Abstract: The invention proposes a muffle with a pressing channel and at least one mold cavity that is coupled to the pressing channel via at least one connection channel. In this case, in order to increase the pressing pressure and to improve the intermixing of the blank material, it is proposed to arrange at least two blanks (18) side by side in the pressing channel (12).

Abstract: Polymer blocks for use in the pressing technique, which include a polymer foam and use of the polymer blocks for the production of dental restorations or restoration parts by pressing. The polymer block may be selected from the group consisting of polystyrene, polymethyl methacrylate, polyurethane, phenol- or urea-formaldehyde resins, polyethylene, polypropylene and styrene-acrylonitrile copolymers.

Abstract: In preparing dentures, hardened mould material surrounds the denture. This mould material is adhered inside a denture flask with a housing having two separably matable portions. To remove the hardened mould material from the flask, the flask is mounted in a mould press having a shaft, with one of the portions is restrained against movement along an axis of travel of the shaft. A portion of the mould material at an end of the restrained flask portion is available for contact with the shaft along the axis of travel. A capped end of the shaft is forcefully advanced against the adhered mould material therein, thereby breaking the adhesion. After this is done, the denture flask is dismounted from the mould press and the hardened mould material is removed from the first flask portion. If necessary, the process is repeated with the other housing portion.

Abstract: A dental article includes yttria stabilized tetragonal zirconia polycrystalline ceramic, and no more than about 0.15 wt. % of one or more coloring agents of one or more of: Fe, Er, Co, Pr, Tb, Cr, Nd, Ce, V, Eu, Ho, Ni, and Cu, oxides thereof, and combinations thereof, whereby the dental article is provided with a color corresponding to a natural tooth shade; and wherein the dental article has a flexural strength of at least about 800 MPa. Corresponding methods are also described.

Abstract: A dental implant system includes an implant having a well and an abutment having a post shaped to be received in the tapered well. Both the implant and the abutment are made from a millable ceramic, and the abutment post and/or the implant well have grooves carved therein. In one embodiment, the implant and the abutment are joined one to the other with a retentive elastomeric product containing micro-bubbles and micro-spacers. The dental implant system may be produced using a computer-readable medium containing instructions for analyzing surface data and X-ray data, for developing contour data of the implant and of the abutment according to the anatomy of the patient, and for generating machine instruction for milling the implant and the abutment from blocks of the millable ceramic. The invention provides the dentist with total flexibility in determining the most appropriate contours of the implant system and in reducing inventory.

Abstract: A comfortable mouth guard for upper teeth of a wearer which does not interfere with ability to speak or breath is described wherein at least 70% of the lingual side of the anterior teeth are uncovered. In some embodiments soft inserts increase the thickness of the posterior portions, and in some embodiments a hard insert provides increased protection of the anterior teeth. The hard insert can be used in mouth guards whether or not they include the comfort feature.

Abstract: The invention relates to compositions based on Ce-stabilized ZrO2, and single- and multi-colored blanks made from oxide ceramics, and a process for their preparation, in which oxide ceramic powder is coated with a coloring substance, the coated powders are preferably graded and at least one colored powder is filled into a compression mould, the colored powder or powders are compressed to produce a shaped body, and the compressed shaped body is sintered to produce a blank, and to the use of these blanks for the preparation of dental restorations. The compositions exhibit high fracture toughness and high flexural strength.

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: 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: The invention discloses jewelry made of pulverized and recombined primary human teeth, or baby teeth. The human deciduous dentin are partially pulverized and bonded with a chemical bonding agent in a frame configured to receive the pulverized dentin mold or pre-formed frame to create designs personalized to the family members.

Abstract: A method of producing at least one individualized tooth veneer and a holder for holding the at least one individualized tooth veneer is described. Each of the at least one individualized tooth veneer is tailor-made for a predetermined tooth of a person. Computer-readable tooth data which represents a tooth geometry of at least a part of the predetermined tooth is provided. Computer-readable veneer data which represent the geometry of the individualized tooth veneer is provided on the basis of the computer-readable tooth data. The individualized tooth veneer is produced on the basis of the computer-readable veneer data and an individualized holder for holding the individualized tooth veneer is produced on the basis of the computer-readable tooth data. A method of improving the aesthetics of the at least one predetermined tooth is also described.

