Abstract: A method for electrophoretic deposition of ceramic particles as a green body shaped as a dental appliance, the method comprising the steps of (a) forming a suspension of the ceramic particles in a first polar solvent, the ceramic particles constituting at least about 5% of the first suspension by weight; (b) passing a direct electrical current through the first suspension, using a deposition electrode shaped as the dental appliance to form a green body; (c) coating the green body with glass particles; and (d) sintering the resultant coated body for obtaining a glass coated all-ceramic dental appliance.

Abstract: A method of electrophoretic deposition of a ceramic green body. A ceramic powder is optionally washed with a polar solvent such as deionized water, dried, and suspended in a polar organic solvent in a proportion of at least 20% by weight. A positive surface charge is imposed on the suspended particles by conventional means such as ball milling or ultrasonic treatment. A green body is deposited on a cathode by passing a direct electric current of constant current density through the suspension. The density of the green body generally is at least 70% of theoretical. The density of the fired body generally is at least 98% of theoretical. A layered green body may be deposited by using several suspensions of differing global ceramic composition and depositing each microlayer in a different suspension.