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: The purpose of the present invention is to develop an apparatus that can examine the occlusal contact patterns during the sleep bruxism, which can not be evaluated by the observation of the interior of oral cavity or by means of the articulator, in order to establish a convenient evaluation means for employing bruxism in daily and clinical diagnosis. The present invention relates to a bruxism evaluation sheet having a layer comprising an aqueous solution composition of an organic solvent comprising a dye and a thermosetting resin on a base sheet made of a thermoplastic resin, and a method for producing a convenient bruxism evaluation apparatus comprising heating the bruxism evaluation sheet, vacuum pressing it onto a model and then molding, and the like.

Abstract: The invention refers to a method, a computer, a computer program and a computer-readable medium, which refer to the examination of data records that are used for manufacturing dental prosthesis parts. The examination may be the producibility by one or several methods, the mountability onto the associated residual tooth portion or the examination as to undercuts.

Abstract: A process is provided for producing a dental restoration piece that has a frame with first and second portions and a blended synthetic material covering a first portion of the frame, the heat expansion coefficient of the blended synthetic material being different than the heat expansion coefficient of the frame material. Prior to a thermal treatment of the dental restoration piece, at least the second portion of the frame is covered with a heat protection paste, whereby the heat protection paste limits the increase in temperature of the frame resulting from thermal treatment of the dental restorative piece to effect curing of the blended synthetic material to a lesser temperature value than if the heat protection paste had not been applied onto the dental restorative piece. Also disclosed is a kit for practicing the process.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for operating a press furnace, in particular for dental materials, with an embedding compound into which the preferably ceramic dental material can be introduced via a press ram (26), the speed of penetration of the press ram (26) being detected, wherein, during the pressing operation, an increase in the speed of penetration and/or a decrease is detected, and, based on this, a signal is output.

Abstract: A multi dental flask system. The system includes a boot, at least two dental flasks, a sleeve, and a wrench. The boot is affixed to a surface. The at least two dental flasks are stacked one on top of the other. A lowermost dental flask of the at least two dental flasks is non-rotatably received in the boot. The sleeve is replaceably affixed to the lowermost dental flask of the at least two dental flasks and houses the other at least one dental flask of the at least two dental flasks so as to allow the at least two dental flasks to be processed simultaneously. The wrench receives the sleeve and replaceably affixes the sleeve to the lowermost dental flask.

Abstract: A system and method for mass, automated scanning of objects, including dental study casts, housing parts, and other objects. The system and method are able to function with little or no human operator intervention, thereby facilitating high volume scanning and reducing scanning costs. The system includes a scanner having a scanning table, a conveyor mechanism adjacent the scanner for delivering objects to be scanned to the scanner, and a pick and place mechanism for taking an object from the conveyor mechanism and mounting it onto the scanning table of the scanner.

Abstract: A press oven, especially for the pressing of dental material, includes a press stamp via which pressure can be exerted on a blank in a matrix mass of a muffle. An intermediate body is positionable between the press stamp and the blank and the heat conducting capability of the intermediate body (28) is less than that of the blank (26), the press stamp (22) or the matrix mass of the muffle (12).

Abstract: To make a color tone similar to that of dentin of a tooth at a low cost without discoloration when baking, a dental ceramics material is produced by: mixing a pink coloring agent and a yellow coloring agent with zirconium oxide containing a stabilizer while having a mixing ratio of 0.001 to 5 wt. % respectively; and baking it, where the pink coloring agent is obtained by dissolving manganese oxide in aluminum oxide as a solid solution, the yellow coloring agent is obtained by dissolving vanadium oxide in zirconium oxide as a solid solution, the zirconium oxide contains 0.1 to 30 wt. % aluminum oxide if necessary, the stabilizer is one or more kinds selected from a group including yttrium oxide, magnesium oxide, calcium oxide, and cerium oxide, and the content thereof is preferably 3 to 7 wt. %.

Abstract: A system to manufacture orthodontic appliances, program product, and associated methods are provided. An embodiment of a system can include a virtual orthodontic appliance design computer having orthodontic appliance design program product provided to design a virtual dimensional representation of an orthodontic appliance including bracket bodies and bracket pads, and a mold apparatus positioned to form each bracket body and bracket pad. The system also includes a data processing computer including computer-aided manufacturing program product provided to derive electrical discharge device control instructions including a virtual dimensional representation of a bracket slot in the bracket, and an electrical discharge machining apparatus. The electrical discharge machining apparatus can include a controller including control program product to derive a control signal carrying the electrical discharge device control instructions and an electrical discharge device.

