Abstract: According to the invention, there is a method for producing an acrylate-based solid, comprising the steps of: (i) dispersing less than 20% w/v of an alkyl or aryl acrylate polymer/copolymer in a solvent comprising at least one acrylic monomer; (ii) dispersing in the fluid mixture formed by step (i) a further quantity of an alkyl or aryl acrylate polymer/copolymer; and (iii) curing the resulting material to form a solid, wherein the alkyl or aryl acrylate polymer/copolymer of step (i) contains less than 0.1% w/w of a free radical.

Abstract: A device for moving at least one tooth includes at least one grip bonded to the at least one tooth and a strip including at least one receiving feature. The strip is configured to receive the at least one grip for attachment to the strip, and attachment of the strip to the at least one grips generates a tooth-moving force. A method of moving at least one tooth includes bonding at least one grip to the at least one tooth, providing a strip including at least one receiving feature, attaching the strip to the at least one grip for attachment to the strip, and generating a tooth-moving force.

Abstract: The present invention provides an improved root canal filling point/cone having a structure 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 having progressively decreasing tapers from the smaller tip end to the larger end. Another aspect of the present invention is directed to a thermo-pressure molding process for manufacturing root canal filling appliances (e.g., Gutta Percha points). A further aspect of the present invention is directed to the structure of the mold for undertaking thermo-injection molding.

Abstract: Provided are orthodontic appliances and related methods in which at least one region of at least one sidewall of an archwire slot is tapered relative to an opposing sidewall. This feature can allow the archwire slot to conform to the slight twist that occurs in the archwire when the archwire is placed in asymmetric torque. Advantageously, this feature can distribute the contact stress between the archwire and appliance over a much larger surface area compared with conventional appliances, leading to a dramatic and surprising increase in torque strength and providing other ancillary benefits.

Abstract: A system and method for sintering dental restorations. The system can include a monolithic sintering support comprising a surface, and at least one dental restoration positioned in direct contact with the surface of the monolithic sintering support. The method can include providing a monolithic sintering support comprising a surface, positioning a dental restoration in direct contact with the surface, and sintering the dental restoration while the dental restoration is in direct contact with the surface of the monolithic sintering support to form a sintered dental restoration.

Abstract: A system and method for making a layered dental appliance. The system can include a first mold comprising a negative of a first layer of a layered dental appliance, a second mold comprising a negative of a second layer, and a dental core dimensioned to be at least partially received in the first mold and the second mold. The method can include positioning a first slurry in the first mold, and pressing the dental core into the first slurry to form a first article comprising the dental core and a first layer formed from the first slurry. The method can further include removing the first article from the first mold, positioning a second slurry in the second mold, and pressing the first article into the second slurry to form a second article comprising the dental core, the first layer, and a second layer formed from the second slurry.

Abstract: Provided is a dental restoration conditioning apparatus including a housing formed with a liquid-tight dental restoration treating space including a liquid drain. The housing is configured with a disposable dental restoration grip including at least one resilient vacuum cup, each of the at least one vacuum cup being in fluid communication with at least one vacuum source.

Abstract: A mouthguard includes a mouthguard body and a film structure. The mouthguard body includes a front part, a rear part and a bottom part. A trench is defined by the front part, the rear part and the bottom part collaboratively. The film structure includes a first surface and a second surface. A marked pattern is printed on the second surface. The second surface of the film structure is attached on an outer surface of the front part of the mouthguard body while the mouthguard body is produced by an injection molding process, so that ink or pigment of the marked pattern is confined between the mouthguard body and the film structure without being exposed to outside.

Abstract: Methods for making a layered dental appliance. Some methods can include providing a solid structure (e.g., a die or a dental core, such as a fully sintered ceramic dental core) having a desired outer shape, and applying a first slurry to the solid structure to form a first free form layer on the solid structure. The method can further include solidifying the first free form layer on the solid structure, and machining the solidified first free form layer to a desired shape to form a first article comprising the solid structure and a first shaped layer. The method can further include applying, solidifying, and machining a second layer in a similar way to form a second article comprising the solid structure, the first shaped layer, and a second shaped layer. In some methods, the free form layers are not exposed to a high temperature prior to being machined.

Abstract: Lithium silicate glass ceramics and glasses containing specific oxides of hexavalent elements are described which crystallize at low temperatures and are suitable in particular as dental materials.

