Lava Precision Solutions

Esthetic Rehabilitation with a Digital Dental Impression System

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Fri, 25 Mar 2011 21:22:00 +0000

Case by Brian K. Schroder, DDS
Laboratory work by LeBeau Precision Aesthetics, Kent, Wash.

A 69-year-old female presented with three broken teeth and seven missing teeth. The clinical examination found existing crowns with poor marginal integrity on teeth Nos. 2, 14, 19 and 31, and confirmed the need for a full mouth rehabilitation (Fig. 1). The treatment plan included removal of the hopeless teeth and replacement with dental implants, as well as new crowns to replace the failing restorations. This excerpt demonstrates the procedure used for restoring the lower anterior restorations. 3M™ ESPE™ Lava™ Zirconia was selected as the restorative material, due to its esthetics and strength, as well as the clinician's prior positive experience with the material's quality and accuracy of fit.
The 3M™ ESPE™ Lava™ Chairside Oral Scanner C.O.S. was used to capture impressions for the case. For the scanning of teeth Nos. 22-27, the provisionals were removed, and preparations were cleaned with a prophy cup and hydrated flour of pumice. An initial retraction cord was placed circumferentially around all teeth and the preps were refined. A second retraction cord was then placed for final isolation of the prepared teeth. All teeth were then powdered lightly (Fig. 2), and the Lava C.O.S. wand was used to capture a digital impression of both arches. The image was displayed on the chairside monitor during the scanning process, and reviewed for completion at the end of the scan (Fig. 3). An online prescription was then completed on the monitor and sent to the dental laboratory.

The crowns were returned to the office with a resin SLA model and tried in the patient's mouth (Fig. 4). Minor adjustments were made to the interproximal contact areas of teeth Nos. 24 and 25 only. No other adjustments were necessary. The crowns were then permanently seated with 3M™ ESPE™ RelyX™ Luting Cement. The total time to cement the restorations was approximately 30 minutes.

The patient was very pleased with the appearance of her crowns, and the clinician was pleased with the smooth process enabled by the Lava C.O.S. (Fig. 5).

Learn more about Digital Dental Products.

The Dental Appointment of the Future

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Wed, 16 Mar 2011 14:26:00 +0000

David Frazee, Vice President of Digital Systems Technology,
3M ESPE Digital Oral Care

Imagine a patient comes into the dental office in need of a multi-unit bridge. The dentist preps the teeth and takes a digital intraoral scan of the preps and adjacent teeth. During the scan, the dentist utilizes a device like an iPad to show the patient the anatomy and treatment plan, and to access smile design software to illustrate the projected case outcome. When the patient accepts the treatment plan, her case is then electronically sent to the laboratory. She can later access her treatment plan and smile design on an iPad synchronized with the dentist's, as well as track scheduling and delivery of the final restoration from the lab to her dentist's office.

While at one time this scenario might have seemed far-fetched, today’s digital tools are bringing it closer than ever. The future dental ecosystem will look much different than it does today, thanks to the growing adoption of intraoral impression scanners such as the Lava Chairside Oral Scanner C.O.S., CBCT scanning for implant treatment planning, and digitally archived patient records containing digital photographs and X-rays. At 3M Digital Oral Care, we believe we can develop digital platforms that will help dental professionals provide better value for tomorrow’s patients.

One of the challenges the industry currently faces is how to effectively store the vast amounts of digital data being generated so that it is readily accessible to dental team members and patients. The industry is in need of an Internet-based platform that allows data to be managed from any location and does not require the end-user to have IT expertise. One enabling technology is cloud computing—the same type of platform used by Amazon.com and Gmail.

The advantage of this approach is that dental practices and laboratories would not need to make large capital investments for on-site computers with elaborate data management software. In the cloud, data can be stored securely and remotely in a highly organized fashion and remain accessible to the patient and provider of care.
To achieve this, however, standards must be established for key interfaces to deliver custom business applications through what appears to the user as a single point of access. At 3M, we are currently working to help influence and create standards to handle, store, share and transmit imaging and related information with key companies in the dental industry.