Abstract: A method for producing a synthetic material part such as, for example, a dental restorative part, is provided and includes spray applying with a spray device a material having at least a polymerizable synthetic material onto a base in succeeding layers. Each layer of the spray applied material is substantially continuously polymerized by the spray device and has a viscosity which permits working of the applied material in an unpolymerized condition thereof with the spray device. The method also includes hardening the one or more of the already applied layers prior to the application of subsequent layers.

Abstract: Tooth restorations are produced starting from data preferably obtained by optical or mechanical digitizing of prepared teeth and/or teeth of one jaw or of both jaws, intraorally, or from jaw models or partial models of one jaw or of both jaws, extraorally, a subsequent CAD construction of aforementioned restorations being produced in the way that an outer mold, in opposition to the oral cavity is constructed by the primary shaping of the tooth restoration, consisting throughout of high strength ceramic material, taking into account sinter shrinkage.

Abstract: The invention relates to uses of glasses and glass-ceramics in dental and orthodontic applications.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for designing and producing custom-made templates for implantation or for pre-contouring metallic or polymer implantable plates prior to surgery. According to one embodiment, medical image data representing surrounding portions of a patient's anatomy to be repaired by surgical implantation of a bone reconstruction plate is received. Next, three-dimensional surface reconstruction is preformed based on the medical image data. Virtual removal of a bone or portion thereof to be reconstructed is performed with reference to the medical image data by simulating the contemplated surgical implantation procedure. Then, a representation of a template is created that is countered to fit the patient's anatomy to be repaired. Finally, a replica of the template is produced by using Solid Freeform Fabrication manufacturing techniques.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for fabricating a functional dental element, such as a crown. According to the invention, use is made of a three-dimensional printing technique. The major advantages of the invention are that no mold is needed anymore, which entails a considerable saving of costs, that a great accuracy is achieved, and that the element can be made of different materials.

Abstract: A process for fabricating dental form pieces for dental restoration and replacement parts is provided and includes the step of applying a material, on a firm support or a fluid medium, by a three dimensional plotting technology in a layer by layer manner. The material has micro cords and/or micro drops which include at least one of a meltable, polymerizable, polycondensable, and polyaddable constituent element that is an unfilled monomer, a reinforced monomer, oligomer, polymer, or a ceramic element. The process also includes the step of hardening the applied material by cooling of the material, chemical reaction, polymerization with thermal handling, or polymerization by irradiation of the material with UV or visible light.

Abstract: A process for producing a dental prosthesis wherein an impression is taken of the patient's mouth, a working model is created, a base plate is applied to the working model, an insulating film is applied to the base plate, a tooth arrangement in wax is formed on the base plate, a framework of the teeth is then formed with an investment compound, the wax is then boiled out and replaced with a curable material which is subsequently hardened.

Abstract: An improved lost wax method for fabricating dental devices, a prefabricated incisal veneer (1) is selected from among a group of said veneers having predetermined shapes, shades, and sizes. Wax is applied (2 and 3) to the incisal veneer to create a wax buildup onto a model (4) or prefabricated coping (5). Subsequently, a sprue is attached to the applied wax (2 and 3) and the wax buildup is removed from the model (4) for investing and burnout to create a lost wax mold. For a crown with a substructure, the incisal veneer (1) and the coping (5) are both cast in place with press ceramic, press thermoplastic material, or by injecting a curable resin, composite, or epoxy material into the lost wax mold.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of producing improved bioactive composite materials based on apatite, mainly for supporting functions in dental and orthopaedic applications, by adapting closure temperature and applying of pressure in closed systems using the production methods, according to reaction tendencies of the materials at their production, and by possibly further counteracting such reaction tendencies and tendencies for decomposition by additions of helping agents.

Abstract: Solid free form fabrication techniques such as fused deposition modeling and three-dimensional printing are used to create a shell or die used in the manufacture of a dental restoration. Three-dimensional printing comprises includes ink-jet printing a binder into selected areas of sequentially deposited layers of powder. Each layer is created by spreading a thin layer of powder over the surface of a powder bed. Instructions for each layer may be derived directly from a CAD representation of the restoration. The area to be printed is obtained by computing the area of intersection between the desired plane and the CAD representation of the object. All the layers required for an aesthetically sound shell can be deposited concurrently slice after slice and sintered/cured simultaneously.

Abstract: Gypsum-based molding materials are customized by hydrating the molding material to workable (malleable) consistency with a moistening solution containing 0.001 to 35% polytetrafluoroethylene. The addition of latex results in a more flowable material.