Abstract: Lithium silicate glass ceramics and glasses containing specific oxides of divalent elements are described which crystallize at low temperatures and are suitable in particular as dental materials.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for production of dental molded parts from a polymerizable plastic, with a flask (16) and with a heating device (40) for heating the polymerizable plastic in the flask (16). The heating device (40) is movable relative to the flask (16).

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for manufacturing of a glass ceramic material for dental applications. The method comprises: providing a first precursor comprising silicon(IV); providing a second precursor comprising zirconium(IV); hydrolyzing said first precursor and second precursor in solution; polymerizing of the hydrolysed first precursor and second precursor in a solvent, wherein polymers are formed; formation of colloids comprising said polymers; formation of a gel from said colloids; aging the gel; drying the gel; and sintering the gel under formation of a glass ceramic material.

Abstract: A drill guide employs multiple layers of materials with different mechanical properties in order to achieve concurrent goals of rigidity, fit and retention. For example, a rigid exterior shell and a soft interior may be used together to securely and precisely fit a drill guide to a surgical site.

Abstract: A method of making a dental restoration is provided. The dental restoration comprises a frame and a veneer. An inner veneer surface and an outer frame surface are adapted to be mated with one another to form the dental restoration. The method in particular comprises steps of (a) providing an outer veneer surface; (b) determining an outer frame surface, based on the outer veneer surface; (c) determining an inner veneer surface, based on the outer frame surface; and (d) providing an inner frame surface, based on a natural tooth surface. The method may be advantageous for rapid, precise and inexpensive manufacturing of a dental restoration.

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: A computer is used to create a plan for repositioning an orthodontic patient's teeth. The computer receives an initial digital data set representing the patient's teeth at their initial positions and a final digital data set representing the teeth at their final positions. The computer then uses the data sets to generate treatment paths along which the teeth will move from the initial positions to the final positions.

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: The disclosure is of a device used for dislodging an object occluding the upper trachea of a human choking on that object, the method of use, and the method of manufacturing the device itself. The device is a mouthpiece comprising three main parts, namely a mouth cover, a hollow tongue depressor and an attached nose clamp. The mouth cover provides a nozzle in fluid communication with the hollow tongue depressor, and the nozzle is adapted to be connected to a vacuum generator. The hollow tongue depressor is adapted to be inserted into the choking human's mouth and to deliver a vacuum differential generated by the vacuum generator and transmitted through the nozzle to the mouth cavity of the human through the hollow tongue depressor. The mouth cover is used to create a closed system by sealing the mouth and lips of the choking human and thereby create the pressure differential in the upper trachea of the choking human when a vacuum is generated. The nose clamp is used to complete the closed system.

Abstract: A dental composition comprising a polymerizable resin comprising ethylenically unsaturated groups; a thermally activated initiator dissolved in the resin; and an inorganic filler combined with the resin in an amount greater than about 60 percent by weight based upon the weight of the composition; wherein the initiator is activated at a temperature of about 100 to about 150° C. to provide free radicals; and wherein the filler has a surface area of at least about 65 square meters per gram filler; a dental mill block comprising the thermally cured composition, a method of manufacturing the dental mill block, and a kit comprising a plurality of the mill blocks are provided.

Abstract: An orthodontic bracket with a positioning guide is produced by thinly coating a first dental photopolymerizable composition 1 on a bonding surface of each orthodontic bracket B, building a second dental photopolymerizable composition 2 adhesive to the first composition 1 on the bonding surface, adhering it to a tooth surface of a dentition gypsum model 3 reproducing a patient's dentition, a separating material being previously coated on the tooth surface of the gypsum model 3, polymerizing/curing the first and second compositions 1 and 2 by irradiating light, thinly coating a third dental photopolymerizable composition 4 on a tongue side and/or a cheek side entire surface around the orthodontic bracket B on the gypsum model 3, the third composition 4 being easily abraded when an occlusal pressure is acted, and polymerizing/curing the third composition 4 by irradiating light to be integrated with at least the second composition 2.

Abstract: This invention relates to printable polymerizable material systems for making dental products such as artificial teeth, dentures, splints, veneers, inlays, onlays, copings, frame patterns, crowns and bridges and the like. A DLP or stereolithography printer is used to cure polymerizable material in a layer-by-layer manner to build-up the object. The resulting three-dimensional object has good dimensional stability.

