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!

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

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

Log In screen

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?

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.

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

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.

Doctors: Powder FAQs

How small are the particles?
The particle size averages 20 microns.

Is it safe?
The powder has undergone a thorough evaluation of its biocompatibility per accepted international and US FDA guidance and the conclusion is that the product is safe for its intended use. Information for safe handling can be found on the product MSDS which is included with the initial purchase or is available from the 3M website (www.mmm.com).

What approvals has the powder received?
The FDA has cleared the 510k for the powder as a class II medical device. The 510K letter is for the Lava C.O.S. system including powder and sprayer.

What is it made of?
The powder is predominantly titanium dioxide, a white material which is used in food coloring and in toothpaste.

Digital Margin Marking

Here's a quick overview of how to margin mark a C.O.S. case: