Abstract: A dental dam apparatus is provided for use with an associated dental molding system including an impression tray and a pour dam. The dental dam includes a substantially planar body member, and an attachment portion on the front edge of the body member. The body member defines a generally “U” shaped front edge and a generally straight rear edge extending between ends of the “U” shaped front edge. The attachment portion is configured to selectively engage a generally “U” shaped inner surface of the impression tray and to attach the body member with the tray. In that way, dental molding material poured into the dental molding system with the pour dam surrounding the impression tray and with the body member attached with the impression tray is blocked by the body member from entering into a portion of an area defined by the “U” shaped inner surface of the impression tray.

Abstract: Blanks for dental purposes are described which have at least two layers, bonded to one another, of lithium silicate glasses and glass ceramics, wherein the layers differ in color and the layers are monolithic.

Abstract: A coloring composition for decoration includes a compound having at least a structure represented by Formula 1 in a molecule, a compound having at least a structure represented by Formula 2 in a molecule, and a pigment. In the formulae, Ra represents a hydrogen atom, a halogen atom, an alkoxy group, an alkyl group, an alkenyl group other than a vinyl group, an aryl group, or an aralkyl group, and Rb represents a halogen atom, an alkoxy group, an alkyl group, an alkenyl group, an aryl group, or an aralkyl group.

Abstract: The invention relates to a porous dental milling block comprising at least two geometrically defined Material Sections A and B, Material Section A comprising a tetragonal zirconia crystal phase in an amount A-T in % and a cubic zirconia crystal phase in an amount A-C in %, Material Section B comprising tetragonal zirconia crystal phase in an amount B-T in % and cubic zirconia crystal phase in an amount B-C in %, wherein (amount of tetragonal phase A-T in %)/(amount of cubic phase content A-C in %)>1 and (amount of tetragonal phase content B-T in %)/(amount of cubic phase content B-C in %)<1. The invention also relates to a process of production of the porous dental milling block and its use for producing a dental article.

Abstract: Compositions and methods are described for a temporary adhesive with adjustable adhesion force to affix a thin solid material onto a carrier whereby the force of adhesion is defined by choosing and adjusting the polymeric resin components to provide sufficient adhesion to support a manufacturing process, and upon completion, the thin solid material is removed by an external applied force of a given value that overcomes the adhesive force without harm to the thin solid material. The temporary adhesive provides a tunable adhesion force that is lower than the tensile strength of the thin solid material, preferably less than 50%, more preferably less than 25%, and most preferably less than 10% of the tensile strength of the thin solid material. The temporary adhesive may be applied and cured in a variety of ways that meet the needs of the form of the thin solid material and objectives of the manufacturing process.

Abstract: Provided is a dental restorative composition that has good handling properties when in the form of a paste having yet to be cured and that has light diffusion ability and transparency when in the form of a cured product. The dental restorative composition includes a polymerizable monomer, a polymerization initiator, an inorganic filler (C) having an average particle diameter of 0.1 to 1 ?m, an organic-inorganic composite filler (D) having an average particle diameter of 1 ?m or more and less than 10 ?m, and an organic-inorganic composite filler (E) having an average particle diameter of 10 to 50 ?m. An absolute value of a difference between a refractive index (Cd) of the inorganic filler (C) and a refractive index (Ad) of a polymer of the polymerizable monomer is 0.01 or less, an absolute value of a difference between the refractive index (Ad) and one of a refractive index (Dd) of the organic-inorganic composite filler (D) and a refractive index (Ed) of the organic-inorganic composite filler (E) is 0.

Abstract: A zirconium-free neutral glass is provided that finds use in the pharmaceutical sector. The glass has a combination of alkali metal oxides of sodium, potassium and optionally lithium, and a controlled amount of aluminum oxide, which provides a zirconium-free and low-boron neutral glass having good hydrolytic stability, good acid and alkali stability and good devitrification properties. The glass includes the following components in % by weight: SiO2 ?72-82, B2O3 ??3-8, Al2O3 ??5-8, Na2O 2.5-5.5, K2O 3.6-8.4, Li2O ??0-0.7, MgO ??0-0.7, CaO ??0-0.4, and TiO2 ??0-5, wherein Li2O + Na2O + K2O 6.8-14.6, and K2O/Na2O ratio 0.7-3.4.

