A New Zealand First For Dentistry

A New Zealand First For Dentistry

In a New Zealand first, a milling machine for the shaping and moulding of
teeth has been installed at the Seaside Dental laboratory in Takapuna.

The 3M ESPE Lava Form Milling Unit mills continuously, eradicating the need
to outsource the work overseas.

The milling unit is one part of an overall process known as the 3M ESPE
Lava Crowns and Bridges system.

Lava is an innovative system for producing high quality metal-free crowns
and bridges on a zirconium oxide base and has proven successful in the
European and US markets where it has been available for six years.

The key advantage of the Lava system is that there is a choice of
individually coloured, translucent frameworks in eight different shades, so
patients are offered aesthetics that mimic nature.

In addition, Lava crowns and bridges are restorations that are
fracture-resistant. This is because the fracture strength of zirconium
oxide is many times higher than that of conventional all-ceramic materials.

The durability and aesthetics of Lava restorations represent the optimum in
all-ceramic systems. Preparations require removal of less tooth structure,
and cementation can be accomplished using conventional techniques.

Lava crowns and bridges also have excellent accuracy of fit which is
achieved through the high milling precision and calculation of the
sintering and shrinkage via the scanning and milling software.

3M Business Manager, Janice Tylden says it is good news for New Zealanders
and the New Zealand Dental industry.

"The 3M ESPE Lava Crowns and Bridges system is setting the standards in the
industry and offers patients excellent aesthetics, superior strength and
durability, and outstanding marginal fit."

"Lava Ceram has been specifically developed to be used with the Lava
Copings," says Ms Tylden. "So by ensuring its use we reduce the risk of
damage created by incompatible porcelains.

"For this reason, we are confident in offering a five-year replacement
warranty for any breakage or fracture."

Dentists will also receive a Certificate of Authenticity on receipt of all
crowns or bridge work that has been processed through the 3M ESPE Lava Form
Milling Unit.

The system has been working in New Zealand since July, and 3M New Zealand
is confident that dentists will agree that the availability of a high tech
milling unit in the country is an asset to the dentistry profession.

Ends

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