Abstract: A method for preparing a partial or full dental prosthesis comprising 1.1. acquiring a patient's oral situation by taking an impression or by digital recording; 1.2. if required, digitizing the patient's oral situation; 1.3. selecting the teeth forming the dental prosthesis from a library of teeth or groups of teeth to obtain a virtual set-up of the teeth, which is positioned virtually in a space that takes the acquired patient's situation into account; 1.3.1 said library contains designs of dental arches, tooth shapes, tooth sizes 1.3.2 said library contains designs of the gingiva, and 1.3.3 said library contains total set-ups and/or modular set-ups for all of Angle's bite classes; 1.4. if required, modifying the set-up obtained from the library; 1.5. virtually embedding the teeth arranged in the virtual set-up in a virtual gingiva; 1.6 producing the real prosthesis.

Abstract: A denture is manufactured in a single visit using a pre-formed dental template chosen from a plurality of different sized dental templates, based on the size of a patient's alveolar edentulous ridge. The dental template includes a base acrylic with prosthetic teeth attached thereto. A viscous material such as an acrylic is added to the selected dental template and the dental template with the added viscous material is placed on the patient's alveolar edentulous ridge. The viscous material is then allowed to solidify to form a rigid or semi-rigid material with the template in proper position in three planes and properly border molded. After solidification a denture is formed that consists of a first base acrylic portion in conterminous relation with a second portion formed of the solidified material that had been added as a viscous material, and with teeth joined to the base acrylic portion.

Abstract: The invention consists of a rapidly crosslinkable, two-component silicone elastomer together with a specially designed tray that serves as a form for the silicone resin and forms an integral portion of a dental appliance.

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: 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: 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: 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: 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 method for determining a sintering shrinkage of a pre-sintered body. The method includes providing a green preform with at least one design feature. The green-preform is pre-sintered to form a white body. At least one change in the at least one design feature with the pre-sintering is recorded. An expected sintering shrinkage to a dense-sintered component is determined using the recorded change.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a color adapting composition used for coloring and color adapting porcelain for ceramic crown such as dental restorations and prosthetics, and aluminosilicate glass appropriate for using in a color adapting composition. More specifically, a color adapting composition for dental porcelains are prepared by blending two or more kinds of glass frits having different sintering temperatures from each other and an inorganic pigment or a colored glass obtained by previously dispersing inorganic pigments in glass.

Abstract: A method of making a dental article including a pressable body possessing a flexural strength of at least 125 MPa and flowable at about 850° C. to about 950° C. The body is composed of at least a glass matrix phase having a composition comprising Li2O and MgO.

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

Abstract: A 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: A dental article such as a crown is fabricating by layering one or more preformed shells of SMC material onto an understructure. The understructure may be fabricated from any suitably strong material for use in replacing dentition. At the same time, a number of SMC shells may be used to provide a finished dental article having a natural-looking, multi-chromatic appearance. The SMC material(s) may be cured to provide an exterior hardness suitable for use in dental applications.

Abstract: Phosphate-containing co-polymers useful for making denture bases, denture liners and tissue conditioners with phosphate anion-charged surfaces are disclosed. The phosphate anions enable the denture bases, denture liners and tissue conditioners to adsorb cationic antimicrobial molecules. Dentures, denture bases materials, denture liners and tissue conditioners made of the above co-polymers are also disclosed. Further disclosed are methods for synthesizing the co-polymer(s) and for making the denture bases, denture liners and tissue conditioners.

Abstract: A ceramo-ceramic dental prosthesis is made from a patient's negative mandibular impression, including at least one working cavity having an inner surface matching the lower surface of the prosthesis to be produced and left at least by one tooth primed by the dental surgeon to be prosthetized. The method of making the prosthesis includes a step of providing a single-unit wax model used for producing by precision casting a single-unit metal model on which is mounted, by the dental technician, a ceramic, the single-unit model having previously been coated with a stripping product to avoid the adherence of the ceramic on the metal single-unit model after the ceramic is cured on the single-unit metal model.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for preparing dental restorations from ceramic or polymeric material to achieve color and opacity gradients simulating natural dentition, wherein an ingot of ceramic or polymeric material is entirely or partially forced through a system of channels in a press mold into a mold cavity in the press mold, wherein the mold cavity corresponds to a dental restoration.

Abstract: A system of manufacturing a custom set of pre-manufactured upper and lower dentures is provided. In one form, a set of master upper and lower dentures is created. The master upper and lower dentures are used to create reusable upper and lower dental matrices, respectively. These re-usable upper and lower dental matrices are repeatedly used to manufacture upper and lower pre-manufactured or standard sized dentures, respectively. Optionally, a dental patient can have these upper and lower pre-manufactured dentures custom fit or relined to fit the dental patient's mouth to form upper reline and/or lower reline pre-manufactured dentures. The dental patient can have custom fit dentures in two visits with the dentist, even two visits in the same day.