Abstract: In a method for forming a dental part, a laser beam is guided over a powder layer of biocompatible material. The laser is guided by a computer controlled laser scanning system based on data representing the shape of the cross-section through the shaped body. The powder is substantially melted by the laser beam to form a layer in the shaped body, to build the shaped body entirely from layers of laser-melted material.

Abstract: A device and method for relieving head, neck, facial, joint and tooth pain. An intra-oral device, worn over the upper or lower incisors, allows at least one opposite tooth to contact the rear wall of the device, only within the user's freeway space, and prevents upper and lower posterior teeth from contacting. The device facilitates deprogramming and releasing of the upper and lower jaw muscles. The device includes an extruded or molded shell made of a hard polycarbonate or similar hard plastic material. The internal surface of the shell may be secured in place for the user or lined with a low molding temperature thermoplastic resin, allowing the user to mold the internal aspect of the device onto and over the teeth to produce a fitted device. This relieves the stresses, strains, pains and damage that can be caused by parafunctioning of the dental neural-muscular system.

Abstract: Gypsum-based molding materials are customized by hydrating the molding material to workable (malleable) consistency with a moistening solution containing 0.001 to 60% polytetrafluoroethylene. The addition of latex results in a more flowable material.

Abstract: A dental article includes yttria stabilized tetragonal zirconia polycrystalline ceramic, and no more than about 0.15 wt. % of one or more coloring agents of one or more of: Pr, Tb, Cr, Nd, Co, oxides thereof, and combinations thereof, whereby the dental article is provided with a color corresponding to a natural tooth shade; and wherein the dental article has a flexural strength of at least about 800 MPa. Corresponding methods are also described.

Abstract: A custom mouthguard may be formed from a multiple layer assembly including an ethylene vinyl acetate/thermoplastic polyurethane layer, an ethylene vinyl acetate layer and an intervening impact shield and elastomeric framework. The elastomeric framework may include one or more posterior occlusal pads. The custom mouthguard may be molded to a positive mold of an individual's upper teeth and gums.

Abstract: A process for the preparation of a ceramic molded part from a suspension/dispersion with a solids content and a fluid content by depositing solids content at the periphery of a porous self-supporting support that is at least partially immersed in the suspension/dispersion and has the same shape as the molded part to be prepared, but with a reduced size, wherein: the solids content contains oxide-ceramic particles; the porous self-supporting support is detachably connected with a discharge in a zone that is not immersed in the suspension/dispersion; the suspension/dispersion is moved towards the porous self-supporting support by means of a positive pressure difference between a pressure prevailing in the suspension/dispersion and a pressure prevailing in the discharge; wherein the fluid content of the suspension/dispersion enters in the porous self-supporting support with depositing solids content at the periphery of the porous self-supporting support.

Abstract: In the process for producing dental prostheses such as bridges, crowns implants, etc. from ceramic material, production is carried out at least by way of one CAD/CAM machining station. The ceramic material to be worked consists of an unsintered disk-shaped blank or one which has not been subjected to final sintering, working of the blank into dental prostheses being undertaken at a right angle or quasi-right angle to the parallel or quasi-parallel surfaces of the blank.

Abstract: Slip for use in a hot-melt inkjet printing process which contains (A) ceramic particles, (B) wax and (C) at least one radically polymerizable monomer, and use of the slip to prepare dental restorations. Furthermore, a process for the preparation of a green compact is described, in which the slip is molded in layers to the geometrical shape of the green compact and subjected to a radical polymerization in order to obtain a cured green compact.

Abstract: An orthodontic bracket for coupling an archwire with a tooth comprises a bracket body configured to be mounted to the tooth and a clip. A clip slot extends through the bracket body transversely to the archwire slot. Upon deflection of the clip, it contacts the bracket body at locations that were not in contact before the deflection. The clip may also have various forms and include various structures that cooperate with the body when the clip is deflected to restrict or stop the deflection. The orthodontic bracket may comprise a securing mechanism that is configured to secure the resilient ligating clip in the closed position. A method of manufacturing a shaped unsintered body for use in manufacturing an orthodontic bracket is provided. A portion of the sinterable particles may be removed using a stream of energy to yield a plurality of posts which are then deformed.

