- Authorized 3M Lava Milling Center -

Glazed Lava DVS Crown

2010-04-13T11:17:00.000-07:00

Here is the DVS crown with glaze...

Lava DVS has positive outlook

2010-04-12T12:54:00.000-07:00

Well, we have yet to be able to send a file and test the CAD Blu system for its printing. We are, however, currently testing/milling DVS with our Lava mill. Although we had heard of some struggles with this system, we feel that our very first DVS crown was a success. Adjustments still need to be made with the contour, however the over all product looks promising. I have attached photos for review. The contour has been easily corrected with the 3M system, and they are currently glazing as we speak. I'll continue to post photos of our progress with this product. The most important aspect of this system is the initial design. The CAD tech will have to work closely with the ceramist initially to get a feel for what is expected. It seems as though what you design is what you get, and that is very exciting. Like any current system, this is not a replacement for hand stacking or replacement of technicians. It will fulfill a niche though for production of simple posterior crowns. We'll have to test, but at this time we don't currently see this as a product for anterior restorations.

Dan
Lava Team

CAD BLU - test

2010-01-22T16:30:00.000-08:00

I've been very interested in the idea of the rapid printing, and have yet to try. We will be sending off a case to test the fit and printed anatomy of the CAD BLU system next week, and I'll post our feelings of the product as soon as we get it back.

Dan
Lava CAD/CAM team
www.brabant.com

Interesting Prep for CAD

2010-01-19T15:59:00.000-08:00

So we doubted at first that we'd be able to scan this case ... it worked however and here are pictures of the results. We were especially cautious at first also due to the fact that this was a bridge. With advice from Lava support, adjustments were made in the green state so any finishing was just minimal internally after sintering due to the sharp/skinny prepped area. I wasn't able to see the finished fit, but our ceramist said that it turned out very well.

Dan
Lava CAD/CAM team

Quick run-down of the Lava DVS ...

2010-01-18T10:12:00.000-08:00

The DVS is a feldspathic porcelain, and although may be indicated for the entire mouth is more of a product for bicuspids and molars at this time. This is only due to the look of the finished crown, hopefully we will learn more about the final shading when Dennis Ouye, CDT comes on the 29th for his course. I have been told he has done quite a few of these.
There did seem to be a stable bond between the milled ceramic and the zirconia with the fusion material, and a definite learning curve as to the the proper amounts of material used. Too little and you have a problem, too much and you have extensive adjustment. I must say though, the process was much easier than we initially thought.
Is the DVS a better product than we are currently producing? Right now we don't think so, however it is an additional product. To me it highly resembles the IPS e.max CAD, just stronger. (Granted I am not a ceramist)
Initially I felt this could be blended in with our current Lava crowns, now I'm not so sure ... there will have to be more samples made, and even some test tops milled and sent to our friends with the 500 mills for the ceramic to be milled. This is only due to the final aesthetic value.
As with many of the new products coming out, this is more of a production time saver. More product in less time, not necessarily for less money. Again, we are going to have to do a few more of them to tell.
Over all, we have some very excited technicians in regards to the possibilities of the Lava DVS. The thought of focusing on the shading was appealing, with not as much focus on stacking and grinding. This places more emphasis on the importance of the ceramic design with the Lava CAD Designer, and the communication between the ceramist and the design technician.

Very exciting possibilites, and we are very appreciative to Lava for the opportunity to get started. Also thankful to Dekema for sending a therm for testing, what a nice machine.

Dan
Lava CAD/CAM Team

2010-01-06T08:23:00.000-08:00

Brabant's will be training on and evaluating Lava™ DVS on Monday for the first time and we are very excited about the possibilities.
Here is what we know so far:

3M's new DVS system takes your properly designed Lava zirconia coping and fuses/bonds to it a milled, ceramic full contour veneer. After a few design stages and firings you have a crown with few if any imperfections in the porcelain.
What we expect to learn:

What is the strength, and the indications
Is there a stable bond between the zirconia and the milled porcelain
Will this be a better product, or are we going backward
How much will this cost, for the lab and the Dr and will it be worth the price
Are there fewer or more steps, and are they worth it for the results

We are very excited about the product, and look forward to learning more and posting our results afterward ... especially more technical information. If your like me and checked the 3M website for information, you'll be let down as they discuss the process but give you little info on the actual product. Check it out here.

Also coming soon is new implant software (a few weeks away from what I hear) for the Lava design system of which I've heard great things ... We should know more about this after Monday as well.
We hope everyone had a great new year! Happy 2010.
Thanks,

Dan
Lava CAD/CAM Team
Check us out at www.brabant.com

3M Lava Ceramic CE - Dennis Ouye, CDT

2009-12-31T09:17:00.000-08:00

Course Description:
This course is designed to discuss the challenges associated with today's stone, achieving success and aesthetics with LAVA Zirconia, and working with the LAVA COS SLA models (digitally produced models) and software. In addition, information on techniques and materials for digitally designed and fabricated frames for wax printing, metal laser sintering and milled full contour porcelain will be presented.

Additionally, Dennis will discuss proper framework support for porcelain and how to achieve an aesthetic LAVA zirconia crown. Dennis will provide a demo of his preferred technique.

Instructor:
Dennis Ouye, of LDL designs, will instruct the course. If you are a Certified Dental Technician you may earn 4 CDT units for this course.

Dennis Ouye, CDT, the President of LDL Designs, Inc. a dental laboratory in Berkeley, California. As a certified technician, he lectures and conducts hands-on courses to various study groups and state associations. He has given courses with Dr. Harry Albers for dental technicians at UCSF and UOP dental schools. He has also taught ceramics at Diablo Valley College in Pleasant Hill, California. For fifteen years he published a question and answer column for the magazine LMT. Recently he lectured for the Pacific Coast Prosthodontic Society in San Francisco, California. In 2005 he was asked to be a consultant and give hands-on ceramic courses for 3M ESPE. He continues to consult and provide education for 3M ESPE on their current technology and materials.

Dan Morgan (Productions Manager, Brabant Dental Lab) had attended this course this past year, and was very impressed and found the information invaluable. Brabant's has asked to host the program for our outsourcing customers and employees who were not able to attend, and 3M has answered our request by covering the course for our labs.

For questions regarding this program please call Dan Morgan - 916-830-7327.

Brabant Dental Lab Blog - Under Construction

2009-07-24T17:02:00.000-07:00

Thank you for taking a look at our new blog/discussion forum. This blog is currently under construction, and we are doing so to open up the lines of communication with fellow Labs and Doctors in regards to the positive outlook we have for 3M Lava Zirconia. Please feel free to post any questions in the mean time.

Dan Morgan
CAD/CAM Manager
Brabant Dental Laboratory
Sacramento, California