Abstract: A method for producing a green body includes forming a layer which contains a powder of a ceramic on a substrate, applying at least one solidifying composition on at least a part of the layer, repeating forming the layer and applying at least one solidifying composition at least one time, removing the solvent or dispersing agent at least in part for forming a green body, and removing the powder which has not bonded and thereby exposing the green body. The solidifying composition contains a dissolved or liquid organometallic compound, which has at least one atom other than C, Si, H, O, or N bonded to at least one organic moiety, an organic binding agent, and a solvent or dispersing agent.

Abstract: Preparation of a dental prosthesis that includes a gingiva part having retention holes for seating of manufactured teeth, with the retention holes being enlarged relative to the manufactured teeth. Wax in the enlarged retention holes permits adjustments in positioning of the manufactured teeth, and a helper structure preserves this positioning when the wax is removed and a curable gingiva material is filled into the retention holes. Aspects described herein include digital and/or automatic design of the dental prosthesis and its constituent pieces, as well as automated fabrication thereof in whole or in part, such as in a dental CAD/CAM system.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a dental ceramic article comprising ceramic components, the ceramic components having ZrO2 and Al2O3 and at least one component comprising Mn, Er or mixtures thereof, Al2O3 being present in an amount below about 0.15 wt.-% with respect to the weight of the ceramic article. The present disclosure relates also to kit of parts comprising a ceramic article and a coloring solution and processes for producing a dental ceramic article.

Abstract: A method of forming a three-dimensional object is carried out by: (a) providing a carrier and an optically transparent member having a build surface, the carrier and the build surface defining a build region therebetween; (b) filling the build region with a polymerizable liquid, the polymerizable liquid including a mixture of (i) a light polymerizable liquid first component, and (ii) a second solidifiable component that is different from the first component; (c) irradiating the build region with light through the optically transparent member to form a solid polymer scaffold from the first component and also advancing the carrier away from the build surface to form a three-dimensional intermediate having the same shape as, or a shape to be imparted to, the three-dimensional object, and containing the second solidifiable component carried in the scaffold in unsolidified and/or uncured form; and (d) concurrently with or subsequent to the irradiating step, solidifying and/or curing the second solidifiable compone

Abstract: Adapters and dental mill blanks are provided which permit use of dental mill blanks of various shapes in dental mills designed for use with only a single shape. In particular, a mill blank assembly may include an adapter which allows for the use of rectangular, framed dental blanks in milling machines designed for use with puck-like milling blanks.

Abstract: A method for producing a dental restoration (D) by CAD casting is described, said method comprising the steps of a) recording three-dimensional, digital data of the dentition or of a part of the dentition of a patient, b) creating a virtual dental restoration (VD) using the recorded three-dimensional, digital data, wherein the virtual dental restoration (VD) is expanded in relation to the dental restoration (D) to be produced, c) preparing a model (M) using the created virtual dental restoration, such that the model (M) is expanded in relation to the dental restoration (D) to be produced, d) embedding the model (M) in an embedding compound (EM), e) hardening the embedding compound (EM) and removing the model (M), such that a casting mold is obtained, f) filling the casting mold, preferably by pouring, with a casting material (GM) and cooling the casting material (GM), such that the dental restoration (D) is obtained, and optionally the further steps of g) working the dental restoration (D), and h) veneering t

Abstract: Methods of producing a dental product are disclosed. Certain methods include the steps of providing a pre-sintered blank made from a green body of ceramic material, performing a machining operation on the blank, and subsequently sintering the blank to its final density in a sintering operation performed at a temperature in the range of 1300° C. to 1650° C. The pre-sintered blank that is provided may have a strength in the range of 53-107 MPa.

Abstract: A colored ceramic powder is produced from a mixture of coloring solutions consisting of metallic salts that are introduced to a ceramic slurry and subsequently dried. The coloring solution may comprise for example of chosen metallic salts, a solvent, an organic solvent such as derivatives of propylene oxides, an acid and a possible binder. Once all the constituents are thoroughly mixed to a homogeneous state, the slip is dried to a powder form, which spray drying equipment can be used. The dried powder can then be subjected to an isostatic or biaxial press manufacturing process to create a green state ceramic body. Once pressed, the ceramic body can be subjected to a sintering process. After final sinter, the resulting ceramic body possesses an innate color that is homogenous throughout its composition. The method is especially useful for coloring zirconia dental restorations.

Abstract: In a method of coloring a ceramic material, a coloring solution consisting of metallic salts is introduced to a ceramic slurry. In a slip casting process, a coloring solution consisting of metallic salts is introduced to a ceramic slurry which is cast into green state bodies. A coloring solution that may comprise for example a metallic salt, a solvent, an organic solvent such as derivatives of propylene oxides, and an acid can be introduced to the slip casting process. Such a coloring solution can be added to the slip casting process. In a method, the coloring solution is thoroughly mixed with the ceramic slurry, after which a ceramic body is cast, dried and finally subjected to a sintering process. After final sinter, the resulting ceramic body possesses an innate color that is homogenous throughout its composition. The method is especially useful for coloring zirconia ceramic material used for making dental restorations.

Abstract: Process for preparing an osteointegrative surface on a ceramic body by chemically modifying at least a part of the surface of the body. The process includes the subsequent steps of depositing a calcium phosphate mineral on the surface of a ceramic basic body by projecting agglomerates of particles comprising the calcium phosphate mineral towards the basic body, and heating the basic body with the calcium phosphate mineral deposited thereon.

Abstract: Coloring in a slip casting process by which a ceramic slurry is cast into green state bodies. It is during this slip casting that a coloring solution consisting of metallic salts is introduced to the slurry and subsequently slip-cast. A coloring solution may comprise for example a metallic salt, a solvent, an organic solvent such as derivatives of propylene oxides, and an acid can be introduced to the slip casting process. Such a coloring solution can be added to the slip casting process. The solution is thoroughly mixed with the ceramic slurry, after which the ceramic body is cast, dried and finally subjected to a sintering process. After final sinter, the resulting ceramic body possesses an innate color that is homogenous throughout its composition. The method is especially useful for coloring zirconia dental restorations.

Abstract: A method for preparing a 3-D impression or replica of small objects. It is particularly aimed at the dental field and provides improved optical texture of an impression or replica of a small object to enable imaging by photogrammetry. A composition useful in the method comprises a liquid curable polymer; macroparticles having a size greater than about 1 ?m in diameter and microparticles present in a size range of less than about 1 ?m such that the macroparticles and microparticles are present in a ratio in the range of between 5:1 and 15:1 (by volume); wherein the impression or replica formed from the composition has a surface particle distribution effective to allow imaging by photogrammetry.

Abstract: Lithium silicate glass ceramics and glasses are described which can advantageously be applied to zirconium oxide ceramics in particular by pressing-on in the viscous state and form a solid bond with these.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of fabricating an improved lithium silicate glass ceramic and to that material for the manufacture of blocks for dental appliances using a CAD/CAM process and hot pressing system. The lithium silicate material has a chemical composition that is different from those reported in the prior art with 1 to 10% of germanium dioxide in final composition. The softening points are close to the crystallization final temperature of 800° C. indicating that the samples will support the temperature process without shape deformation.

Abstract: For producing a mother matrix mould of a full or partial dental prosthesis or of a temporary crown or bridge or of a permanent crown or bridge, the data of a digitalised virtual model reflecting the status of the jaw is used to generate a data set of the digital tooth set-up of the full or partial dental prosthesis or of the temporary crown or bridge or of the permanent crown or bridge, based on which a rapid manufacturing or rapid prototyping method is used to produce a functional model of the full or partial dental prosthesis or of the temporary crown or bridge or of the permanent crown or bridge that is then invested in a curable elastic impression material from which the mother matrix mould is produced after curing the elastic impression material.

Abstract: The present disclosure is drawn to laser etched, sintered ceramic orthodontic brackets. Such a bracket can comprise a working surface including an archwire slot and a ligating structure. The bracket can also include a laser etched tooth attachment surface that is laser etched after sintering of the ceramic orthodontic bracket. In another example, a method of increasing the average bonding strength of a sintered ceramic orthodontic bracket can comprise laser etching a tooth attachment surface of the sintered ceramic orthodontic bracket. In one specific example, the method can further comprise the preliminary steps of forming a ceramic material into a shape of an orthodontic bracket and sintering the orthodontic bracket.

Abstract: A surgical guide system for dental implantology has a plate (10) provided with a guide sleeve (2) delimiting a through hole with an axis oriented to a predetermined direction. A drill (4) for osteotomy has a spindle connected to a handpiece with drilling portion (41), the drill (4) being for association with the guide sleeve (2) during osteotomy. The diameter (d41) of the drilling head portion (41) is larger than the inner diameter (d2) of the guide sleeve (2) and the spindle is of smaller diameter, such that the association of the drill (4) to any of the guide sleeves (2) can be performed only by inserting the spindle through a gingival side of the sleeves. Upon association of the drill with the sleeve, the drilling head (41) protrudes from the gingival side (2G) thereof. The surgical guide has a void (100) accommodating the drilling head (41) of the drill.

Abstract: A system and method for making a layered dental appliance. The system can include a first portion comprising a negative of a first layer of a layered dental appliance, and a second portion comprising a positive shape of a second layer of the layered dental appliance. The method can include providing a mold comprising a negative of an outer shape of a layered dental appliance, and positioning a slurry in the mold, forming a first layer of the layered dental appliance. The method can further include providing a solid structure comprising a positive shape of a second layer of the layered dental appliance, and pressing the solid structure into the slurry in the mold.

Abstract: A method of shaping a green body provides a shaped green body comprised of a plurality of sinterable particles and an organic binder. Such a method includes: (1) molding a mixture of sinterable particles and organic binder into the shape of an initial green body or intermediate, wherein the sinterable particles include at least one of metal particles or ceramic particles; and (2) shaping the green body intermediate with at least one of a stream of energy or a stream of matter, wherein the shaping yields a green body having a desired shape. The shaped green body can be sintered in order to provide a hardened body having substantially the shape of the shaped green body.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing implants and components by direct shaping. The method includes the steps of producing a mold for the implants or components to be produced, making allowances for changes in geometry occurring during after-treatment after the implants or components are removed from the mold, and, providing partial areas of the mold with a structured surface for transferring this structure to the surfaces of the implants or components. In the method, raw material is introduced into the mold and, after remaining in the mold for a certain period of time, the hardened raw material is then removed from the mold to allow the implants or components to take on the structured surface of the mold as well as its geometry. The demolded implants or components are finally subjected to any after-treatment that may be necessary.

Abstract: The invention discloses a partially elastic shaped body in the form of a negative image of a dental arch containing a matrix based on a gel containing an active substance or a system with a mineralizing effect as well as an application system for the treatment of teeth. The application system comprises an application dental splint that is well-suited for use on the upper and/or lower jaw, whereby the dental splint can accommodate at least one first three-dimensional shaped body that is adapted to the splint and contains a matrix, preferably the dental splint can be deformed by heat. The matrix of the at least one first and optionally further shaped body contains at least one active substance or a system with a mineralizing effect containing phosphates, calcium, and fluorides. The method for producing the application system and a kit comprising the application system are also a subject matter of the invention.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for producing a zirconia based dental implant, the process comprising the steps. providing a zirconia based dental implant precursor having a density of below about 4 g/cm3, conducting a first surface treatment step to at least a part of the surface of the zirconia based dental implant precursor, sintering the zirconia based dental implant precursor to obtain a sintered zirconia based dental implant precursor, conducting a second surface treatment step to at least those parts of the surface of the sintered zirconia based dental implant precursor, which have been surface treated before. The invention also relates to a dental implant obtainable according to a process as described in the present text and a kit of parts comprising at least one zirconia based dental milling block suitable for being machined to a zirconia based dental implant precursor.

