Tooth Forming Patents (Class 264/19)
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Patent number: 7172424Abstract: A method is designed to mount a removable restoration tooth on a natural tooth to be restored. The method involves the use of the standardized plastic inner crowns corresponding to the permanent teeth of a human, the standardized metal outer crowns corresponding to the plastic inner crowns, and the standardized abutment conformation devices corresponding to the plastic inner crowns. One of the devices is used as a reference in forming an abutment on the natural tooth. An abutment matrix is made to facilitate the dressing of the plastic inner crown, so as to make a metal inner crown according to the dressed plastic inner crown. The metal inner crown is mounted on the abutment. A metal outer crown corresponding to the plastic inner crown is fitted with the restoration tooth, which is mounted on the natural tooth such that the metal outer crown is fitted over the metal inner crown.Type: GrantFiled: August 31, 2004Date of Patent: February 6, 2007Inventor: Wen Yuen Wu
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Patent number: 7086863Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing an artificial tooth, comprising a base layer substantially determining strength and at least one cover layer substantially determining appearance of a finished artificial tooth, said method comprising: establishing the available outer shape and dimensions for the finished artificial tooth, e.g.Type: GrantFiled: April 19, 2002Date of Patent: August 8, 2006Assignee: Cicero Dental Systems, B.V.Inventor: Joseph Maria Van der Zel
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Patent number: 6997712Abstract: A dental construct is provided, which includes: a dental construct substrate; an image layer disposed at least partially on a surface of the dental construct substrate, the image layer comprising an image or information media composed of a colorant composition, the image layer fused at a temperature and being essentially free of lead and cadmium; and, a ceramic layer disposed at least partially over a surface of the dental construct substrate and covering at least the surface of the image layer, the ceramic layer comprising at least one or both of a ceramic material and a glaze material, the ceramic layer fused at a temperature, the ceramic layer being generally transparent and essentially free of lead and cadmium. The dental construct substrate preferably has a general configuration of at least a portion of a tooth. The first layer (image layer) comprises a ceramic material, preferably a metal oxide.Type: GrantFiled: October 6, 2003Date of Patent: February 14, 2006Inventor: Yong Woon Kim
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Patent number: 6994549Abstract: Solid free form fabrication techniques such as fused deposition modeling and three-dimensional printing are used to create a dental restoration. Three-dimensional printing comprises inkjet 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 restoration can be deposited concurrently slice after slice and sintered/cured simultaneously. The amount of green body oversize is equivalent to the amount of shrinkage which occurs during sintering or curing.Type: GrantFiled: October 5, 2001Date of Patent: February 7, 2006Assignee: Jeneric/Pentron IncorporatedInventors: Dmitri Brodkin, Carlino Panzera, Paul Panzera
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Patent number: 6939489Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: March 25, 2002Date of Patent: September 6, 2005Assignee: Ivoclar Vivadent AGInventors: Norbert Moszner, Armin Burgath, Rolf Mulhaupt, Ulrich Salz, Volker Rheinberger, Rudiger Landers
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Patent number: 6939136Abstract: In the formation of dental bridges, the preferred material is a tightly-sintered aluminium oxide, and it is normal practice that the necessary bridge parts, namely two bridge anchors and a connecting intermediate link (pontic), are formed by a specialist and thereafter joined together in a dental laboratory where use is made of a melted glass as binding agent, after which the assembled bridge item is fired with porcelain. With the invention it has been found that considerable advantages can be achieved when a dispersion of said aluminium oxide or a material related herewith is used as binding agent, which after application between the assembly surfaces is heated until loose sintering is achieved, after which an infiltration of the sintered material by the glass is brought about by renewed or additional heating. There is hereby achieved a more simple working process as well as a stronger binding both between the assembly surfaces as well as between the bridge item and the porcelain with which it is fired.Type: GrantFiled: March 22, 2001Date of Patent: September 6, 2005Assignee: K L ApSInventor: Lise-Lotte Kjaerulff Nielsen
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Patent number: 6923649Abstract: An artificial tooth is provided that includes a cutting mass brought into hardened condition by light polymerization, a tooth bone mass brought into hardened condition by light polymerization, and a base mass. Those masses bordering one another are intensively interconnected with one another. The process for producing an artificial tooth includes subjecting the cutting mass disposed in a mold to light polymerization, subsequently disposing the tooth bone mass on the first mass while the cutting mass is still disposed in the mold, and subjecting the tooth bone mass to light polymerization with light passed through the mold and the cutting mass disposed in the mold.Type: GrantFiled: June 20, 2002Date of Patent: August 2, 2005Assignee: Ivoclar Vivadent AGInventors: Walter Oswald, Eduard Tenschert
