Abstract: A dental model gripping system can include a dental model and a dental model gripper. The dental model can include a replica set of teeth and a flat bottom surface there beneath that can include first and second vertical openings spaced apart by an opening distance. The dental model gripper can have a flat top surface and first and second pins extending vertically therethrough that can slide toward and away from each other. The first and second pins can be slid to an engaging position where they are spaced apart by the opening distance and are insertable into the vertical openings of the dental model, can be slid away from each other to a gripping position while inserted into the vertical openings, and can press against internal surfaces within the vertical openings to grip firmly the bottom surface of the dental model against the top surface of the dental model gripper.

Abstract: A dental appliance made of an olefin polymer is directly formed via rapid prototyping without the use of an intermediary physical mold. A polymer precursor solution includes one or more olefin-containing monomers and/or oligomers, an olefin polymerization catalyst, and a UV absorbing agent to limit penetration of the UV light through the polymer precursor solution. One or more reactions of the polymer precursor solution are modulated in response to UV light, and the polymer precursor solution may further include an inhibitor (quenching agent) configured to modulate those reactions. The polymer precursor solution can be deposited using UV-cured stereolithographic or 3D printing methods to form appliances exhibiting improved elongation at break characteristics and suitable stress resistance.

Abstract: A dental appliance made of an olefin polymer is directly formed via rapid prototyping without the use of an intermediary physical mold. A polymer precursor solution includes one or more olefin-containing monomers and/or oligomers, an olefin polymerization catalyst, and a UV absorbing agent to limit penetration of the UV light through the polymer precursor solution. One or more reactions of the polymer precursor solution are modulated in response to UV light, and the polymer precursor solution may further include an inhibitor (quenching agent) configured to modulate those reactions. The polymer precursor solution can be deposited using UV-cured stereolithographic or 3D printing methods to form appliances exhibiting improved elongation at break characteristics and suitable stress resistance.