Abstract: The invention relates to a press furnace for a denture or partial denture, having a combustion chamber in which a press mold, in particular a muffle, having a press channel for the introduction of a ram can be positioned, and a drive for driving the ram, wherein, in order to improve the drive of the press furnace, the drive provided is an electromagnet, the magnetic armature or magnetic coil of which drives the ram.

Abstract: The invention relates to a dental milling tool for machining pre-sintered ceramic white bodies on multi-axis CNC machines, comprising a ball head portion (1) which is rounded in a semispherical manner and which, at its largest outer diameter (Dk), approximately 1-4 mm, transitions into an axial cutting portion (2) that runs in the axial direction with said diameter (Dk) at the outer circumference in a constant manner, said axial cutting portion being adjoined by a shaft portion (3) which extends axially with a larger or at least equally large shaft diameter (Ds). Three, preferably two flutes (4) and a corresponding number of cutting wedges (5) extend in a spiral manner around a core portion (9), which consists of a solid material and which has a circular cross section, from the ball head portion (1) along the axial cutting portion (2).

Abstract: A multifunctional dental workstation for manipulating and shaping dental wax comprises a plurality of electric hotplates; an electrically controlled knife power socket, control panels; and an induction coil heater. The workstation comprises at least two electric hotplates.

Abstract: A mandibuiomaxillary fracture stabilization system, methods of forming the system, and methods of using the system are described. The system includes upper and lower splints that can be custom molded to fit the teeth of a patient and a locking mechanism that can temporarily lock the splints to one another. The splints are attached to the patient's dentition with a dental adhesive and the locking mechanism includes first and second components that are attached to the upper and lower splints, respectively. The locking mechanism includes a quick-release pin that allows the jaw to be freed in case of emergency.

Abstract: The invention relates to three-dimensional dimensionally-stable moulded parts made of polymeric particles whose particles are connected firmly to each other, at least in part, at the contact sites of the particles, whereby the particles are preferably glued to each other, at least in part, at the contact sites. The pre-packaged moulded parts made of polymeric, powdery particles made of PMMA can take up acrylate or MMA into the porous three-dimensional structure and form a pasty or creamy dough that can be cast, pressed or injected and can be cured by common techniques after the forming. Also subject matters of the invention are the use of and a kit for producing said pasty dough. Said pre-packaged moulded parts are used in methods for producing prostheses, such as dental prostheses, bone cements, investment compounds, in particular of porous substrates, as investment compound in metallography.

Abstract: A method of making a biometric dental appliance. A first article can be formed of a first material based on a first digital surface representation having a desired outer shape of the dental appliance. A portion of the first article can then be removed to form an outer layer of the dental appliance comprising a cavity dimensioned to accommodate an inner layer. A second article can be formed by filling the cavity of the first article with a second material. The second material can have at least one different structural and/or optical property than the first material. The second article can be further processed, as desired. For example, a desired inner shape can be formed in the second article. Such a desired inner shape can be based on a second digital surface representation of a dental object configured to receive the dental appliance.

Abstract: A method of making a multi-chromatic dental appliance. A first article can be formed of a first material based on a first digital surface representation having a desired outer shape of the dental appliance. A portion of the first article can then be removed to form an outer layer of the dental appliance comprising a cavity dimensioned to accommodate an inner layer. A second article can be formed by filling the cavity of the first article with a second material. The second material can have at least one different optical property than the first material. The second article can be further processed, as desired. For example, a desired inner shape of the dental appliance can be formed in the second article. Such a desired inner shape can be based on a second digital surface representation of a dental object configured to receive the dental appliance.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a porous, silicate, ceramic body, possibly with different colors, with a first density, which can be sintered into a silicate, ceramic body with a second density, wherein the ratio of the first density to the second density is 2/5 to 98/100, and the three-point bending strength of the porous, silicate ceramic body with a first density, measured according to ISO 6872, amounts to 25 to 180 MPa.