Abstract: Wagering game terminal and method of operating same are disclosed that increases the excitement and entertainment value over existing gaming terminals. The wagering game terminal manipulates the player's wagers instead of his winnings so that any winning outcome resulting from the wagers is increased. This allows the player to feel as if he has already won “free money” before the game has even started. Such an arrangement may increase the overall excitement felt by the player and may encourage the player to wager more. And since only some wagers will result in a winning outcome, it is possible to perform the wager increases without significantly changing the underlying mathematics of the game.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device and process for dimensionally stable sintering of ceramic pre-shaped dental articles, the device comprising a suspension system having a base structure with at least one suspension point at a height suitable for suspending an article to be sintered; and a suspension element moveably connected to said suspension point for supporting said article to be sintered, wherein said suspension element itself forms a swing on which said article to be sintered is arrangeable.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for making metallic and/or non-metallic products 2, in particular dental products, by freeform sintering and/or melting, in which the products 2 are fabricated layer by layer from a material 5 that is applied layer by layer by means of a computer-controlled high-energy beam 7, in particular a laser or electron beam. In order to reduce production times, beam 7 irradiates predetermined positions P1 to P6 of a layer of a material 5 a plurality of time, namely m times, where m is a whole integer greater than 1. Each of said positions P1 to P6 is initially heated during the first irradiation to a temperature below the melting point Tmelt of the material 5, and during the mth irradiation to a temperature above said melting point and is completely melted over the entire thickness of the layer in such a way that the material (5) fuses at said position to the layer thereunder. The invention also relates to an apparatus for performing said method.

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: Process for producing an inorganic-inorganic composite material, in which an open-pore, crystalline oxide ceramic shaped part is produced from an oxide ceramic powder or a powder of an oxide ceramic mixture after shape-imparting processing and presintering, an infiltration substance is applied to this shaped part in vacuo and at room temperature, and the oxide ceramic is sintered in a densifying manner under an air atmosphere and at ambient pressure to form an inorganic-inorganic composite material.

Abstract: A system for making a dental restoration is provided. The system comprises a machine unit for processing a dental material to form the dental restoration, and a control unit for controlling the operation of the machine unit. An air channel for discharging a process-originated material from the machine unit provides an air connection between the machine unit and the control unit. The invention is advantageous in that it helps to increase the reliability of the machining operation.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of producing a dental restoration (40), the method comprising the steps of providing a metallic frame (21) having an inner and an outer surface, applying one or more opaque layer(s) (23) or composition on the outer surface of the metallic frame, providing a facing precursor (31) having a volume A, mating the facing precursor on the outer surface of the metallic frame coated with the opaque layer using a mating composition to obtain a dental restoration intermediate, firing the dental restoration intermediate to a temperature where the facing precursor sinters to obtain a sintered facing having the volume B, and optionally applying a stain and/or glacing layer on the outer surface of the sintered facing. The invention also relates to a dental restoration obtainable by such a process.

Abstract: A translucent zirconia sintered body, a dental article comprising a shaped, translucent zirconia body, a zirconia green body, and methods of making a translucent zirconia sintered body, methods of making a dental article comprising a shaped, translucent zirconia body, and methods of making a zirconia green body are described.

Abstract: The invention describes a dental article comprising zirconium oxide and at least two different colouring substances A and B, substance A showing a light emission in the range of about 470 nm to about 510 nm and substance B showing a light absorption in the range from about 520 nm to about 750 nm. The invention also relates to different processes of producing the dental article e.g. by a process comprising a casting step, a pressing step, or an infiltration step and to the use of certain compositions containing either substance A or substance B for producing such a dental article.

Abstract: Methods of producing a composite block intended for the production of a dental prosthesis including the following steps: a) impregnating a porous support with a liquid resin and b) curing the liquid resin impregnating the support are provided. In such methods of producing a composite block intended for the production of a dental prosthesis, a volume of liquid resin that is greater than the volume of the open pores of the support by at least 2% is caused to penetrate into the support and to cure therein, said volumes being measured at a temperature of 20° C. and at a pressure of 1 bar.

Abstract: TENS can be applied to the TMJ of an athlete for a period of time to deprogram muscles. After TENS, a desired position of the lower jaw relative to the upper jaw can be determined and recorded. The desired position can be a physiological resting position, or a performance position in which the lower jaw is positioned anteriorly relative to the physiological resting position. A mouthpiece can be prepared including bite portions configured to substantially space apart and position the jaws according to the desired position, and substantially prevent movement of the lower jaw relative to the upper jaw. A connecting portion connects the bite portions within the mouth, and may extend labially along the anterior teeth and associated gum region of the lower jaw, and may be sized and shaped to substantially lie out of the way so as to not impede speech of the athlete.

