Abstract: The invention relates to an intraoral scanner for collecting three-dimensional measured or scanned data of the jaw or teeth, which accommodates a scanning unit in a front region leading into the oral region and which at this front region also accommodates an air delivery device through which pressurized air may be locally supplied in the oral region.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for fabricating dental components. A set of geometric data is provided for the three-dimensional description of at least one desired dental component, and based on these geometric data a three-dimensional CAD model of the dental component is created. The CAD model processes the geometric data in the form of layer data to generate numerous CAD model layers which are suitable for use in a laser sintering or laser melting process. The laser sintering or laser melting process is then carried out, based on the layer data for each individual CAD model layer, and with computer assistance a powdered material is correspondingly applied in layers on a fabrication platform. Following the laser sintering or laser melting process, the body of the dental component having the resulting layered construction is transferred to a heat treatment oven, is subjected to heat treatment, and is subsequently cooled.

Abstract: A dental prosthesis blank and a combined dental prosthesis blank and blank holder. The dental prosthesis blank provides for forming a dental prosthesis therefrom and the blank holder holds the blank during the forming of the prosthesis. The blank comprises a first free end for forming the dental prosthesis therefrom and a positioning end for positioning the blank in the blank holder. The positioning end includes a cylindrical cone, i.e. extension, having a pair of reference surfaces defined by a slot extending along the axis of the cylindrical extension. The blank holder includes a reference element such as a bar that fits within the space between the reference surfaces.

Abstract: The invention describes a holder for an object, for example a mandibular model or similar dental model, or a precious stone or the like, which is secured on a receiving plate with a coupling pin, in which holder, to make positioning easier, the coupling pin is coupled to a coupling member having reference elements, and the receiving plate is provided with mating reference elements which are intended to interact in a reproducible and defined position when the receiving plate is mounted on the holder, and the coupling member can swivel relative to the coupling pin about a first axis perpendicular to the axis of the coupling pin.

Abstract: A process for producing ceramic dental prostheses, with which ceramic dental prostheses may be produced in the same diversity of shapes and with the same accuracy as metal dental prostheses. The process includes shaping an unfinished piece made out of 92.1 to 93.5 wt. % zirconium oxide, 4.5 to 5.5 wt. % yttrium oxide, 1.8 to 2.2 wt. % hafnium oxide, and reworking the piece to form a dental prosthesis by means of a rotating tool made of metal-bonded diamond grains.