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Patent number: 6921500Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: August 24, 2000Date of Patent: July 26, 2005Assignee: Nederlandse Organisatie voor toegepast-natuurwetenschappelijk Onderzoek TNOInventor: Frits Kornelis Feenstra
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Patent number: 6899915Abstract: Tooth tissues include the pulp mesenchyme that forms the dentin and an epithelium that is responsible for enamel formation. Cells from these tissues were obtained from porcine third molars and were seeded onto a biodegradable scaffold composed of a polyglycolic acid—polylactic acid copolymer. Cell polymer constructs were then surgically implanted into the omentum of athymic nude rats so that the constructs would have a blood supply and these tissues were allowed to develop inside the rats. Infrequently, columnar epithelial cells were observed as a single layer on the outside of the dentin-like matrix similar to the actual arrangement of ameloblasts over dentin during early tooth development. Developing tooth tissues derived from such cell polymer constructs could eventually be surgically implanted into the gum of an edentulous recipient where the construct would receive a blood supply and develop to maturity, providing the recipient with a biological tooth replacement.Type: GrantFiled: November 29, 2001Date of Patent: May 31, 2005Assignees: President and Fellows of Harvard College, General Hospital Corporation, Forsyth Dental Infirmary for Children, Inc.Inventors: Pamela C. Yelick, John D. Bartlett, Joseph P. Vacanti, Bjorn R. Olsen, Phillip Stashenko
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Patent number: 6878333Abstract: A method of producing a substrate (12) for a plasma display panel, which comprises the steps of: contacting a rib precursor composition (32) containing a first photo-setting initiator having a first absorption edge and a first photo-setting component, closely with a base (12); filling a mold (30), obtained by photo-setting of a second photo-setting component in a presence of a second photo-setting initiator having a second absorption edge whose wavelength is shorter than that corresponding to the first absorption edge of the first photo-setting initiator, with the rib precursor composition (32); irradiating the rib precursor composition (32) with light having a wavelength longer than that corresponding to the second absorption edge to set the rib precursor composition (32), thereby forming a rib (34) on the base (12); and removing the mold (30) from the resulting base (12) on which the rib (34) is formed.Type: GrantFiled: August 29, 2000Date of Patent: April 12, 2005Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: Chikaumi Yokoyma, Takaki Sugimoto, Akira Yoda
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Patent number: 6869552Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: March 25, 2002Date of Patent: March 22, 2005Inventor: James R. Glidewell
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Patent number: 6846181Abstract: Ready-to-use preshaped, prefabricated cured structural components are prepared in a variety of shapes and sizes to be used in the fabrication of dental appliances. Preferably the structural components are fabricated of a fiber-reinforced composite material or a particulate-filled composite material comprising fibers or particulate filler impregnated with a polymeric matrix. The polymeric matrix is partially or fully cured to the point of sufficient hardness to provide a ready-to-use structural component for use in the fabrication of dental appliances such as orthodontic retainers, bridges, space maintainers, tooth replacement appliances, splints, crowns, partial crowns, dentures, posts, teeth, jackets, inlays, onlays, facings, veneers, facets, implants, abutments, cylinders, and connectors.Type: GrantFiled: October 26, 2001Date of Patent: January 25, 2005Assignee: Pentron CorporationInventors: Ajit Karmaker, Martin L. Schulman, Arun Prasad
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Patent number: 6821462Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: September 5, 2001Date of Patent: November 23, 2004Assignee: Jeneric/Pentron, Inc.Inventors: Martin L. Schulman, Carlino Panzera
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Patent number: 6821898Abstract: A method is provided for fabricating a multi-layer microfluidic device on a base. A first layer is positioned on the base in a spaced relationship thereto so as to define a construction cavity therebetween. The first layer has a passageway therethrough which communicates with the construction cavity. A mask is positioned between the construction cavity and an ultraviolet source. The mask corresponds to a channel to be formed in the construction cavity. The construction cavity is filled with material and a portion of the material is polymerized within the construction cavity so as to solidify the same. The solidified material defines the channel. Thereafter, the material is flushed from the channel in the construction cavity.Type: GrantFiled: September 14, 2001Date of Patent: November 23, 2004Assignee: Wisconsin Alumni Research FoundationInventors: David J. Beebe, Glennys A. Mensing