Abstract: A method for making artificial tooth bridges including a ceramic densely sintered high strength individual core veneered with porcelain using powder metallurgical methods. The individual densely sintered bridge parts are joined together to a bridge core by a particle reinforced glass. Since only the glass material wets the surface of the densely sintered parts, the glass is the binding material that holds the core together and the particles function to only increase the strength of the bulk glass material.

Abstract: An article suitable for use as an insulating or coating material comprises a radiation-crosslinked composition comprising a polyethylene, a polypropylene and optionally an ethylene-propylene elastomer. The polyethylene component is selected from high density polyethylene (HDPE), medium density polyethylene (MDPE) and linear medium density polyethylene (LMDPE) and the polypropylene component is either a homopolymer or copolymer. The composition is predominantly based on the polyethylene component and contains the polyethylene component in an amount of at least 50 percent by weight. The article is radiation-crosslinked to a sufficient degree that it possesses thermoset properties, such that when the article is heated to a temperature above the crystalline melting point of the polypropylene homopolymer or copolymer, it is softened but does not become liquid.

Abstract: Compositions, particularly for forming dental products, having a hardenable self-supporting structure with sufficient malleability to be subsequently customized into a second shape and then hardened, and methods.

Abstract: A dental device including an integrally connected artificial tooth and denture base. The artificial tooth is made by continuously conveying polymerizable material into tooth forming molds.

Abstract: The present invention is a sheet comprised of PTFE material manufactured to specifications, and processes therefore. Use of the sheet improves a number of dental procedures where interposed between contacting dental surfaces because the sheet readily deforms under pressure. As such, it does not substantially interfere with the occlusion of the teeth, or seating of dental restorations or appliances. Novel uses for the sheet include: interference marking, molding composites, occlusal registration, dual arch impression tray membrane, and spacing phase one impressions.

Abstract: Disclosed are an apparatus, materials, devices and methods for the use of a variety of thermoplastic resins in fabricating dental prostheses without the use of expensive hot-press equipment unavailable to most dental laboratories. The prostheses made by the process and materials disclosed herein provide more attractive and longer lasting prostheses with significant savings in both costs and materials. Among the aims of the technology disclosed is to save time and money for the dental industry (dentists, dental labs) and the dental consumer/patient.

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: The invention provides a method of making a removable partial dental prosthesis by molding a removable partial dental prosthesis having a base, an artificial tooth and a clasp. The artificial tooth is supported by said base. The base is integrally connected to the clasp. The base includes pigment and is substantially opaque. The clasp is effectively free of pigment and is substantially transparent. The base is formed to mate with oral mucosa for support of the prosthesis thereon.

Abstract: A method for forming removable dentures using injection molding techniques wherein a cyanoacrylate base material is applied to the sides of the denture teeth, an activator or accelerator compound being sprayed onto the deposited base material whereby the base material is rapidly cured. The denture is then placed in the lower half of a mold, or flask, and a plurality of sprues are positioned therein. The upper flask portion is then attached to the lower half and the assembled flask is then invested with plaster material. The activated gel enables the teeth to be retained in position in the lower half of the flask. The flask is then placed in hot or boiling water and then deflasked to remove the melted wax. The flask is then reassembled and polymer injected therein filling the areas previously occupied by the wax. After the polymer is cured, the prothesis is removed, polished and then returned to the dentist.

Abstract: A method for making artificial tooth bridges having a ceramic densely sintered high strength individual core veneered with porcelain using powder metallurgical methods, wherein the individual bridge parts are joined together as a bridge core with glass, which in molten condition wets the ceramic core material. The glass therefore finds its way into the gap between the bridge parts and reacts with the ceramics so that during cooling it forms a strong joint between the individual densely sintered ceramic bridge parts.

Abstract: In summary, the invention is directed to a method of making a new dental prosthesis from an existing dental prosthesis, including the steps of making a sacrificial positive or pattern of the existing dental prosthesis, and using the sacrificial pattern of the existing dental prosthesis to form a new dental prosthesis. The inventive method likewise includes making a sacrificial pattern of at least a part of an existing denture. The invention further includes the construction of new dentures from a patient's worn dentures, by providing copy or modified copy of the worn dentures into which one can set and arrange the denture teeth. The invention still further includes a dental prosthetic, such as a denture, made by such methods.

Abstract: The invention provides progressive addition lenses in which lens unwanted astigmatism is reduced and channel width through the intermediate and near vision zones is increased as compared to conventional progressive addition lenses. This result is achieved by combining two or more progressive addition surfaces, which surfaces in combination provide the dioptric add power of the lens.

