ATHENS/BASEL--Straumann customers around the world are among the first to experience an RNC material used to manufacture dental crowns, inlays, onlays, and veneers.
The new material, which has been developed by 3M ESPE, is called a "Resin Nano Ceramic" because it combines nano ceramic components with a highly cross-linked resin matrix. The material is cured in a 3M proprietary process, giving it remarkable properties.
Mimicking the translucency and fluorescence of natural teeth, it combines esthetics with durability, tooth-like wear, and shock absorption characteristics. Because RNC is not brittle, restorations are unlikely to chip.
Thanks to its strength, consistency and elasticity, the new material can be used to produce complete restorations in a single piece rather than in multiple layers. It is also ideal for very thin, minimally invasive, restorations. In contrast to ceramics, RNC does not require firing and is suitable for final adjustment and polishing. This helps streamline workflows, offering benefits to dentists, dental labs, and patients.
Straumann: a global partner for CAD/CAM prosthetics
Straumann has launched the new material, which is supplied by 3M ESPE under the trade name "3M ESPE Lava Ultimate Restorative." It is indicated for single-tooth restorations, full-contour inlays, onlays, veneers, partial crowns, and crowns (tooth- or implant1-borne)--all offered by Straumann CARES Digital Solutions. Twelve different shades are available, and the material can only be processed by modern CADCAM technology.
Straumann used the 20th Annual Scientific Meeting of the European Association for Osseointegration, which has opened to launch the new material. More information is available from www.straumann-cares-digital-solutions.com.
Straumann CARES digital solutions
With its CADCAM milling centers in Germany and the U.S., Straumann is a global partner for high precision, minimally invasive restorations, and workflow efficiency.
Tooth- and implant-borne restorations designed and milled by Straumann CARES Digital Solutions are popular thanks to the company’s digital offering. This includes guided surgery, in-lab, and intraoral scanning, and CAD/CAM production.
Digital workflows are beginning to supersede labor-intensive manual processes. This eliminates interfaces, shortens treatment times, reduces risk of error, and improves quality assurance. These benefits are expected to translate into lower treatment costs, added convenience and improved comfort for patients. But the key differentiator is the seamless connectivity of integrated technologies, offered together with product and service excellence by a single provider.
Partnership with 3M ESPE
The launch of Straumann CARES restorations of 3M ESPE Lava Ultimate Restorative follows a collaboration agreement between the two companies, which was announced at the International Dental Show in Cologne in March 2011. The goal of this collaboration is to increase accuracy, simplicity, and productivity of the implant restorative procedure by combining technology solutions from industry leaders.
The 3M ESPE Lava Ultimate Restorative increases the breadth of the Straumann CARES offering, which already includes high performance ceramics (e.g., zerion, IPS e.max CAD, IPS Empress CAD, VITABLOCS Mark II, and TriLuxe), titanium, cobalt-chromium, and various polymers.
NEW-GENERATION SMALL-DIAMETER, SOFT TISSUE-LEVEL IMPLANT
Also at the EAO, Straumann introduced a new generation small-diameter, soft-tissue-level implant, which offers increased flexibility and additional treatment options. The new implant, which is called the "Straumann Standard Plus Narrow Neck CrossFit," combines the strength of Straumann’s proprietary Roxolid material, the rapid osseointegration of the SLActive surface, and the reliability and improved handling advantages of the CrossFit connection.
The NNC is being introduced in a controlled market release in Europe. The full launch is planned for spring 2012 in Europe and North America with other markets to follow.
When fully launched, the Straumann Standard Plus Narrow Neck CrossFit will supersede Straumann’s current narrow-neck soft-tissue-level implant, which is made of titanium, has an external hex design, and is only indicated for single-tooth replacement.
Extended treatment options
Small diameter implants are used for limited interdental spaces or narrow bone ridges. The NNC is indicated for a variety of uses. This includes single-tooth replacement and multiple-tooth replacement with bridges and fixed or removable overdentures. Being a soft-tissue-level design, the new implant facilitates soft-tissue management and can be placed in a one-step procedure that avoids a second surgical intervention.
Thus it simplifies treatment and reduces the number of dental visits. The NNC complements Straumann’s small-diameter bone-level implant--no other company can offer small-diameter implants made of Roxolid for soft-tissue-level and bone-level applications.
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Roxolid is the key
Roxolid has been the key to the development of the NNC. The material’s physical strength has enabled Straumann to develop a small diameter implant with an internal rather than an external connection. The design of the implant-abutment interface provides an excellent seal and distributes the biting pressure optimally. It also offers greater flexibility for prosthetic angulation.
The SLActive surface
SLActive is one of the best investigated implant surfaces on the market. Many studies have provided scientific evidence that endorse its properties. This includes a marked reduction of healing times, improved bone formation, and survival rates.
Handling simplicity with the CrossFit Connection
Implant dentistry involves working with tiny, high-precision components in restricted, poorly visible spaces. The CrossFit Connection, which is used in Straumann’s Bone Level range, is a solution to this problem because it guides the abutment into the correct position and enables the user literally to "feel the fit." In addition to offering a variety of four positions, the CrossFit Connection safeguards against abutment rotation.
A broad portfolio of surgical and standard prosthetic components is available for the NNC and will be complemented by custom abutment options shortly after the full market release.
One system, one instrument set
Straumann has integrated the NNC into its existing Dental Implant System, which includes a range of soft tissue and bone level options and covers all indications. In spite of this, procedures and instruments are the same and only one surgical kit is required.
For more information, visit www.straumann.com.
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