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Publication number: 20040214141Abstract: The ceramic builder based investment is coloured to simulate naturally prepared tooth dentin. Upon final set, the solid refractory dies are fired to enable them to receive porcelain. The expansion and contraction of the refractory die upon temperature fluctuations, is correlated with the corresponding porcelains' expansion. This correlation of the materials enables the restoration to maintain proper form and shape through multiple firings. The primary basis of this invention is the ability to colour (chromatize) individual refractory dies to simulate natural prepared teeth from the dentist.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 22, 2003Publication date: October 28, 2004Inventor: James Richard Neuber
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Publication number: 20040213869Abstract: There are currently milling machines in dental laboratories that take blank blocks of ceramic and mill them into replacement teeth based upon CAD specifications. However, no option currently exists to make the replacement teeth out of anything but ceramic. Thus, I have invented a molded form to make composite blank blocks which are less expensive than ceramic blocks and thus offer an option for the patient.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 21, 2002Publication date: October 28, 2004Inventor: Ward Crisp Whitaker
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Patent number: 6808659Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: October 22, 2001Date of Patent: October 26, 2004Assignee: Jeneric/Pentron IncorporatedInventors: Martin L. Schulman, Carlino Panzera
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Patent number: 6802894Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: June 25, 2002Date of Patent: October 12, 2004Assignee: Jeneric/Pentron IncorporatedInventors: Dmitri Brodkin, Carlino Panzera, Paul Panzera
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Publication number: 20040197739Abstract: The invention concerns dental prostheses. It concerns a method for making a dental prosthesis of composite material by forming an adhesive interface between a metallic support and a cured ceramic material less than 3 mm thick, forming an intermediate interface by treating the surface of a ceramic material with an organic silane, and forming an adhesive interface of the reconstructing mass by treating the silane with an adhesive material compatible with the composite material. The intermediate interface is prepared by an etching operation in conditions liable to form cracks or embrittle the ceramics. The invention is applicable to dental prostheses made of composite material.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 20, 2004Publication date: October 7, 2004Inventor: Alain Fournet
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Patent number: 6790035Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for forming a pontic in a polymeric shell dental appliance, including providing a polymeric shell dental appliance of the type which is removably placeable over a patient's dentition, said shell having a concave trough which conforms to the teeth when the appliance is placed over the dentition and a location in the trough corresponding to a missing tooth; and depositing a flexible, durably affixed material in the location to form the pontic.Type: GrantFiled: September 28, 2001Date of Patent: September 14, 2004Assignee: Align Technology, Inc.Inventors: Robert E. Tricca, Eric Kuo, Peter G. Knopp, Choi Woncheol, Craig R. Bruns
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Patent number: 6769912Abstract: In a device for the automatic production of dental replacement parts, a blank 13 is fitted in a substantially plate-shaped carrier body 10 which is so dimensioned that the blank 13 does not exceed the carrier body 10 in any direction. The carrier body 10 serves not only for holding the blank 13 in the working machine but also for protecting it during its automatic handling in magazines or the like. The carrier body 10 is provided with a bar code 20 which relates to the material and dimensions of the blank 13 and may identify data according to which the blank 13 is to be worked The bar code 20 is adapted to be changed by the working machine so as to prevent the carrier body 10 from being reused with the same or a different blank 13.Type: GrantFiled: June 13, 2002Date of Patent: August 3, 2004Assignee: 3M ESPE AGInventors: Martin Beuschel, Erich Huber, Erich Sendelbach, Olaf Schäfer
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Patent number: 6761760Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: June 12, 2002Date of Patent: July 13, 2004Assignee: Pentron CorporationInventors: Dmitri Brodkin, Carlino Panzera, Paul Panzera
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Patent number: 6740267Abstract: A method of preparing a ceramic artificial crown by applying at least one kind of dental porcelain onto the surface of a ceramic core molded by heating and softening a ceramic material and putting it into a mold with the application of a pressure followed by firing; wherein said mold is the one formed by burning a wax pattern after having removed a crucible former from an assembly which makes it possible to efficiently prepare a fully ceramic artificial crown of a high quality in a short period of time.Type: GrantFiled: May 14, 2001Date of Patent: May 25, 2004Assignee: Tokuyama CorporationInventors: Masato Sekino, Masaaki Ushioda, Kyoichi Fujinami, Osamu Iwamoto
