy, I’d re-do the restoration at no extra cost in their usual product. Every time it has worked brilliantly so clients go away happy having discovered a great alternative aesthetic product. Plus, the feedback on onlays and inlays is fantastic. It has a chameleon effect; it is fitted in the tooth preparation and simply disappears.
Amber Mill on wet mill DWX42W. Images courtesy of Toothworx.
What are the pack options for Amber Mill?
Amber Mill is available in blocks and blanks and is suitable for the fabrication of crowns, bridges, inlays onlays and veneers. The nano- lithium disilicate technology (NLD) offers a range of advantages including the unique ability to control translucency by adjusting the firing temperature.
How does Amber Mill keep inventories small?
One ingot can produce four variations - HT, MT, LT and MO. Simply select the translucency and the firing temperature determines this. During the heat treatment, crystal size and density are increased and consequently the mechanical properties are reinforced and translucency value changed. The higher the temperature when firing, the more opaque the restoration. Even after finalising, the translucency can still be adjusted as the restoration can be re-fired from HTMT onwards. The advantage of this is the ability to achieve a wide spectrum of light-optical properties with a quarter of the usual number of blanks required.
“The feedback on onlays and inlays
from Amber Mill is fantastic. It has a
chameleon effect; It is fitted in the tooth
preparation and simply disappears.”
Due to its natural-looking light-reflecting properties (remarkable opalescence and fluorescence), Amber Mill produces excellent aesthetics. The biaxial flexural strength is 450 MPa after crystallisation, making restorations monolithic, and its strength in its milling state is 250MPa. These properties enable high edge stability with more predictable mills and no chipping. Amber Mill is also compatible with the majority of veneering ceramics.
Amber Mill on wet mill DWX42W. Images courtesy of Toothworx.
How fine can Amber Mill be cut?
Keith says, “I can cut it really thin and it will not chip. It is advised to mill to no less than .8 mmm, yet I’m milling to .2mm; creating a fine knife edge finish that still will not chip. I’ve also produced between 50-60 veneers in bleach
shades; giving that Hollywood smile. Also, the reduced inventory is a massive plus point. I buy one product and it covers all translucencies - dependent on what is desired for each case. Producing four translucencies from one
block adds a freedom; I can go back and forth with the firing.“
“I really like the material. It offers
great versatility and consistent, highly
aesthetic restorations - the ideal
product”
What is your secret to gaining glowing testimonials?
Keith’s extensive CAD/CAM experience, and passion for aesthetics and customer service has gained him glowing testimonials. He says, “I only offer the best products and I never cut corners. I am so passionate about offering the
highest aesthetics and this is why customers will give my suggestions a go. The business is still growing, leading to new team members joining us and a steadily growing client base.”
Get in touch
To find out more about Amber Mill, call DB Lab Supplies team today on 01535 656999, email the team on sales@dbortho.com or contact Toothworx Dental
Laboratory on 02921321065.
About DB Lab Supplies
It is our company mission to become a global leader in orthodontic and laboratory supplies. With over 45 years of experience, we recognise the importance of quality, service and innovation. Working to ISO13485 standards we strive for perfection in all that we do, from unique product design to the excellent service provided by our dedicated customer service and sales teams.
We are continually developing our product range, designing innovative products through consultation with leading industry experts throughout the world, to ensure that our products meet the high standards expected by today’s practitioners.