Abstract: A system and method for making a layered dental appliance. The system can include a mold comprising a negative of an outer shape of a layered dental appliance, and a dental core dimensioned to be at least partially received in the mold. The method can include positioning a first slurry in the mold, and pressing the dental core into the first slurry in the mold to form a first article comprising the dental core and a first layer formed from the first slurry. The method can further include removing the first article from the mold, and firing the first article. The method can further include positioning a second slurry in the mold, and pressing the first article into the second slurry in the mold to form a second article comprising the dental core, the first layer, and a second layer formed from the second slurry.

Abstract: The present invention relates, in general, to a method for manufacturing transparent braces. More particularly, the present invention relates to a method for manufacturing transparent braces in such a way that a plurality of dental molds are manufactured based on orthodontic dental data that is created on the basis of current dental data of a patient and instructions of a dentist and includes a plurality of orthodontic process steps, and then transparent substances are vacuum-pressed onto the respective dental molds.

Abstract: The process for producing tooth replacement parts is characterized in that curable tooth replacement material is introduced into a first mold of part of the human dentition, a positive model produced from a second mold is pressed into this material and the tooth replacement material remaining after the pressing-in is allowed to cure to form the tooth replacement part(s).

Abstract: The invention discloses a blank for producing dental shaped parts which consists entirely of porous glass without crystalline portions. The density of the blank is between 50% and 95% of its theoretical density. It has a discoidal shape with a diameter of at least 20 mm. The blank is produced by a process in which glass powder is first pressed at a pressure of between 10 MPa and 300 MPa and this green body is (pre-)sintered at a temperature of between 580° C. and 750° C. to form a blank of porous glass without crystalline portions. From the obtained blank, monolithic dental shaped parts can be obtained by mechanical processing followed by sintering, wherein a process according to the invention for stabilizing the shape of the shaped parts is used.

Abstract: A method for automatic, or semi-automatic, planning of dental treatment for a patient comprises: (a) obtaining data about an area which is to be treated and data about a face of a patient; (b) performing a computer-assisted analysis of the data to determine properties of at least the face of the patient; (c) creating a modified tooth set-up using a set of stored rules which make use of the determined facial properties. A three-dimensional representation simulates the appearance of the modified tooth set-up and the patient's face surrounding the treatment area. The method also determines properties of existing teeth and creates a modified tooth set-up which is also based on the existing teeth of the patient. The method can be implemented as software running on a workstation.

Abstract: Methods of making a removable dental positioning appliance include forming a sheet of transparent crystalline polymeric material into a shell having cavities shaped to receive and reposition teeth from a first orientation to a successive orientation. The polymeric material may then be annealed at a temperature above its glass transition temperature or cured if a curable material to enhance characteristics of the polymeric material. The polymeric material may be coated with a second transparent material.

Abstract: A mouthguard device and method of manufacturing is provided, wherein the mouthguard provides the wearer with protection typically provided by most mouthguard structures, while providing an embedded flavor in the mouthguard material that the wearer can taste to mask the otherwise foul smell of a used mouthguard over the course of its use. A flavorant is infused within the thermoplastic material, which is perceptible to the wearer and reduces its smell and bad taste. The method of manufacturing involves infusing flavorant within the thermoplastic material and thereafter providing the mouthguard structure to the user such that it can be molded to the wearer's mouth using a boil and bite technique.

Abstract: The present invention has aimed to provide a multilayer mouthpiece for rubbing teeth and gums to supply stimulation thereto. The multilayer mouthpiece includes: a tray of thermoplastic resin for covering teeth; and a rub stimulation sheet which is on the tray of the thermoplastic resin for supply rub stimulation to the gums and teeth.

Abstract: A sleep apnea dental appliance and a method for constructing said appliance. The sleep apnea dental appliance and the method for constructing said dental appliance offers patients a mandibular advancement splint that is custom fitted to their upper and lower teeth. The apparatus reduces strain to the patient's mandible while in the advanced position. The sleep apnea dental appliance utilizes a maxillary dental arch and a mandibular dental arch fused together in a particular configuration determined by precise measurements taken by dental professional. The method of construction allows the apparatus to be constructed at relatively low cost which can translate into low costs for the patient.

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: The invention discloses jewelry made of disinfected, pulverized and chemically bonded primary teeth. The teeth are pulverized into two or more parts, located in a mold, and bonded with a bonding agent to form a tooth matrix that is shaped for connection to a jewelry frame. In another embodiment, a hollow interior of a deciduous tooth is filled with a bonding agent. The tooth is positioned in a mold with other tooth particles and bonded to form the tooth matrix. In another embodiment, the hollow interior and/or occlusal of a deciduous tooth is filled with a bonding agent to form a tooth matrix for mounting on a jewelry frame. A display side of the tooth is positioned adjacent to a display surface in a mold. A bonding agent fills the space between the tooth and the mold to form a solid tooth matrix. The solidified tooth matrix is machinable.