The new generation of dental patients and dental professionals is increasingly digitally savvy. 3M ESPE believes that the same types of technologies and protocols enabling digital connectivity, interaction, and access to information will soon be developed for the dental industry. Learn more about digital dentistry.

3M ESPE Solid Model for Bridges Now Fit Articulator

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Wed, 23 Feb 2011 16:43:00 +0000

New SLA Solid Model for Bridge Indications

Based on input from dental lab customers, we have modified our solid models for bridges. Now our solid models will be configured to fit into the articulator-- just like the working model. We hope you enjoy working with our new bridge model.

Happy Holidays from 3M ESPE

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 20 Dec 2010 16:36:00 +0000

Everyone at 3M ESPE would like to wish you and your loved ones a happy and safe holiday! We appreciate your business and look forward to working with you in the New Year.

3M ESPE Marks 50,000th Lava™ Chairside Oral Scanner C.O.S. Case

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 16 Dec 2010 19:05:00 +0000

Increased productivity and outstanding fit drive popularity of system for doctors and labs

Since the launch of the 3M(TM) ESPE(TM) Lava(TM) Chairside Oral Scanner C.O.S. in 2008, dentists have been won over by the system's productivity and accuracy, which enable them to efficiently create precise fitting restorations. Successes for the scanner have been mounting worldwide, and 3M ESPE recently observed the 50,000th case completed with the device.

Read the full press release marking this occasion here:
http://tinyurl.com/2affwhw

In'Tech Holiday Schedule

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 07 Dec 2010 19:45:00 +0000

Please note the following holiday schedule:

In'Tech will be open Monday 12/20 through Friday 12/24. All cases should be processed for that week.

The following week, In'Tech will be closed Monday 12/27, Wednesday 12/29 and Friday 12/31, while open on Tuesday 12/28 and Thursday 12/30.

Have a very safe and happy holiday!

Digital Age Dentistry

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 11 Nov 2010 20:03:00 +0000

The premier issue of Digital Age Dentistry, a special supplement, was distributed with the October issue of Compendium of Continuing Education in Dentistry as well as the inaugural October issue of Inside Dental Technology, both published by AEGIS Publications. This special supplement provides background on and practical examples of today's digital dentistry and its potential to enhance your delivery of oral healthcare with articles authored by Dennis J. Fasbinder, DDS (CE-accredited), Brian K. Schroder, DDS, and Chris Brown, BSEE, as well as John F. Weston, DDS. Click on the link below to view the digital edition of Digital Age Dentistry.

www.editiondigital.net/publication/?i=47769

FREE Webinar: Optimizing the Dentist/Technician Relationship Using Digital Impressions

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 26 Oct 2010 19:37:00 +0000

The art of taking dental impressions will never be the same. Hear real-world and practical experiences from a general dentist and lab owner perspective of how the Lava™ C.O.S. has positively impacted their processes and business relationship.

If you missed the live version of this informative webinar featuring Dr. James Grant and Don Albensi, CDT, now is your chance to view the archived session.

www.lavacoswebinar.com

How to Avoid a Common Scanning Problem

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 21 Sep 2010 18:31:00 +0000

If you encounter fields that are not powdered as well as they could be, the problem may be your sprayer. It’s easy to fix this problem if you follow a few simple rules:

Sprayer Handling and Maintenance

• Change the tip after each patient.

• Clean and make sure the tip is dry before each use (especially in humid climates).

• Remove the bottle after each use; remove and cap it each night.

• Don’t lay the sprayer down on its side; use one of the holsters.

Holster

• If the flow of powder slows or stops, check the powder in the bottle. If the level is low or the powder is clumped, get a fresh bottle.

