Abstract: Opaque porcelains for use with metal cores in the manufacture of PFM restorations. The porcelains exhibit a coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) substantially equal to or slightly above the CTE of the metal to which it is applied. The porcelains exhibit a CTE equal to or up to about 1.5×10−6/° C. higher than the dental alloys to which they are applied as the opaque. The porcelains are fabricated from a mixture of two frit compositions. A high expansion, leucite containing frit is combined with a low melting glass frit to provide a porcelain having an expansion in the range of 16.9 to about 18.5×10−6/° C. in the temperature range of 250°-600° C.

Abstract: Chromium-cobalt alloys useful for use with high-expansion porcelains in the fabrication of prosthetic dental appliances. The alloys herein comprise cobalt, chromium and manganese as essential components; and include one or more of aluminum, indium, gallium, tin, and germanium; and may include one or more of iron, nickel, palladium and platinum. Optional components include gold, tantalum, niobium, molybdenum, tungsten, vanadium, iridium, ruthenium, rhenium, titanium, silicon, copper, zirconium, hafnium, boron, yttrium, and rare earths metals. The alloys herein are useful with high-expansion dental ceramics and porcelains.

Abstract: A gel composition for use in etching the surfaces of teeth in preparation for prophylaxis, repair, or restoration, comprising an aqueous solution of an effective quantity of an acid; and a colloidal silica sol, wherein the silica portion of the sol comprises from about 3 to about 20 weight percent of the total etchant composition.

Abstract: Blocks of material are prepared in a variety of shapes and sizes to be used in the fabrication of models for dental restorations. The material comprises a partially sintered ceramic material. The blocks are used to manufacture molds using CAD/CAM methods and equipment. The molds are useful in the manufacture of dental restorations using ceramics, metals, alloys, or powders thereof, and composite materials. The models milled from the blanks may be used to manufacture a variety of dental restorations including, but not limited to, crowns, bridges, space maintainers, tooth replacement appliances, orthodontic retainers, dentures, posts, jackets, inlays, onlays, facings, veneers, facets, implants, abutments, splints, partial crowns, teeth, cylinders, pins, and connectors.

Abstract: A light curing unit comprising a light detecting panel positioned on the housing of the curing unit to allow the operator of the unit to visibly detect when the light is on. The panel is preferably part of the housing and is positioned proximate the light guide on the curing unit. It covers a section of the unit that exposes the light energy radiating from the lamp located in the housing of the unit. The panel is transparent or translucent, allowing the operator to see the light radiating from the lamp when the unit is in operation. If the unit is in operation and the light suddenly goes out, the operator can immediately detect that the light is out. The operator is then able to continue the curing operation with a new unit or lamp, without having to expend time using an ineffective curing unit.

Abstract: Dental restorations are fabricated using metal powder. Preferably, the metal powder is a high fusing metal and preferably, the metal powder comprises a non-oxidizing metal. The metal powder is applied to a die and is covered with a covering material such as a refractory die material preferably in the form of a flowable paste. A second covering material may be sprinkled or dusted onto the paste. The model is then dried prior to firing. After drying, the model is sintered to provide a high strength metal restoration. After sintering, the outer shell can be broken off easily with one's hand to expose the sintered coping.

Abstract: Dental alloys are provided having a coefficient of thermal expansion in the range from about 8 to about 18×10−6/° C. in the temperature range of 25-500° C. and melting temperatures above about 800° C. but below about 1500° C. The alloys contain gold in combination with a small amount of chromium and/or tantalum. Other elements may also be included with the gold and chromium and/or tantalum to provide the necessary forming, melting, and mechanical properties required to manufacture the desired dental restoration.

Abstract: A ceramic tape is provided in its green state so that it is malleable and formable to a mold for forming a dental restoration, but will not break or crack as it is applied to the mold. Pressure may be applied to further form or adapt the ceramic tape to the shape of the mold. Heat is applied simultaneously with pressure or in a separate step to achieve high density and strength in the ceramic material. A vacuum atmosphere may be used with the application of pressure and/or heat. One or more layers of surface material such as porcelain or composite resin may be applied to the ceramic to form the dental restoration. The process is useful in the manufacture of dental materials or restorations including but not limited to orthodontic appliances, bridges, space maintainers, tooth replacement appliances, splints, crowns, partial crowns, dentures, posts, teeth, jackets, inlays, onlays, facing, veneers, facets, implants, abutments, cylinders, and connectors.

Abstract: Micaceous glass-ceramics are useful in the fabrication of single and multi-unit dental restorations including but not limited to orthodontic appliances, bridges, space maintainers, tooth replacement appliances, splints, crowns, partial crowns, dentures, posts, teeth, jackets, inlays, onlays, facing, veneers, facets, implants, abutments, cylinders, and connectors by machining the glass-ceramic using CAM/CAM devices. The micaceous glass-ceramics are provided in a plurality of shades and colors to adequately match the colors and shades of teeth found in 95% or more of the human population.