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Publication number: 20040004302Abstract: An adaptation device and method for molding a dental material to a die in the preparation of a dental coping with the die having the shape of a tooth to be restored and with said dental material placed over said die. The adaptation device includes a base for placement of the die, a cover mounted on the base over the die to form an enclosed chamber, an inlet opening extending through the cover into communication with the chamber, a source of a gaseous fluid connected to the inlet opening for pressurizing the chamber, an outlet opening extending through the base in proximity to said die and diaphragm means removably positioned in the chamber to surround the die and to isolate the outlet opening from the chamber such that upon pressurizing the chamber the diaphragm is caused to collapse about the die and to apply a uniform pressure over the dental material for adapting the dental material to the die.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 29, 2001Publication date: January 8, 2004Inventors: Itzhak Shoher, Ahqron Whiteman
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Patent number: 6669875Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: December 18, 2000Date of Patent: December 30, 2003Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: Darin J. Meyertholen, Robert M. Biegler, Ryan B. Quast, Dean K. Reidt, John R. Cheney
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Patent number: 6660194Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: November 6, 2000Date of Patent: December 9, 2003Assignee: GC CorporationInventor: Akishi Arita
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Patent number: 6638069Abstract: Shaping cap made of ceramic, metal or plastic material, which is suitable as a solid constituent of dental pin structures.Type: GrantFiled: August 21, 2001Date of Patent: October 28, 2003Assignee: Ivoclar Vivadent AGInventors: Konrad Hagenbuch, Gerhard Zanghellini
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Publication number: 20030183964Abstract: High strength ceramic components for use in dental applications are provided wherein one or more layers of ceramic material is disposed on a high strength ceramic component to provide a dental restoration. The ceramic material may be applied in the form of powder, putty, tape a pellet.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 17, 2003Publication date: October 2, 2003Inventors: Gregg Daskalon, Dmitri Brodkin, Ajit Karmaker, Elie Zammarieh, Martin L. Schulman, Arun Prasad, Carlino Panzera, Paul Panzera
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Patent number: 6617043Abstract: The dental bonding material of the present invention comprises a composition of precious metal particles consisting essentially of high fusing temperature metal particles having a melting temperature above at least about 1200° C. in a size range between 1 micron and 150 microns and low fusing temperature metal particles having a melting temperature below about 1080° C. with or without a suitable carrier for coating or brushing the dental bonding material upon the surface of a metal framework or coping. The dental bonding material may further include a conventional flux preferably containing the element boron in a concentration of between 0 and 5% by weight of the dental material. It is essential to heat treat the bonding-material after it is coated on the metal surface at a temperature below the melting temperature of the high fusing temperature metal particles and high enough to cause a partial melting of the low fusing temperature metal particles but not a complete melting thereof.Type: GrantFiled: November 26, 2001Date of Patent: September 9, 2003Inventors: Itzhak Shoher, Aharon E Whiteman
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Patent number: 6613273Abstract: Dental restorations are fabricated using metal powder. Preferably, the metal powder is a high fusing metal and preferably, the metal powder comprises a non-oxidizing metal. The metal powder is applied to a die and is covered with a covering material such as a refractory die material preferably in the form of a flowable paste. A second covering material may be sprinkled or dusted onto the paste. The model is then dried prior to firing. After drying, the model is sintered to provide a high strength metal restoration. After sintering, the outer shell can be broken off easily with one's hand to expose the sintered coping.Type: GrantFiled: January 10, 2001Date of Patent: September 2, 2003Assignee: Jeneric/Pentron IncorporatedInventors: Gregg Daskalon, Arun Prasad, Denise L. North, Elie Zammarieh
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Publication number: 20030153645Abstract: The invention provides a dental composition including filler and a polymerizable dental material selected from the group consisting of wax-like polymerizable dental material and restorative paste wax polymerizable dental material. The dental composition is useful as restorative material and for making artificial teeth, crowns and bridges of high strength dental polymeric material.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 2, 2003Publication date: August 14, 2003Inventors: Benjamin Sun , Andrew M Lichkus
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Publication number: 20030138756Abstract: An assortment of manufactured teeth are disclosed which are fabricated according to their function and color. The outer dimensions of the teeth, especially in the marginal area, are larger than those of a prepared tooth. The teeth are preferably made of plastic, ceramic or hybrid materials. Adjacent teeth can be interconnected in the manner of a bridge. A method for preparing manufactured teeth is also disclosed in which the fabricated tooth is clamped in a device which virtually correlates the same to the situation of the prepared tooth. The inner fit to the prepared teeth is produced by milling out the lumen. The outer fit is produced by milling down until the preparation limit is reached. A clearance fit with a marginal range of less than 100 &mgr;m is preferably provided. A clearance fit with a marginal range of less than 200 &mgr;m is preferably provided in the inner area.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 22, 2002Publication date: July 24, 2003Inventor: Ulrich Monkmeyer