• If the sprayer tip is clogged, clean it with a wire brush.

• The hole in the center of the manifold (below) can become clogged, so check it periodically and clean if necessary. Use a wire brush or compressed air.

Manifold

• Reminder: It is permissible to blow compressed air into the center hole of the manifold, but DO NOT blow compressed air into the metal tip of the sprayer when it is connected to the device or into the hole where the tip slides into the sprayer. That can force powder back into the sprayer’s tubing.

• Make sure the battery is installed correctly. (If you’re unsure how to install it, see your Sprayer User Guide.)

And remember to use proper powering techniques:

• Powder the field lightly. Don’t squeeze the trigger too hard; think “light dusting,” not “blizzard.”

• Always keep the sprayer upright when spraying. When powdering the upper arch, twist the tip, not the sprayer.

• If the powder gets wiped off between scans, re-powder.

• Air dry the field. More than once, if necessary.

Finally:

Refer to your Sprayer User Guide for details on cleaning and maintenance.

Q: Where are my Lava™ Design Software 4.0 files?

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 07 May 2010 17:40:00 +0000

A: Don’t worry, they’re still there.

Recently 3M ESPE released its new Lava™ Scan ST Design System Software 5.0. How that affects you and your lab depends on whether your lab upgraded to the new software.

Section of Lava Package Column from Case Manager

If your lab upgraded to Lava Design Software 5.0, the “lava4” part of the Lava Package name will be replaced with “lava5.” You will still be able to access already downloaded 4.0 files, but all future files will be designated as Lava Design Software 5.0 files.

If your lab has not upgraded to Lava Design Software 5.0, you will still be able to see and access your Lava Design Software 4.0 design files, of course, but you will not be able to access Lava Design Software 5.0 cases.

New Lava™ Lab Software 2.6 for Chairside Oral Scanner

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 03 May 2010 12:22:00 +0000

Lava™ Lab Software 2.6 for Chairside Oral Scanner is now available for Lava™-certified labs. The improvements include:

--Visual indication of the location of the articulator hinge
--New shortcuts to make positioning the model quicker and easier
--Reset Zoom tool to make the size of the articulator and model fit the view
--Request Assistance menu choices to email trailer, request make-it-work help
--More flexibility when searching for cases

For more details, see What's New in Lava™ Lab Software 2.6 for Chairside Oral Scanner.

You can also refer to the User Manual for Lava™ Lab Software 2.6 for Chairside Oral Scanner, which is available as a PDF file on the new software, or contact Customer Support.

View Cases Online

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 31 Mar 2010 15:19:00 +0000

Case Manager is a simple but useful tool that gives you the capability to display data for your cases that were scanned with the Lava™ C.O.S.

Dashboard - Display and sort cases

The Case Manager Dashboard is your window into the case data. Use it to display cases by month and to view case details, including prescriptions, which can be saved and printed. You can sort cases by any of the Dashboard’s six columns of data:

• Date prescription signed
• Doctor name
• Patient name
• Patient Date of Birth
• Number of Restorations
• Case/Prescription number

When you hover the cursor over certain columns, Case Manager displays more useful information, for example, the case’s restoration type and tooth number.

View the prescription for a case

We think you’ll find Case Manager to be both valuable and easy to use. If you have not yet received your user Case Manager name and password – or if you have any questions about Case Manager – please don’t hesitate to call Lava C.O.S. Customer Support at 1-800-634-2249.

Doctor Training: How to Scan a Full Arch

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 18 Mar 2010 15:35:00 +0000

This training video explains the proper protocol for scanning an entire arch, which can be a relatively easy process if you follow some basic rules.

Each sextant of both mandibular and maxillary arches is described and illustrated by a 3D animation of the wand's scanning path.

Labs: Where is the Margin on Lava C.O.S. models?

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 14:25:00 +0000

Lava C.O.S. models have a 300 micron reinforcement band (shown in blue). The margin (in yellow) is at the top of the band. Any material that covers the band violates the margin and puts a successful restoration at risk.