Abstract: Liquid radiation curable resin compositions for additive manufacturing comprising: from about 5 to about 30 wt % of an oxetane; a (meth)acrylate component; a cationic photoinitiator; a free-radical photoinitiator; and from about 50 to about 80 wt % of an epoxy, which further comprises a cycloaliphatic epoxy component, and an epoxy component having an aromatic glycidyl ether group, wherein the majority of the epoxy is the cycloaliphatic epoxy component are described and claimed. Also described and claimed is a process for using the liquid radiation curable resins for additive manufacturing to create molds for dental aligners, and the three-dimensional molds made from the liquid radiation curable resins for additive manufacturing.

Abstract: A method of forming a head plate for enhanced cleaning action during brushing. In one embodiment, the invention can be a method of forming a head plate comprising: a) forming a mounting plate comprising a first section and a second section, the first section separated from the second section by a gap, a groove formed into the second section that extends from the gap to a cleaning element location; b) positioning the mounting plate in a mold cavity; c) injecting a molten resilient material into the mold cavity so that the molten resilient material: (1) flows into the gap; (2) flows into the groove; and (3) flows into a cleaning element chamber; and d) solidifying the molten resilient material, the solidified resilient material in the gap coupling the first and second sections of the plate together, the solidified resilient material in the cleaning element chamber forming a first resilient tooth cleaning element.

Abstract: A dental appliance and method includes injection molding a thermoplastic material to form discs for use in thermoforming. Also, a dental appliance and method of manufacture therefor, includes but is not limited to injection overmolding a thermoplastic polyster-containing material with an thermoplastic elastomer material to form a chemically bonded material, and thermoforming the injection molded chemically bonded material to form the dental appliance.

Abstract: The present disclosure includes dental appliances and methods of making and using such appliances. One method for forming a dental appliance includes forming a liquid thermoset polymer material into a semi-solid first shape, thermoforming the semi-solid first shape of thermoset polymer material onto a dentition mold, and curing the thermoset polymer on the dentition mold with a curative trigger to complete a molecular cross-linking reaction.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a dental hydrogel and to a method for manufacturing same, and more particularly, to a hydrogel and to a method for manufacturing wherein the hydrogel, which can be freely used during treatment irrespective of the shape of a bone defect region, has a decomposition rate capable of being regulated in situ and can thus be rapidly decomposed over a certain time, i.e., after the completion of bone regeneration. Furthermore, the present invention relates to a hydrogel membrane using the hydrogel which can be applied to a bone defect region irrespective of the shape thereof, and to a method for manufacturing same.

Abstract: The invention relates to a dental milling block (1) comprising a dental article (2) having an outer surface, the dental article having been produced based on personalized data, wherein the outer surface of the dental article is at least partially covered with a surrounding material. The invention further relates to a process of producing a dental milling block, the process comprising the steps of: •a) providing a personalized Data Set C containing geometry data of the dental article and colour data related to said geometry data, •b) generating a layer of hardenable material on a surface, •c) applying a colour agent to the layer of hardenable material of step b), wherein the colour agent is applied to at least some regions of those areas of the layer of hardenable material which are related to the geometry data of the dental article, •d) consolidating the result obtained in step c) thereby obtaining an at least partially hardened layer of material.

