A collaboration involving Basel, Switzerland-based Straumann and St. Paul, MN-based 3M ESPE has resulted in the launch of Lava Ultimate Restorative, a resin nano ceramic (RNC) for dental that combines nano ceramic components with a highly cross-linked resin matrix. When cured, the material mimics the translucency and fluorescence of natural teeth, and because of its strength, the material can be used to produce complete restorations in a single piece, rather than in multiple layers, and is also for thin, minimally invasive, restorations. In contrast to ceramics, RNC does not require firing and is particularly suitable for final adjustment and polishing.

Procedures for which the material will be used are single-tooth restorations, full-contour inlays, onlays, veneers, partial crowns, and crowns (tooth- or implant-borne), all offered by Straumann CARES Digital Solutions.

Straumann also recently introduced a small-diameter, soft-tissue-level implant, which offers increased flexibility and additional treatment options. The Straumann Standard Plus Narrow Neck CrossFit’ (NNC) is made of the company’s Roxolid titanium-zirconium alloy and is engineered for a single-tooth replacement and multiple-tooth replacement with bridges and fixed or removable overdentures. The soft-tissue-level design facilitates soft-tissue management and can be placed in a one step procedure that avoids a second surgical intervention.