Doctors: Best Practices, Cord and Powder Technique

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 04 Feb 2010 19:51:00 +0000

Check out this video with some tips on Cord and Powder Technique

Doctor Testimonial: Dr. John Silberberg, Midpoint Dental

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 25 Jan 2010 18:26:00 +0000

Dr. John Silberberg of Midpoint Dental in O'Fallon, Missouri recently purchased the Lava C.O.S.. He wrote the following about his experience:

"I am having a wonderful experience with the COS system. Every crown that has come back has been terrific. EVERY SINGLE ONE! I simply drop them onto the prep and haven't had to adjust the occlusion on one of the twelve that I have placed. I am stunned. the contacts have been great as well. There has been no "wobble" when seating them either. I am getting faster with the scans as well. I am still excited and am loving the new technology."

We are interested to hear your experiences as well.

Doctors: Tips and Tricks for Scanning for Models and Appliances

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 15 Jan 2010 20:41:00 +0000

1. Experience and Protocol: Make sure you have had some experience with scanning full arch cases and be sure to review the full arch protocol.

2. Over Powder: Powder much heavier than you normally do for your restorative cases. A heavy coating of powder will allow you to scan much faster and pick up points easier.

3. Check your powder canister: Make sure your powder canister is full, this will help you apply a heavier coat of powder in a timely manner.

4. No Palate: Please remember that 3M can not support palate scans at this time.

5. Call 1-877-SCAN-LAVA (877-722-6528): Call Customer Support prior to filling out your Rx to set up the labs you will be using for this indication.

6. Choose “3M ESPE Models and Appliances” lab: Select this lab when you would like your C.O.S. models to go directly to your office.

Restorations that fit. Guaranteed.

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 14 Jan 2010 17:13:00 +0000

The restoration fits. Or we pay.

The only 3D video capture system in dentistry today is now the only digital impression system to guarantee restoration fit.

The industry-first Lava C.O.S. Guaranteed Fit means that restorations using the Lava C.O.S. process will fit… or 3M ESPE will compensate the dentist and the lab (see details below). That’s how certain we are about the accuracy and precision of Lava C.O.S. restorations.

The guarantee applies to new certified Lava C.O.S. dentists and trained, certified laboratories. It is good for one year from Lava C.O.S. certification dates and applies to all approved indications for the Lava C.O.S.

Read the full guarantee and hear what other dentists are saying about the amazing benefits of the Lava C.O.S.

You’ll be impressed. We guarantee it.

Doctors: How to Scan a Full Arch

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 11 Jan 2010 14:03:00 +0000

The Lava C.O.S. supports full arch scanning. Please review the video for our recommended protocol.

The Past, Present and Future of Margin Marking

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 23 Dec 2009 16:04:00 +0000

Thank you to Jeff Saylors for his candid comments on outsourced margin marking for Lava C.O.S. cases.

With the holidays, and the arrival of a New Year, it seems like a good time to review where we've been and where we are going with margin marking.

The Past
When we first launched the Lava C.O.S. at the end of 2007, we required doctors to work with trained and certified margin marking Partner Labs. We recognize that the doctor/lab relationship is the cornerstone to building a successful restoration. Our initial lab business model required doctors to either change labs, labs to make a significant investment in the margin marking computer and software, or precluded doctors from purchasing the C.O.S. We knew we needed to make a change.

The Present
In 2008, we launched the Affiliate Lab model. This allows labs to receive Lava C.O.S. cases without investing in the Lava C.O.S. Lab Software. It required labs to outsource the margin marking to an approved Margin Marking Outsourcing Provider. These were labs with extensive experience marking their doctor's margins. The advantage to this model was that it maintained the doctor/lab relationship. However, margin marking for a doctor that you are not familiar with can be a challenge as Jeff noted. Some of our outsourcing providers have found that margin marking helps them build relationships with new labs and can help drive other outsourcing. For many of our affiliate labs and their doctors, this process works. For others, this process has gaps and we know that we need to continue to strive for better.