Abstract: A method for producing a mouth guard having an encapsulated sensor module. The method includes vacuum forming a first sheet of thermoplastic material using a mold to produce a first mouth guard layer, attaching a sensor module to the first mouth guard layer with a hot melt adhesive, vacuum forming a second sheet of thermoplastic material over the sensor module to produce a second mouth guard layer, storing a default threshold level in the sensor module, and calibrating the sensor module to account for sensor alignment. In an example embodiment, the first and second layers are formed such that they define an open area that allows a user's tongue to touch their upper palate after the mouth guard has been inserted and such that the layers define a channel for accepting a plurality of teeth, including the incisors of a user.

Abstract: A system for creating a data record describing a dental prosthesis part, wherein the system comprises means with which a data record can be created, comprising: Entries regarding a plurality of elements that describe the surface or the shape of a dental prosthesis part, wherein for each entry one, two or more attributes are listed. The invention further relates to a corresponding system for producing a dental prosthesis part with a data record, corresponding methods and a corresponding data record.

Abstract: For a simplified method for heating a pre-warmed muffle used for dental ceramics in a dental furnace, wherein a saving of time in heating before the pressing and also a parallel heating of the muffles should be made possible, the following steps are suggested: a) heating of the muffle to a maximal temperature (Tmax), which is above the pressing temperature (Tpress), in which pressing is carried out, b) possibly keeping the muffle at a maximal temperature (Tmax) during a first pause (t-1), c) cooling of the muffle to a minimal temperature (Tmin), which is at most as high as the pressing temperature (Tpress), and d) keeping the muffle at a minimal temperature (Tmin) during a second pause (t2). In addition, a corresponding control device for the dental furnace and a furnace equipped with this kind of control device are produced.

Abstract: There is provided an automatic thermoformer for dental and other prosthetic devices, that operates vertically on a blank, without operator manipulation thereof.

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: Blocks of material are prepared in a variety of shapes and sizes to be used in the fabrication of models for dental restorations. The material comprises a partially sintered ceramic material. The blocks are used to manufacture molds using CAD/CAM methods and equipment. The molds are useful in the manufacture of dental restorations using ceramics, metals, alloys, or powders thereof, and composite materials. The models milled from the blanks may be used to manufacture a variety of dental restorations including, but not limited to, crowns, bridges, space maintainers, tooth replacement appliances, orthodontic retainers, dentures, posts, jackets, inlays, onlays, facings, veneers, facets, implants, abutments, splints, partial crowns, teeth, cylinders, pins, and connectors.

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: An intra-oral, semi-custom, separating device, worn over the upper anterior teeth, allowing at least one lower anterior tooth to contact the rear of the device within the freeway space between upper and lower jaws at physiologic rest. The device allows for deprogramming and releasing of the muscles of the upper and lower jaw. The device is composed of an extruded or molded shell composed of a hard polycarbonate or similar plastic material and fits over the upper anterior teeth. The internal surface of the shell is lined with a thermoplastic with a low molding temperature. The thermoplastic allows the user to mold the internal aspect of the device onto and over the teeth to produce a custom fit, which relieves the user of the stresses, strains, pains and damage that can be caused by parafunctioning of the dental neural-muscular system.

Abstract: A dental blank of the present invention has at least an inner zone (or layer) of a first color and an outer zone (or layer) of a second color wherein the inner and outer zones are concentric The inner zone can be surrounded in its entirety by the outer zone such that only the outer zone is visible on all surfaces of the blank and the inner zone is not visible on any surface of the blank Alternatively, the inner zone and the outer zone can extend to a same single surface of the blank, such that only the outer zone covers all remaining surfaces The dental blank may also have an intermediate zone between the inner and outer zones, wherein the intermediate zone is surrounded in its entirety by the outer zone and/or the intermediate zone surrounds the inner zone in its entirety.

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: The invention concerns a process for producing products of individual geometry, in particular dental prostheses or dental auxiliary parts, comprising the steps of producing a plurality of products on the surface of a substrate plate by means of selective hardening, in particular by means of selective sintering or melting, in which the material is applied in successive layers, after each layer application one or more predetermined regions of the applied layer is selectively hardened by means of an energy-rich radiation and connected to one or more regions of the subjacent layer, wherein the predetermined regions are predetermined on the basis of a cross-sectional geometry of the product in the respective layer. According to the invention the successive layers are applied in layer planes oriented inclinedly relative to the surface of the substrate plate. The invention further concerns an apparatus for carrying out such a process.