Abstract: A dental appliance and a process for making a dental appliance by forming a laminated vinyl base of closed cell materials using a thermal forming technique and subsequently forming a polymerized overlay resin layer to bond artificial teeth to the base and provide a visible surface for the appliance. The resulting laminated appliance is slightly flexible but the flexibility may be increased by increasing its temperature and thereby facilitate installation over or removal from undercut dental tissues in a patient. The thermal formed intermediate is employed in a "try-in" when temporarily waxed and temporarily fitted with artificial teeth. The intermediate portion of the "try-in" eventually becomes incorporated in the dental appliance. The blanks may be furnished as an array, with flexibility information to assist in selection of an appropriate blank from the array.

Abstract: A multifocal lens having a plurality of focal points with focal positions different from each other includes a central optical portion, centered at an optical axis, having a predetermined refractive index. The lens further includes at least one outer optical portion which is an optical member disposed like a ring around an outer periphery of the central optical portion so as to be centered at the optical axis, each having a different refractive index different from the predetermined refractive index and having an optical surface continuous with an optical surface of another optical portion disposed on the center side.

Abstract: A method of initiating the construction of a new denture from a worn denture includes making a 360.degree. indexed impression mold of the worn denture, including all outer surfaces corresponding to all of a patient's complementary oral tissues, removing the worn denture from the impressionable material in which the mold is formed, filling the mold with a curable liquid, preferably dental acrylic, to form a stint, forming a mated two- layered model onto and around the stint wherein the two-layered model includes a resilient layer and a rigid layer. The resilient layer is placed in undercut areas, defined by the stint, to prevent breaking or cracking upon separating the stint from the two-layered model, the rigid layer is composed of an inelastic material such as dental stone or gypsum, and at least one retention clip is utilized to anchor the resilient layer to the rigid layer.

Abstract: A method for making improved optical quality lenses is described which includes arranging a mold having a molding surface, a curable optical quality resin composition, and a plastic lens preform of optical quality material such that the resin composition is disposed between, and in contact with, the plastic lens preform and the mold; upon curing, the resin composition forms a cured plastic attached portion that is bonded to the plastic lens preform. The resin composition and plastic lens preform are selected such that the attached portion has a higher scratch resistance, a lower chromatic aberration, and/or a higher ease of edging than the lens preform.

Abstract: A copy of a complete or partial denture is obtained by forming an impression of the denture in a flask with distinct impressions made in plaster for a gum base and in silicone resin for a dental arch. The duplicate of the denture is formed by formation of the teeth and of the gum base using respective polymerizable materials in the same flask.

Abstract: A method of molding a series of contact lenses having a range of optical powers using a matrix of posterior and anterior molds having varying surface characteristics such that the optical powers vary while maintaining constant fitting characteristics, and using a number of mold types which is less than the total number of contact lenses produced in the series.

Abstract: A method of forming dental products, such as dentures, denture relines, dental crowns, dental bridges and dental restorative materials, temporary crown, temporary bridge, provisional crown or provisional bridge, from two polymerizable paste compositions each having a complimentary component of a free radical catalyst system and a polymerizable acrylic compound. One of these paste compositions includes an oxidizing agent and a stabilizer and the other includes a reducing agent as components of a redox catalyst system for free radical polymerization. These paste compositions are mixed in a static mixer to form a polymerizing paste composition, which is then shaped into a dental prosthesis. A handheld mixing dispenser useful in carrying out this method, includes a static mixing conduit, and two containers enclosing the polymerizable paste compositions. The static mixing conduit encloses a static mixing member. The containers are adapted to be connected in fluid flow communication with the static mixing conduit.

Abstract: Methods for making optical quality plastics lenses with photochromic additives are described. According to a first embodiment of the invention, a casting resin is containing photochromic additives is arranged between a mold and a lens preform and then cured. According to a second embodiment of the invention, a casting resin substantially free of photochromic additives is arranged between a mold and a lens preform and then cured. The resin is then impregnated with photochromic additives. In a third embodiment, a layering resin containing a photochromic additive is provided on the surface of a mold and cured to a gel state. Then, a casting resin that is substantially free of photochromic additives is arranged between the coated mold and a lens preform and cured. According to a fourth embodiment, a casting resin that is substantially free of photochromic additive is provided on the surface of a mold and cured to a gel state.

Abstract: A method for providing a contact lens for a patient. According to this method, an optical preform is selected, and a resting position of the optical preform on the patient's eye is determined. An optical feature is also located on a patient's eye. Then, a reference position is located on the surface of the optical preform coincident with the optical feature on the patients eye, when the optical preform is in the resting position. Finally, the optical modification is provided on the optical preform at a location based on the reference position on the optical preform.

