Dubai, UAE, 21 September 2008 - 3M ESPE, a division of 3M -  the technology company that produces thousands of innovative products for dozens of diverse industries, today announced that its new Lava™ Milling System for producing lava crowns and bridges for prosthetic dentistry, has arrived in the UAE.

The 3M ESPE Lava™ Milling System, the first of its kind in the region, will make it possible - through the use of  CAD/CAM technology - to place multi-unit restorations in both of the anterior and posterior regions using dental material Lava™ Zirconia, renowned for its high flexural strength and fracture toughness. The combination of materials and precision milling produces a strong restoration with an excellent marginal fit.

During a special presentation and demonstration at the Burj Al Arab Hotel, Dubai, Dr. Gerhard Kulterman med. Dent. and head of the 3M ESPE Customer Information Centre in Seefeld, Germany, delivered a presentation to the assembled dentists, clinicians and other dental professionals, about the unique advantages that the Lava™ Milling System offers.

He explained; "Having drawn on more than 100 years of manufacturing excellence, the 3M Lava™ Milling System has been developed as an easy to use, easy to run and easy to own technology system that will enable all types of prosthetic restorations to be made, including restoration crowns and bridges."

"Beside the quality of the material used for the system, the hardware also offers a variety of benefits for dental technicians - its easy-to-load magazine holds 21 Lava™ Zirconia Frames, the machine changes burrs and tools automatically so no technician intervention is required, and the completed pieces can be removed while the machine is milling other units to maximize productivity," Dr. Kulterman added.

With the use of Lava™ Zirconia in the Lava™ Milling System, restorations will retain their original beauty for years, and are an ideal alternative to porcelain-fused-to-metal (PFM) restorations, protecting the translucency and beauty of a patient's natural teeth.

 "The UAE already has a solid reputation for delivering excellence in dentistry, and the addition of the Lava™ Milling System will help to improve not only the country's leading dental restoration work, but also the nation's dental health," Dr. Kulterman concluded.

The Lava™ Form Milling System technology is available in Dubai in partnership with the Techno Dent Dental Laboratory, at the Al Doha Centre, first floor, room 101. This is the second centre in the Gulf region to use the technology, following from the successful implementation of the technology at a centre in Kuwait. 

Lava Precision Solutions integrate digital technology and material science in an intuitive way to help dentists and laboratories improve productivity while offering superior oral care. 3M ESPE has a history of innovative products that are rigorously tested before being introduced to the market, and come with a 3M guarantee.

-Ends-

About 3M
A recognized leader in research and development, 3M produces thousands of innovative products for dozens of diverse markets. 3M's core strength is applying its more than 40 distinct technology platforms - often in combination - to a wide array of customer needs. With $24 billion in sales, 3M employs 75,000 people worldwide and has operations in more than 60 countries. For more information, visit www.3m.com.

For further information or interview enquiries, please contact:
Sudarshan C. Raman
3M Gulf Ltd.
Tel: +971 4 367 0777
Sudarshan@mmm.com

Mayssam Hamadeh
Manning, Selvage and Lee
Tel: +971 50 2734054
mayssam.hamadeh@saudi.mslpr.com

© Press Release 2008