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