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

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.

New Models Coming Soon!

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!

How Much Will This Case Cost?

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.

Happy Holidays from 3M Digital Oral Care

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.

How Models Are Manufactured

Patrick Dunne, Rapid Manufacturing Manager, explains the model production process:

Labs: Working with the Models for the Lava C.O.S.

Working with the Models for the Lava C.O.S. is a little different than working with stone. The video below will help you better understand how to work with the Lava C.O.S. models.




After watching the video, test yourself by completing this short quiz.

Models: Why does cross fitting restorations made on the SLA fail to fit on stone models?

My doctor and I are new to digital impressioning. We were both a little nervous so he took a traditional impression for the first few cases. I built up the case on the blue SLA model but then I checked it on the stone model and it didn't fit. I'm very concerned that this case is going to fail. How can the restoration fit on the SLA and not fit on the stone model?

With any manufacturing process, there is some variation. If you pour plaster and manufacture SLA in parallel, both models will vary slightly from the object that they are replicating. Some of this variation between the two objects will overlap, hence crowns made on SLA will likely not fit on plaster and vice versa. Both however will likely fit in the mouth, as both the plaster and the SLA are biased positive relative to the mouth. In stone, this bias comes from stone expansion and in SLA, we apply the bias digitally.

Labs: Removal of the Model from the Articulator

I have trouble removing the models from the articulator that comes with the case. What can I do?
We have created a removal tool that can assist you. You should have received a quad and a full arch tool in your welcome kit. Place the tool underneath the articulator and push down. The parts will push out of the articulator.

What if I need more removal tools?
Extra tools can be purchased on our website, www.shop3m.com.

Digital Dentistry and SLA

Learn more about the SLA process for model fabrication

Digital Dentistry and SLA Technology: The Coming Extinction of Stone Models
Patrick Dunne, Rapid Manufacturing Manager