The Future
The ideal scenario from my perspective is to enable any lab (or doctor) that would like to mark margins the ability to do so. In addition, we would like to enable margin markers to be more self sufficient with regard to hole filling and other data clean up. We have a few challenges to overcome but we are looking forward to some exciting new releases next year to help make these changes.

Thanks for a great year! Thanks also for your great feedback on the lab software. If you have thoughts or concerns, please let us know either by posting on our blog or contacting us directly.

Shana Cooper, Senior Product Manager, Lab Products

New Models Coming Soon!

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 18 Dec 2009 19:04:00 +0000

We are pleased to announce Lava C.O.S. Model 2.0.

This includes:
- New Resin
- Customized model options
- Alternate model configurations

The new resin is a lighter color and has an altered opacity. It was specifically designed for dental applications. Also, the new resin has been optimized to improve the surface texture and detail. You may begin to see these models in January. They will be broadly distributed by the end of Q1. The only change that we recommend is that you use a red pencil to mark the margin if needed.

We will have more information on customized model options and alternate model configurations shortly!

Doctors: How to Activate a Lab on the Lava C.O.S.

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 17 Dec 2009 19:53:00 +0000

To activate a lab:
1. Login to the COS using the doctor's Personal Identification Number (PIN).

2. On the home screen, press the Management button.
3. Select the Settings tab, if it is not already selected.

4. Press the Labs button to display a list of labs in your state and their status, “active” or “Inactive.”

Management screen > Settings tab > Labs

5. Touch the name of the lab you want to add. The name is highlighted.
Note: To arrange for models to be sent directly to the doctor, select the 3M ESPE lab.
6. Press “Activate/Deactivate” at the bottom of the screen to toggle the selected lab.
For more details, refer to your Lava C.O.S. User Guide.
To add a lab that is not on this list, please call Customer Service at 877-SCAN-LAVA.

How Much Will This Case Cost?

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 11 Dec 2009 18:17:00 +0000

We have received questions from doctors and labs about how a given case will cost for scan and model fees. To help you, we have created cost calculators posted on the right sidebar of this blog. If you have further questions, please contact Customer Support.

Digital Workflow for the Lava C.O.S. System.

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 03 Dec 2009 17:28:00 +0000

New digital system blends the lines between laboratory-based and dental office-based CAD/CAM systems to digitally record tooth preparations.

The Lava Chairside Oral Scanner blends the lines between laboratory and chairside CAD/CAM systems. The dentist records the tooth preparation intraorally with a digital impression instead of using a traditional impression. The immediate feedback of the digital impression affords the opportunity to correct model deficiencies before the patient leaves the office. Digital impressions avoid the tedious technique of final impressions with the added benefit of a more comfortable patient experience. A number of conventional steps are avoided with the digital impression technique, such as time-consuming, conventional impression techniques, pouring models, trimming dies, and packaging, shipping, and tracking the models. The digital workflow of the Lava COS system results in an efficient and accurate technique for the fabrication of Lava zirconium crowns and fixed partial dentures.

Check out the full article by Dr. Fasbinder

Dennis J. Fasbinder, DDS, ABGD
Clinical Professor of Dentistry Director, Advanced Education in General Dentistry University of Michigan School of Dentistry
Ann Arbor, Michigan

Reference: Fasbinder, Dennis, In Practice Clinical Brief, "Digital Workflow for the Lava COS System, October 2009, V5, Issue 9

Happy Holidays from 3M Digital Oral Care

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 16:09:00 +0000

3M Digital Oral Care wishes you a very happy and healthy holiday season! Please be aware that 3M Digital Oral Care and our model production partners will be closed for Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Years. Models will be printed on the next business day.