Abstract: A method for making a denture comprising a base and a plurality of teeth joined thereto. The method comprises forming a first cavity in a block of a denture base material, the first cavity being formed to match the contour of natural teeth as arranged on maxillae or on a mandible; filling the first cavity with a first fluid synthetic tooth material and solidifying the first fluid synthetic tooth material into a first solid synthetic tooth material; removing a portion of the first solid synthetic tooth material to form the plurality of teeth; and removing a portion of the block of denture base material to form the denture base. The steps of the method may be implemented by a computer. An apparatus for making the denture according to certain embodiments of the method, and a denture comprised of a base and artificial teeth are also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention provides methods of making provisional and long-term dental restorations, particularly dental veneers, implants, crowns and bridges. A shell or restoration form made of polymerizable material having good dimensional shape-stability in its uncured condition is used to make the dental restoration. A polymerizable material is introduced into the cavity of the shell form. The outer shell and injected polymerizable material are polymerized and bond together to form a hardened crown structure. In one embodiment, the restoration can be fabricated indirectly by a dental laboratory. In another version, a dental practitioner can make the restoration chairside for a patient in a dental office.

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 c) working the dental restoration (D), and h) veneering t

Abstract: A device for making a muffle, with which dental restoration parts can be produced with the aid of an embedding compound, at least one press blank and a pressing device, the device having a muffle base, a tubular sleeve surrounding the muffle base and at least one muffle insert which is arranged on the muffle base and can be separated from it. At least two cylindrical press-channel forming elements (16, 18, 20) extend parallel to one another and spaced apart from one another from a flat-formed portion of the muffle insert (12), which can be burned out at least with respect to the forming elements, which elements are formed in a closed manner, and in particular with thin walls, at least on one free end face opposite from the flat-formed portion (14).

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: A matrix band for dental applications including a base material and a coating. The base material has an outer surface and a tooth contact surface as well as a perimeter. The coating is applied to the tooth contact surface and extends to the perimeter of the tooth contact surface. The coating is a fluorinated ethylene propylene, polytetrafluoroethylene and polyether sulfone.

Abstract: A method of forming a temporary tooth by fusing a plurality of polymer pellets. The plurality of pellets are fused and molded into the shape of a tooth. Additionally, the formed tooth shape comprises of a adapter shape that allows the formed tooth to be secured to the adjacent teeth of the space of the missing tooth.

Abstract: A composition containing curable polymers is disclosed selected from the group of organopolysiloxanes that crosslink by means of an addition reaction, organopolysiloxanes that crosslink by means of a condensation reaction, polyethers that contain alkoxysilyl groups and crosslink by means of a condensation reaction, polyethers that contain aziridino groups and crosslink by means of an addition reaction, polyethers that contain alkenyl groups and crosslink by means of an addition reaction, polyethers that contain ester groups of an ethylenically unsaturated carboxylic acid and crosslink by means of a radical polymerization reaction, or polyethers, silicones or rubbers that crosslink by means of a ring-opening metathesis reaction and also contain at least one nonionic and/or ionic fluorosurfactant.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing an oral appliance for treating sleep apnea of a patient that has a monolithic body with an upper tray with an upper recess formed to conform to the maxillary teeth of the patient and a lower tray with a lower recess formed to conform to the mandibular teeth, the monolithic body defining a coupling of a rear portion of the upper tray to a rear portion of the lower tray at an angle forming a orifice between front mandibular teeth and front maxillary teeth.

Abstract: A process for fabricating pre-sintered zirconia blanks that are then computer machined and sintered to form dental appliances having highly advantageous features. The principal steps of a preferred embodiment of that process comprise a) preparing a ceramic slurry of binderless zirconia powder; b) subjecting the slurry to attrition milling down to about a 5-29 nm crystallite size; c) preparing a vacuum assisted and pressure assisted slip casting mold and pouring the milled slurry into the slip-casting mold; d) after casting, excess slurry is poured from the mold and a consolidated zirconia blank is removed; e) drying the blank and pre-sintering it to form solid blanks ready for CAD/CAM machining and sintering to net shape. The attrition is run with ball bearings that are of the sample material to prevent contamination. It also is run, up to 24 hours, to break down the crystallites to overcome the high density of zirconia.