Abstract: A method for making a dental restoration by milling a dental model from a partially sintered ceramic material, applying dental material thereon, and curing the dental material on the model to obtain a dental restoration. The method can be used for forming 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: A ceramic tape is provided in its green state so that it is malleable and formable to a mold for forming a dental restoration, but will not break or crack as it is applied to the mold. Pressure may be applied to further form or adapt the ceramic tape to the shape of the mold. Heat is applied simultaneously with pressure or in a separate step to achieve high density and strength in the ceramic material. A vacuum atmosphere may be used with the application of pressure and/or heat. One or more layers of surface material such as porcelain or composite resin may be applied to the ceramic to form the dental restoration. The process is useful in the manufacture of dental materials or restorations including but not limited to orthodontic appliances, bridges, space maintainers, tooth replacement appliances, splints, crowns, partial crowns, dentures, posts; teeth, jackets, inlays, onlays, facing, veneers, facets, implants, abutments, cylinders, and connectors.

Abstract: Method of the making dental restorations having photo-initiated polymerizable dental compositions. The method comprises preheating a dental restoration precursor of a defined shape or anatomy in a temperature range from about 65°-120° C. for a length of time for the temperature to reach a temperature equilibrium. The time preferably ranges from about 1 minute to 30 minutes. Thereafter, the dental composition is light cured to polymerize the dental restoration. The restoration produced through this process will have at least 10% or higher strength than the dental restorations made by conventional methods.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for the fabrication of a dental cast part having the following steps: Forming and hardening a first working model of a dentition, in such a way that the material used for fabrication of the working model expands during hardening; modelling a restoration from a modelling material on the first working model or a second working model that is essentially identical to the first working model in respect of its dimensions; embedding the restoration model in a settable dental investment that is at least essentially quartz-free; hardening the dental investment; removing the restoration model from the dental investment so that a casting form is created; introducing liquid metal into the casting form and allowing the metal to solidify in the casting form; removal of the metal that has solidified to form a dental cast part.

Abstract: A method of making a dental restoration comprising forming a ceramic core or an alloy framework; pressing a porcelain onto the core or framework, wherein the porcelain comprises an amorphous glass phase with a maturing temperature less than about 850° C., wherein the amorphous glass phase, in one embodiment, comprises: 1 Component Amount (wt. %) SiO2 55-75 B2O3 2.6-6   Al2O3   3-4.9 ZnO 0-3 CaO 0-3 MgO 0.5-3   ZrO2 0-3 BaO 0-2 Li2O 0.8-2   K2O   0-6.

Abstract: Solid free form fabrication techniques such as fused deposition modeling and three-dimensional printing are used to create a shell used in the manufacture of a dental restoration. Three-dimensional printing includes ink-jet printing a binder into selected areas of sequentially deposited layers of powder. Each layer is created by spreading a thin layer of powder over the surface of a powder bed. Instructions for each layer may be derived directly from a CAD representation of the restoration. The area to be printed is obtained by computing the area of intersection between the desired plane and the CAD representation of the object. All the layers required for an aesthetically sound shell can be deposited concurrently slice after slice and sintered/cured simultaneously.

Abstract: Dental composite restorations reinforced with one or more fiber structures are disclosed. The fiber structures can have a wide array of shapes and sizes, including rods with circular cross sections, rods with “U” shaped cross sections, rods with “I” shaped cross sections, and fiber mesh structures. The reinforced dental composite restorations are created by incrementally layering and curing composite materials onto the fiber structures. The resulting restorations have significantly improved flexural strength as compared to conventionally prepared composite restoration materials.

Abstract: Solid free form fabrication techniques such as fused deposition modeling and three-dimensional printing are used to create a shell or die used in the manufacture of a dental restoration. Three-dimensional printing includes ink-jet printing a binder into selected areas of sequentially deposited layers of powder. Each layer is created by spreading a thin layer of powder over the surface of a powder bed. Instructions for each layer may be derived directly from a CAD representation of the restoration. The area to be printed is obtained by computing the area of intersection between the desired plane and the CAD representation of the object. All the layers required for an aesthetically sound shell can be deposited concurrently slice after slice and sintered/cured simultaneously.

Abstract: This invention is directed to lithium disilicate (Li2Si2O5) based glass-ceramics comprising silica, lithium oxide, alumina, potassium oxide and phosphorus pentoxide. The glass-ceramics are useful in the fabrication of single and multi-unit dental restorations (e.g. anterior bridges) made by heat pressing into refractory investment molds produced using lost wax techniques. The glass-ceramics have good pressability, i.e., the ability to be formed into dental articles by heat-pressing using commercially available equipment. In accordance with one embodiment directed to the process of making the glass-ceramics, the compositions herein are melted at about 1200 ° to about 1600 ° C., thereafter cast into steel molds in the shape of cylindrical blanks (pellets), or alternately, cooled to the crystallization temperature. The resulting glass blank are heat-treated to form glass-ceramic blanks via a one or two step heat-treatment cycle preferably in the temperature range of about 400 ° to about 1100 ° C.