Abstract: A method of making a multifocal refractive lens to focus light on the retina of the eye. The lens includes a plurality of segments, having different optical powers, at least one for distance vision and another for near. The lens does not require orientation to produce adequate far and near vision and normal stereoscopic effect. One or both of the segments having the optical powers may have aspherical lens surface. The central zone of the lens consists of only one lens segment, providing a clear central axis. Segments of the other optical power border the first segment along a path defined by a semi-circle or hyperbola that extends from one point along the periphery of the adjoining segments to another point along the periphery of the adjoining segments.

Abstract: A method of making multifocal refractive contact lens to focus light on the retina of the eye uses a plurality of at least two of each alternating segments having different optical powers for distance vision and for near. The lens of the invention does not require orientation to produce adequate far and near vision and normal steroscoptic effect. One or both of the segments having the optical powers may have aspherical lens surface. Preferably, the lens has at least one aspherical lens surface and the segments are divided by an arcuate path going from the center of the lens to edge. Such a lens is manufactured by taking lens molds and cutting the molds from the edge through the center to the opposite edge along a predetermined path. The molds are cut so that the segments produced are interchangable and can be fitted together to make a mold that can produce the multifocal refractive contact lens by molding.

Abstract: The present invention provides a novel dental composition and a method of making shaped dental articles therefrom via photoiniferter polymerization. The dental composition comprises acrylic photoiniferter block polymer, a monomer charge comprising free radically polymerizable acrylic monomer, and a filler and optionally includes pigments, sensitizers, medicaments, stabilizers, accelerators, etc. The dental composition is alternately exposed to a source of radiant energy and shaped in a desired manner in order to form a partially cured dental article. The partially cured dental article is then cured by a final exposure to the radiant energy source, providing a final cured article. The resultant reinforced acrylic copolymer system provides a shaped dental article which can be a denture base, a denture liner or a restorative.

Abstract: Methods of manufacturing a contact lens form a mold which has a first section formed from a first material and a second section formed from a second material. The methods permit the facile preparation of contact lenses having two or more differing materials, for example, a composite lens, a bifocal lens, a trifocal lens and the like.

Abstract: A lens has two or more layered sections of thermosetting material, and a substantially homogenous formation in which at least one of the layered sections has an active photochromic material present. The article is made by: forming a mould cavity from first and second mould halves; loading the mould cavity with a first thermosetting material; partially curing that material; changing the second mould half to define a subsequent mould cavity in which the partially cured material is present; loading the subsequent mould cavity with a subsequent thermosetting material; and curing the first and subsequent thermosetting materials. At least one of the thermosetting materials is loaded with an active photochromic material.

Abstract: A method for making a finished aspheric single vision, spherical or aspheric bifocal, multifocal or progressive addition contact lens includes the step of fitting a patient requiring a near correction with a single vision spherical or aspheric contact lens for optimal distance vision and comfortable fit. The patient is then over-refracted to determine the required near correction to be embodied in the contact lens. A portion of the optic corresponding to the center location of the pupil is marked on the convex side of the optic to form an optical preform. The optical preform is removed from the eye of the patient and the concave side of the optical preform is marked at a position corresponding to the mark on the convex side that denotes the center of the pupil. The mark disposed on the convex side of the optical preform is removed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a transparent material based on addition-crosslinking polysiloxanes, which is used as occlusal print for molding side teeth composites.

Abstract: A polymeric bifocal lens production process including the steps of selecting a single vision lens or lens blank with a convex surface, and a bifocal mould with a smaller radius of curvature; toughening the convex surface of the lens or lens blank; assembling the mould and lens or lens blank with catalysed monomer between the mould and the lens or lens blank; holding the lens or lens blank and the mould in position relative to one another so that the lens or lens blank contacts the mould; curing the monomer; removing the mould and post-curing to relieve stress in the bifocal lens and to allow the cured monomer to shrink in a controlled manner thereby causing a power decrease in the bifocal segment, whereby the cured monomer cast on to the lens or lens blank is of higher refractive index than the lens or lens blank.

Abstract: A method for demolding a molded article from a mold assembly having at least one mold with a molding surface includes the steps of: providing at least one tape segment on the molding surface of the mold before performing the molding process such that the tape segment has a portion extending beyond an edge of the molding surface; and, removing the tape segment after performing the molding process by pulling on the extended portion of the tape segment to demold the molded article.

Abstract: A method for producing a plate denture which includes heating a flask after embedding a wax denture and wax elimination to a temperature for polymerizing a heat-curable resin, the flask being an assembly including a first half shell having a plaster cast with a corresponding mucosal surface and a second half shell having a plaster cast with artificial teeth embedded therein. The method further including placing the heat-curable resin into the heated flask for polymerization while the flask is at an elevated temperature from the heating, and polymerizing the heat-curable resin in the heated flask. Wherein, during the step of heating the first half shell is heated to a higher temperature level in a range of temperature for polymerizing the heat-curable resin while the second half shell is heated to a lower temperature level in the range than the first half shell.