Abstract: In combination a mouth guard and a temperature sensor which includes a plastic molded mouth guard including a mouth portion, a bite portion and a gum shield. The mouth guard molded with a dispersion of an over temperature color plastic and a normal color plastic, such that the mouth guard displays a combination of the normal color and the over temperature color. The normal color plastic contains a thermo chromatic ink based coloring which transforms the normal color portion of the dispersion to second color at a preselected transformation temperature. The transformation temperature is selected to indicate over heating of the human body by transformation of the mouth guard from the combination of the normal color and the over temperature color to a combination of the second color and the over temperature color.

Abstract: Systems for manufacturing oral-based bearing aid appliances utilizing various manufacturing methods and apparatus are described herein. The oral appliance may have an electronic and/or transducer assembly for receiving incoming sounds and transmitting processed sounds via a vibrating transducer element coupled to a tooth or teeth. The oral appliance may be formed or fabricated via three-dimensional digital scanning systems or via impression molding to create a housing for the electronics and/or transducer assembly as well as to securely conform the appliance to the user's dentition.

Abstract: A dental appliance for positioning a patient's teeth includes a removable orthodontic tooth positioning appliance having teeth receiving cavities shaped to directly receive at least some of the patient's teeth and apply a resilient positioning force to the patient's teeth. The appliance includes a hard polymer layer having a hard polymer layer elastic modulus disposed between a first soft polymer layer having a first soft polymer layer elastic modulus and a second soft polymer layer having a second soft polymer layer elastic modulus. The hard polymer layer elastic modulus is greater than each of the first soft polymer layer elastic modulus and the second soft polymer layer elastic modulus. At least one of the first soft polymer layer and the second soft polymer layer has a flexural modulus of greater than about 35,000 psi.

Abstract: Provided is a soft flexible oral appliance having protuberances that mimic naturally occurring dental Tori. An upper, palatial appliance and a lower, mandibular appliance may be used in conjunction or separately to alleviate a variety of disorders, improve facial tone, and increase physical performance. The appliances are lightweight, thin, and do not prohibit normal speech patterns when in use. Small protuberances are strategically molded along key surfaces of each appliance to stimulate nerves in the tongue and affect forward protrusion. Forward positioning of the tongue dilates the airways of the throat improving breathing while the use is sleeping, playing sports, or talking. It also reduces bruxing, or grinding of the teeth. A method is further provided, for adding protuberances to other types of oral appliances, thereby conferring some of the benefits listed above on appliances originally intended for other dental uses.

Abstract: A dental prosthesis, typically formed in a press to metal process, includes application of a porcelain composition sufficient to form a veneer on a dental prosthesis supporting metal structure, the composition having an integrated tooth-like translucency providing an aesthetic appearance. The composition is formed of a dentin frit and an enamel frit, typically sintered into a desired ingot shape including an amount of composition sufficient to veneer the prosthesis. The porcelain composition is a component of a kit that includes opaquers, other porcelains and stains useful in finishing to provide an aesthetic prosthesis.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a dental implant including an abutment is manufactured through the following steps. A titanium molded body production step molds a titanium molded body composition to obtain a titanium molded body having one of male and female thread portions. A ceramic molded body production step molds a ceramic molded body composition to obtain a ceramic molded body having the other thread portion which makes thread coupling with the one thread portion. An assembling step assembles the titanium molded body and the ceramic molded body together so that the one thread portion makes thread coupling with the other thread portion, to obtain an assembled body. A degreasing step degreases the assembled body. A sintering step sinters the degreased assembled body.

Abstract: A system for debinding a green body in the form of an orthodontic appliance may include a pressure vessel configured to contain a supercritical fluid. A source of a fluid chemical may be coupled to the pressure vessel to supply the fluid chemical to the pressure vessel. A heat source may be configured to heat the fluid chemical. A pump may pressurize the fluid chemical to at least the supercritical pressure. A collection vessel is coupled to the pressure vessel to capture the binder removed from the green bodies as at least the pressure of the supercritical fluid is reduced. A method of manufacturing an orthodontic appliance includes exposing green bodies including particles and a binder to a supercritical fluid to remove at least some of the binder from the green bodies, and collecting the removed binder from the supercritical fluid as the supercritical fluid transitions to a non-supercritical fluid.