Abstract: A composition for obtaining dental impressions and methods of using and making the same are disclosed. The compositions can include curable base compositions and surfactant systems. The surfactant system can include (i) 0.5 to 3 wt-% of a first surfactant comprising end-capped polyoxyethylene alkyl ether, end-capped polyoxypropylene alkyl ether, end-capped polyoxyethylene-polyoxypropylene alkyl ether or mixtures thereof, (ii) 0.5 to 3 wt-% of a second surfactant, selected from the group of non-ionic fluorosurfactants, (iii) 0 to 3 wt-% of a third surfactant, selected from the group of silicone surfactants, wherein the total quantity of first, second and third surfactant is from 1.5 to 6 wt-%. The mass ratio of the first surfactant to the second surfactant can be 1.4 or less when the content of the third surfactant is less than 0.5 wt-% and the total quantity of first and second surfactant is 2 wt-% or less.

Abstract: A pre-printed semifinished product (130) to make an individual impression tray for obtaining an impression of a dental arch. The pre-printed semifinished product is substantially U-shaped and has a recess (101) on one side arranged to receive an impression material (80) in a thermoformable material and a protrusion (102) on the opposite side. The pre-printed semifinished product has at least one externally protruding wing (36) arranged to be used by a dentist (60) as manoeuvring grip for removing the impression tray with the impression material hardened inside. On the pre-printed semifinished product (130) a retention element (135) is arranged having a grip portion for the impression material. The grip portion remains visible in the pre-printed semifinished product (130) and is arranged to retain the impression material (80) during the removal of the impression tray from the dental arch of the patient.

Abstract: The present invention provides improved devices, systems and methods for repositioning teeth from an initial tooth arrangement to a final tooth arrangement. Repositioning is accomplished with a system comprising a series of polymeric shell appliances configured to receive the teeth and incrementally reposition individual teeth in a series of successive steps. The individual appliances may be formed from layers having different stiffnesses (elastic moduluses), and the stiffnesses of successive appliances may be different, or both.

Abstract: The present invention provides an improved root canal filling point/cone that can be manufactured precisely to result in better obturation with less micro-leakage. One aspect of the present invention is directed to a molded root canal filling point/cone. Another aspect of the present invention is directed to a thermo-pressure molding process for manufacturing root canal filing appliances (e.g., Gutta Percha points). Another aspect of the present invention is directed to the structure of the mold for undertaking thermo-injection molding. A further aspect of the present invention is directed to a production line comprising the thermo-injection process.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for producing a dental appliance, the process comprising the steps of a) providing a mixture of a liquid, an inorganic binder precursor being able to undergo a sol/gel reaction and a glass or glass ceramic powder, b) casting the mixture into a mold, c) drying the cast mixture in the mold to obtain a machinable dental appliance, d) optionally machining the dental appliance to obtain a dental workpiece, e) optionally removing the dental appliance or dental workpiece from the mold, f) optionally sintering the dental appliance or dental workpiece and to a dental appliance obtainable by such a process.

Abstract: Method of forming dental articles by using relatively low sintering temperatures to achieve high density dental articles exhibiting strengths equal to and greater than about 700 MPa. Ceramic powders comprised of nanoparticulate crystallites are used to manufacture dental articles. The ceramic powders may include sintering agents, binders and other similar additives to aid in the processing of the ceramic powder into a dental article. The ceramic powders may be processed into dental articles using various methods including, but not limited to, injection molding, gel-casting, slip casting, or electroforming, hand, cad/camming and other various rapid prototyping methods. The ceramic powder may be formed into a suspension, pellet, feedstock material or a pre-sintered blank prior to forming into the dental article.

Abstract: Dental prostheses and methods for making them are disclosed. In one embodiment, a method comprises a sequence of steps including milling a cavity in a block of a coping material, filling the cavity with a green ceramic material, milling a portion of the green ceramic material away to leave a layer of green ceramic material on an occlusal surface formed in the coping material, milling the underside of the block of coping material to form the coping with green ceramic material, and sintering the coping with green ceramic material to complete the prosthesis. The milling steps may be performed by a computer-controlled mill. The computer may execute a CAD-CAM program that includes data from a three dimensional model of a tooth that is to receive the prosthesis. The dental prosthesis may be a dental crown or a dental bridge.