Abstract: The invention provides a high strength dental polymeric material formed from wax-like polymerizable dental material. A wax-like polymerizable dental material formed by a process comprising blending polymerizable compounds which polymerize to form high strength dental polymeric material. The invention provides a process for making a denture including: positioning artificial teeth in wax-like polymerizable dental material, and shaping the polyermizable material into the form of a denture base. The process is completed without forming wax and without applying inorganic plaster to the artificial teeth.

Abstract: A polymerization temperature test element is provided for a polymerization device of the type, in particular, for polymerizing dental products. The polymerization temperature test element includes a base element and a receipt region centrally disposed on the base element and operable to receive the mass to be polymerized. The energy source of the polymerization device irradiates the mass to be polymerized with one or both of light radiation and thermal radiation to effect polymerization of the mass and the base element and the receipt region are configured so as to be subjected to the respective light and thermal radiation emitted by the energy source. Accordingly, the polymerization temperature test element provides an indication, via color-temperature indicators which change color or brightness at discrete temperatures, that a target polymerization temperature has been reached during irradiation of the mass.

Abstract: A method of finishing resin-based dental restorations by contouring and smoothing the surface of the dental restoration in a single step, using steel burs operating at low speed, high-torque.

Abstract: The invention relates to uses of glasses and glass-ceramics in dental and orthodontic applications.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a dental restoration, including: determining an external form and dimensions available for a completed restoration; obtaining an image of a natural tooth to be replaced with the restoration or a tooth corresponding therewith, wherein the image comprises at least the external surface visible in use of the to be replaced or corresponding tooth, with variations in the appearance therein; defining locally on and at least to visible depth below the surface of appearance-determining properties of at least one material to be applied for the restoration in accordance with the obtained image and the variations in the appearance therein; constructing the restoration, including the steps of: providing at least one material to be applied in non-cohesive form; and providing cohesion to the material in accordance with the available form and dimensions.

Abstract: Opaque porcelains for use with metal cores in the manufacture of PFM restorations. The porcelains exhibit a coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) substantially equal to or slightly above the CTE of the metal to which it is applied. The porcelains exhibit a CTE equal to or up to about 1.5×10−6/° C. higher than the dental alloys to which they are applied as the opaque. The porcelains are fabricated from a mixture of two frit compositions. A high expansion, leucite containing frit is combined with a low melting glass frit to provide a porcelain having an expansion in the range of 16.9 to about 18.5×10−6/° C. in the temperature range of 250°-600° C.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of producing a dental prosthesis, comprising the steps:

Abstract: In a method for producing two-membered or multi-membered all-ceramic dental shaped parts, such as framework elements for bridges and the like, a model is first produced from the basic structure for which the dental shaped part is intended. With the aid of this model and a suspension of ceramic particles, a ceramic green body is formed, in particular by electrophoretic deposition, and is subsequently sintered. In said method, at least some of the dimensions of the model are selected so that the shrinkage which occurs during sintering of the green body is compensated, in order in this way to achieve the desired fit between dental shaped part and basic structure.

Abstract: A method for producing dental restoration components includes filling a retort cylinder of a retort system with a forming mass, the retort cylinder being at least partially encircled by a charging body, and hardening the forming mass. After the hardening of the forming mass, the retort cylinder and the charging body are removed from the forming mass, thereby leaving behind a retort. Thereafter, with the assistance of a press blank apparatus, a press blank having an outer contour substantially corresponding to the outer contour of the charging body is pressed into the retort.

Abstract: The invention describes a model material for dental purposes which has a linear expansion on setting or curing of at least 0.5%, preferably at least 1%. The model material is preferably a dental plaster which has a relatively high volume expansion on setting compared to dental plasters customary hitherto as a result of the use of appropriate additives and/or make-up liquids. The use of these model materials for producing working models enables the sintering shrinkage occurring during sintering to be compensated for in the production of full-ceramic shaped dental parts.

