3M ESPE launches Lava system in Australia

3M ESPE has introduced its Lava all ceramic CAD/CAM solution to the Australian market with the first system now installed and fully operational at Race Dental Laboratory in Sydney.

Lava is an innovative system for producing high quality metal-free crowns and bridges on a zirconium oxide base and has proven a hit in the European and US markets where it has been available for 5 years. It was first announced back at IDS 1999 in Germany by the former ESPE company, the concept survived the merger and the real deal has now taken the lead role in the company's dental laboratory business.

"Lava is more than just another CAD/CAM system," said Michael Fahey, sales and marketing manager for 3M ESPE Australia. "It's a complete solution and as such requires a significant commitment from ceramists who want to utilise the copings it produces as the basis for their artistry. As a result, it has taken time to get the model right to bring to Australia.

Mr Fahey said that the number one factor that 3M ESPE identified that significantly increased the risk of failure of all-ceramic crowns and bridges was the use of incompatible porcelains on the copings. "To ensure the dentist can trust they are receiving genuine Lava crowns and bridges, laboratories are required to complete the 3M ESPE Lava Laboratory Accreditation. Part of this accreditation requires the laboratories and ceramists to agree to only use Lava Ceram (porcelain) on Lava copings. In this way, we ensure that the combination of precision milled zirconia and the bespoke art of dental ceramics melds in a way that produces an overall result of the highest structural integrity."

The accreditation program communicates the preparation requirements for the 3M ESPE All Ceramic Lava System to ensure the best possible result for each case and the intricacies when using 3M ESPE Lava Ceram to ensure the highest aesthetics. The overall objective is to ensure the highest quality and aesthetics via the Accredited Lava Laboratory network.

"Race Dental is not just a customer of Lava, they are a partner and fully support the direction we are taking." Race Dental will be assisting in this accreditation program and will act as a 3M ESPE Lava Milling centre to the network of 3M ESPE Lava Accredited Laboratories across Australia.

"3M ESPE has a reputation of trust in the marketplace and we do not ever want to bring a product to market that will damage the relationship we have with clinicians and technicians. When you buy a Lava crown or bridge, you can be assured that you are receiving a quality-controlled product because we are certifying the compatibility of all the componentry used in its manufacture.

As a dentist, you will also receive a Certificate of Authenticity which confirms that you have received a 'complete' 3M ESPE crown or bridge and that you can 'trust' that what you prescribed is actually what you received."

As well as the certificate of authenticity, there is also a 5-year replacement Warranty for any breakage or fracture which further highlights the company's confidence the system.

"3M ESPE Lava is also considered a leader through it's aesthetics, marginal fit and strength. LAVA offers the unique ability to shade the coping frameworks in 7 different shades optimising aesthetics through the translucency of zirconia and it's veneering with Lava Ceram. Lava Crowns and Bridges are also considered as the benchmark for marginal fit with the benefit of less preparation and tooth removal required by the dentist and strength currently being the closest All Ceramic Crown and Bridge to PFM."