Abstract: This invention relates to methods for making a three-dimensional dental prosthesis using ink-jet printing systems. An ink-jet printer is used to discharge light-curable, wax-like polymerizable material in a layer-by-layer manner to build-up the prosthesis. The methods are particularly useful for making integrated dentures containing a set of artificial teeth. The denture base and set of teeth are made of light-curable, wax-like polymerizable materials comprising a mixture of monomer, oligomer, and light sensitizer. The wax-like materials are dimensionally stable in their uncured states. The denture base and artificial teeth are later light-cured to form a polymerized denture product having high flexural modulus and flexural strength.

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 dental sintering furnace for sintering ceramic dental elements comprises a receiving chamber (10) for receiving the dental element (14) to be sintered. The receiving chamber (10) is surrounded by an electric heating unit (24) for heating the dental elements (14) to a pre-sintering temperature. Further, the receiving chamber (10) is surrounded by an annular microwave conductor (30) designed as a hollow conductor. On an inner wall (46), the microwave conductor comprises a plurality of decoupling slots (48) to decouple the microwaves in the direction of the receiving chamber (10). In a method for sintering ceramic dental elements, all the dental elements are first heated to a pre-sintering temperature by means of the electrical heating unit (24) and then the dental elements (14) heated to the pre-sintering temperature are irradiated by microwave radiation for coupled heating of the dental elements (14) to the sintering temperature.

Abstract: A sheet (10, 20) for use in a model vacuum thermoforming process, wherein the sheet (10, 20) has a thickened area (11) that may be in a preselected three-dimensional form such as arch-shape (12). The thickened area (11) or three-dimensional area (12) is placed over an area of the model (21) where the plastic sheet is to be stretched during the thermoforming process. This ensures a uniform or a preselected thickness in the stretched areas than would otherwise occur.

Abstract: An arrangement and method are provided for supplying material to production equipment for ceramic products. The arrangement comprises a first unit that can be at least partially surrounded by a second unit to which it is secured via its outer surface. The second unit can be designed so that it can be fed forward and divided by the production equipment. The first and second units can be arranged to facilitate silhouetting in at least the first unit and to facilitate the creation of at least one securing part between the first and second units. The securing part can comprise one of a combination of the material of the second unit with a joining material and a combination of the material of the first unit with the joining material.

Abstract: A process for producing a composite of aluminum material and synthetic resin molding with high efficiency; and a stable fast composite exhibiting high peeling resistance and large mechanical strength. The process is characterized in that aluminum material (1) is anodized in electrolytic bath of phosphoric acid or sodium hydroxide to thereby form anodic oxidation coating (2) provided with innumerable pores (3) having a diameter of 25 nm or more made open in the surface thereof is formed thereon, and a synthetic resin mold (6) is coupled with the anodic oxidation coating (2) in such a condition that the portion (6a) of the synthetic resin molding (6) is intruded or anchored in the innumerable pores (3) of the anodic oxidation coating (2). By this process, composite (P) with the above properties can be easily obtained.

Abstract: Fabricating polymeric shell appliances for moving a patient's teeth. A first tooth arrangement model is formed by placing models of individual teeth representing the patient's teeth onto a plurality of platforms of a frame approximating a shape and size of a jaw of the patient, wherein each model tooth comprises a coupling member for coupling the model tooth with a platform of the plurality of platforms. A first polymeric shell appliance is formed over the first tooth arrangement model or a copy thereof. At least a second tooth arrangement model is formed by rearranging at least some of the individual teeth relative to the frame. At least a second polymeric shell appliance is formed over the second tooth arrangement model or a copy thereof.

Abstract: Dental appliances including multiple components and a system and method for constructing the same are disclosed herein. The dental components are designed to fit together to form the dental appliance. The components of the dental appliance are electronically modeled, printed, and pressed sequentially, separately, or as a unitary piece. Forming the dental appliance from multiple components enables each component of the dental appliance to be formed from a different material, each material having different features associated with it. In various embodiments, different materials have different colors, textures, opacities, and transformation factors associated with them. Furthermore, each component can be formed from multiple components. In some other embodiments, a support structure is designed and constructed in order to minimize deformation of a dental component during fabrication of the component.