The Best is Yet to Come with Lava C.O.S. and 3M ESPE Digital Technologies

As clinicians and technicians work to improve their practices, the goal of the 3M™ ESPE™ Lava™ Network technology is to deliver benefits to both patients and dentists. "We constantly try to innovate what we have and provide the best solution, whether it be a material, a system, or a technology," says Angie Hadrits, marketing manager. The Lava Chairside Oral Scanner C.O.S. is a prime example of giving the best to the patient, the dentist, and the laboratory. "Not only does it deliver a better experience to patients because they don’t have to cope with uncomfortable impression trays, but it helps the dentist and the lab with productivity while reducing chair time," she states.

The company prides itself on having a 99.02% success rate with the Lava C.O.S. in 2010. From the laboratory perspective, Roger Dawson, CDT, senior technical specialist, says that the Lava C.O.S. allows technicians to set standards in the lab that they couldn’t before. "Because I know how the product is coming out every time, I can be confident that I'll get the results I want and need," he explains. The Lava C.O.S. takes variability out of the production process and as time progresses the digital process will continue to evolve, reducing the variability even more.

Significant upgrades have been made to the Lava Software 3.0, which enables easier full arch dentistry. With this new upgrade, Lava C.O.S. users will enjoy faster and easier scanning, helping make the technology even more efficient. The improvements lay the groundwork for the future in digital replication technology, as the device’s capabilities make it an ever more powerful tool in the dental office. According to Cindy Hofstad, marketing communications manager, the Lava C.O.S. continues to expand its indications and capabilities, making it a beneficial technology for any practice.

Because technicians are often at the forefront of CAD/CAM technological advances, their role is ever increasing, and a new level of collaboration between the laboratory and the dental practice is developing. Dawson notes that technicians can help dentists keep abreast of new materials and technologies.

As technology changes rapidly, education is the cornerstone to success. Keeping this in mind, the company offers a robust schedule of training to its customers. Year-round focused dental seminars and e-based webinars are all archived and can be viewed and revisited at any time on the 3M ESPE website. With purchase of the Lava C.O.S., the company gives the new client two days of in-office personal training for the dentist and office staff. "We get to know our customers and become a family, of sorts. All of our operators have a strong relationship together because of our training schedule, which makes for easier and more comfortable communication down the road," says Dawson.

3M ESPE’s focus remains on staying ahead of the curve and commanding the forefront of the digital network, and the company is working constantly on developing new products and techniques for the ever changing field of CAD/CAM technology. In response to what customers should expect in the future, Dawson states, "You think things have changed in the last five years—wait and see what happens in the next five."

3M ESPE
3M Center, Bldg 275-2SE-03,
St. Paul, MN 55144
800-634-2249
www.3MESPE.com