Abstract: The method is used for automated production of dental prostheses in the form of ceramic restorations or ceramic abutments of dental implants, using a computer-controlled laser for shaping by means of removal of material from a ceramic blank. The special feature is that at least one three-dimensionally contoured surface region of the dental prosthesis (4, 8) is machined out of the ceramic blank (3) by means of an ultra-short-pulse laser (1) and shaped into the predetermined shape. Preferably, the ultra-short-pulse laser is first employed in such a way that the great majority of the material to be removed from the ceramic blank is cut off in pieces by the ultra-short-pulse laser, and then the ultra-short-pulse laser need merely vaporize the remainder in an erosive operation.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing high-geometric precision elements made from a neutral material. Using different types of prosthetic restoration, said elements are intended to fill the damage caused in teeth by dental caries or tissue alteration having other causes. The inventive elements are also intended to be used to produce high-precision dental crowns or other related dental devices.

Abstract: A dental device and method of making it, by shaping a first and a second wax-like polymerizable dental material to form a polymerizable dental device.

Abstract: The present invention is a dental investment material 50 comprising hemihydrate gypsum and a refractory material as a main component mixed with a calcium carbonate. The invention is also a method for producing a dental investment mold comprising a step for installing, in a frame 2, a wax pattern 3 consisting of a tooth pattern section 31 having a desired tooth form and a support section 32 which supports the tooth pattern section, a step for casting a dental investment material 50 having a composition described above into the frame while allowing one end of the support section to be intact without embedding but embedding the remainder of the wax pattern 3 in the dental investment material 50 and a step for sintering the dental investment material 50 to evaporate the wax pattern 3 whereby forming a dental investment mold 5 having a cavity 51 which has the desired tooth form.

Abstract: A pressable glass ceramic which contains lithium silicate glass and leucite is disclosed. Also, disclosed is the combination of leucite and a lithium silicate glass to stably increase the coefficients of thermal expansion of the resulting glass composition, and the preparation of leucite suitable for addition to the glass composition. Also disclosed are methods for fabricating glass ceramic and dental products from the pressable glass ceramic.

Abstract: Methods and systems for developing a dental bridge through computer-aided design are shown and described. With reference to an image of the volume to fill with the bridge, a proposed dental bridge is shaped to fit between teeth adjacent to the volume to fill while being contoured to a profile line specifying the gum contour and the contour of surfaces of the adjacent teeth to be bonded. Retainers of the proposed bridge are shaped and positioned to abut the adjacent teeth. The data specifying the proposed bridge may be delivered to a milling machine where a blank is milled into the corresponding bridge. The bridge may then be installed by bonding the retainers to the adjacent teeth.

Abstract: The invention relates to the production of substructures, especially copings, consisting of ceramic material, preferably alumina. The stump of a work model is lined with a film or a separating agent. This lining is made electroconductive by e.g. using a metallized film or applying a silver coating. The stump is dipped in slip and a direct voltage is applied, causing the stump to be coated with an even ceramic, e.g. alumina layer which can be baked into a ceramic blank immediately after drying. The resistance of said ceramic blank is then increased by glass infiltration. Post-processing is not necessary since the ceramic material is deposited with a very even layer thickness. The inventive method is associated with a considerable saving of time in the production of a full ceramic tooth replacement.

Abstract: The invention proposes to produce a mixture that is shrink-resistant, or has a freely selectable degree of shrinkage, and can be used as a molding compound, and a method for producing a corresponding oxide-ceramic sintered body. The molding compound comprises an intermetallic compound and a wax. In the method for producing an oxide-ceramic sintered body, a green body is molded from a molding compound of this type, dewaxed and sintered in an oxidizing atmosphere to form a ceramic sintered body. The molding compound is suited for producing dentures and dental fillings.

Abstract: A mill blank assembly for a dental prosthesis includes a milling section and a support section for supporting the assembly in a milling machine. In certain embodiments, the milling section is adhesively bonded to the support section by a direct chemical bond that provides enhanced resistance to unintentional detachment of the milling section from the support section during a subsequent machining operation. Optionally, the support section includes a passageway that receives a quantity of flowable dental restorative material used to make the milling section, such that the restorative material that is located in the passageway provides additional resistance when hardened to unintentional detachment of the milling section from the support section.

Abstract: A process for preparing a dental prosthesis is disclosed, including preparing a wax pattern of an objective dental prosthesis based on a duplicated model having an intraoral shape, investing the wax pattern in an investment material, and removing the wax pattern to prepare a mold, wherein a composite resin is charged under pressure into the mold, and the composite resin is cured under heat and pressure, the process of the present invention enables one to obtain a dental prosthesis that has suitable esthetics and superior mechanical properties and free from fear of pulp irritation by the unpolymerized monomer, and particularly suitable for the preparation of inlays, crowns, etc.