3M steps up to ensure dentists receive genuine Lava zirconia

Dentist's in Australia and New Zealand who prescribe a 3M ESPE Lava zirconia restoration can now be 100% assured it is an authentic Lava Crown.

3M ESPE has launched a new online security program designed to enable dentists and laboratories to verify the authenticity of genuine Lava™ Zirconia restorations.

Through the introduction of a new Lava barcode label, coupled with security film technology, dentists can ensure they're receiving authentic Lava Zirconia in their restorations.

The Lava Authentication process is simple:

• Step 1: 3M ESPE provides bar-coded labels with proprietary 3M film to Accredited Lava Milling Centres (ALMCs).
• Step 2: ALMCs provide a set of labels to laboratories who order Lava copings. The laboratory keeps one for their records and sends the other label to the prescribing dentist.
• Step 3: Dentists can then visit the 3M ESPE website (www.3mespe.com.au/Lava) and by entering the serial number, they can confirm that the Lava restoration they received is authentic.

"As Lava Zirconia continues to grow in the Australian and New Zealand markets, it is crucial that all dentists receive what they initially prescribe from their laboratory for their patients," said Natalie Mann, 3M ESPE Lava Product Manager. "3M ESPE's new authentication program strengthens our brand promise whilst helping to protect our dental industry partners and patients."

3M ESPE began working on the authentication program in 2007 in combination with the 3M Security Systems Division (3M SSD) and Verify Brand, Inc., a Minneapolis-based company that provides brand protection solutions through the use of secure product serialization and real time, web-based product authentication. The program is the latest initiative created by 3M ESPE to ensure the authenticity of Lava Zirconia. 3M ESPE was able to utilise technologies and resources through 3M SSD, tapping into its expertise on brand protection and product security when designing the program.

This new program lets dentists know with certainty that when they prescribe Lava, they are indeed receiving genuine Lava Zirconia and no substitution of a generic zirconia restoration has been made. This provides piece of mind for dentists and patients alike.