Abstract: A dental restoration comprises a ceramic core material having a thin metallic layer disposed on the interior surface of the ceramic core to provide integrity to the ceramic core, eliminate bonding between the ceramic core and the patient's tooth or teeth, and provide an impervious layer on the ceramic interior to reduce infiltration of fluids into the ceramic and reduce cracking of the ceramic restoration. The metallic layer may comprise a metal, alloy or metal-matrix ceramic material. A strong, crack-resistant ceramic restoration is provided having highly aesthetic properties.

Abstract: A mouth simulator apparatus that simulates the atmosphere of the oral environment so that a dental restorative material can be viewed after manufacture and prior to insertion in the patient's mouth. One is able to view the dental restorative material in comparison to shade guide components under the same lighting conditions as present in the oral cavity.

Abstract: Dental restorations are fabricated using metal powder. Preferably, the metal powder is a high fusing metal and preferably, the metal powder comprises a non-oxidizing metal. The metal powder is applied to a die and is covered with a covering material such as a refractory die material preferably in the form of a flowable paste. A second covering material may be sprinkled or dusted onto the paste. The model is then dried prior to firing. After drying, the model is sintered to provide a high strength metal restoration. After sintering, the outer shell can be broken off easily with one's hand to expose the sintered coping.

Abstract: Ready-to-use preshaped, prefabricated cured components and hybrid components are prepared in a variety of shapes and sizes to be used in the fabrication of dental appliances. Preferably the structural components are fabricated of a fiber-reinforced composite material comprising fibers impregnated with a polymeric matrix. The polymeric matrix is partially or fully cured to the point of sufficient hardness to provide a ready-to-use structural component for use in the fabrication of dental appliances such as The component of claim 1 wherein the dental appliance system is selected from the group consisting of orthodontic retainers, bridges, space maintainers, tooth replacement appliances, splints, crowns, partial crowns, dentures, posts, teeth, jackets, inlays, onlays, facings, veneers, facets, implants, cylinders, abutments, pins and connectors.

Abstract: A method for etching and treating a tooth surface prior to restoration, comprising a solution comprising of an —SO3 terminated compound resin, such as an —SO3H compound resin, and an aldehyde desensitizing compound. In practice, the composition is applied to the tooth surface and not subsequently washed prior to application of an adhesive or other restorative material.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for producing dental restorations for teeth that need to be restored. In the process, a first set of data points is retrieved from a tooth or an image of the tooth to be restored. The tooth is prepared by the dentist and a second set of data points is retrieved from the tooth or an image of the tooth. The second set of points is compared to the first set of points to obtain a third set of points. The dental restoration is milled from dental material based on the image resulting from the third set of data points.

Abstract: A dental porcelain composition comprises an amorphous glass phase with a maturing temperature less than about 850° C., wherein the amorphous glass phase, in one embodiment, comprises: Component Amount (wt. %) SiO2 55-75 B2O3 2.6-6   Al2O3   3-4.9 ZnO 0-3 CaO 0-3 MgO 0.5-3   ZrO2 0-3 BaO 0-2 Li2O 0.8-2   K2O   0-6.

Abstract: A gel composition for use in etching the surfaces of teeth in preparation for prophylaxis, repair, or restoration, comprising an aqueous solution of an effective quantity of an acid; and a colloidal silica sol, wherein the silica portion of the sol comprises from about 3 to about 20 weight percent of the total etchant composition.

Abstract: Process for the manufacture of dental restorations using high strength ceramic components. A wax pattern is built around a high strength ceramic component on a die. The wax pattern with the high strength ceramic component is surrounded with investment material. The wax is burned out, leaving a mold with the high strength ceramic component. The mold is filled with a ceramic material, covering the high strength ceramic component, creating a dental restoration.

Abstract: This invention is directed to lithium disilicate (Li2Si2O5) based glass-ceramics comprising silica, lithium oxide, alumina, potassium oxide and phosphorus pentoxide. The glass-ceramics are useful in the fabrication of single and multi-unit dental restorations (e.g. anterior bridges) made by heat pressing into refractory investment molds produced using lost wax techniques. The glass-ceramics have good pressability, i.e., the ability to be formed into dental articles by heat-pressing using commercially available equipment. In accordance with one embodiment directed to the process of making the glass-ceramics, the compositions herein are melted at about 1200° to about 1600° C., thereafter quenched (e.g., water quenched or roller quenched) or cast into steel molds, or alternately, cooled to the crystallization temperature. The resulting glass is heat-treated to form a glass-ceramic via a one or two step heat-treatment cycle preferably in the temperature range of about 400° to about 1100° C.

Abstract: A disposable plunger for use in a pressing furnace for the fabrication of dental restorations. The plunger is fabricated of a partially sintered ceramic material. The plunger is fabricated by known casting methods. The mold used for making the plunger can be supplied by a manufacturer of molds or can be easily made by using an alumina or similar plunger as a model. Laborious cleaning and grinding are not required with plungers herein described. Cracking problems that occur with prior art plungers are decreased, if not completely eliminated.