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Publication number: 20030122270Abstract: 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 25°-600° C.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 12, 2002Publication date: July 3, 2003Inventors: Dmitri Brodkin, Carlino Panzera, Paul Panzera
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Publication number: 20030108843Abstract: An articulator for adjusting and fabricating a dental restoration has a proximal counter, occlusal counter and laboratory die. The method of using the articulator provides an accurate, extraoral adjustment of the dental restoration.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 13, 2003Publication date: June 12, 2003Inventors: Jack J. Tucker, David A. Tucker
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Publication number: 20030096214Abstract: The invention is based on the object of providing a method to produce a tooth restoration, in particular a tight-fitting ceramic tooth restoration, in which under avoidance of a hard-worked ceramic material and with a minimum of method steps, the outer shape of the ceramic tooth restoration being in opposition to the buccal cavity including the gradually thinning down restoration edge is manufactured in its final shape, whereby the sintering shrinkage is being taken into consideration.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 5, 2002Publication date: May 22, 2003Inventors: Ralph Gunnar Luthardt, Volker Herold, Martina Johannes, Olaf Sandkuhl
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Patent number: 6533969Abstract: Process for the manufacture of dental restorations using high strength ceramic components. A wax pattern is built around a high strength ceramic component on a die. The wax pattern with the high strength ceramic component is surrounded with investment material. The wax is burned out, leaving a mold with the high strength ceramic component. The mold is filled with a ceramic material, covering the high strength ceramic component, creating a dental restoration.Type: GrantFiled: September 26, 2000Date of Patent: March 18, 2003Assignee: Jeneric/Pentron, Inc.Inventors: Gregg Daskalon, Dmitri Brodkin, Ajit Karmaker, Elie Zammarieh, Martin L. Schulman, Arun Prasad, Carlino Panzera, Paul Panzera
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Patent number: 6517623Abstract: 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 quenched (e.g., water quenched or roller quenched) or cast into steel molds, or alternately, cooled to the crystallization temperature. The resulting glass is heat-treated to form a glass-ceramic via a one or two step heat-treatment cycle preferably in the temperature range of about 400° to about 1100° C.Type: GrantFiled: August 17, 2000Date of Patent: February 11, 2003Assignee: Jeneric/Pentron, Inc.Inventors: Dmitri Brodkin, Carlino Panzera, Paul Panzera
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Patent number: 6506054Abstract: An automated method for forming a dental coping which comprises: scanning a three dimensional image of the die of the tooth or teeth to be restored; digitizing the scanned three dimensional image into digital information, storing the digital information in a computer; feeding the digital information from the computer into a computerized numerical control cutting machine; cutting out a section of material of metallic composition into a two dimensional configuration representing a two dimensional lay out of the scanned three dimensional image, adapting the cut out section of material over the die so that the material covers the die surface in close engagement therewith to form a single three dimensional structure having the shape of the die and heat treating the structure into a coping conforming in shape to the die.Type: GrantFiled: March 20, 2001Date of Patent: January 14, 2003Inventors: Itzhak Shoher, Aharon E. Whiteman
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Publication number: 20020187457Abstract: An artificial tooth is provided that includes a cutting mass brought into hardened condition by light polymerization, a tooth bone mass brought into hardened condition by light polymerization, and a base mass. Those masses bordering one another are intensively interconnected with one another. The process for producing an artificial tooth includes subjecting the cutting mass disposed in a mold to light polymerization, subsequently disposing the tooth bone mass on the first mass while the cutting mass is still disposed in the mold, and subjecting the tooth bone mass to light polymerization with light passed through the mold and the cutting mass disposed in the mold.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 20, 2002Publication date: December 12, 2002Applicant: Ivoclar Vivadent AGInventors: Walter Oswald, Edward Tenschert
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Patent number: 6488503Abstract: A process for producing an artificial tooth comprising: injection molding polymerizable material into a mold to form an outer external polymeric layer. Then injection molding polymerizable material into the mold to form an inner polymeric layer applied on the first external layer. Then injection molding polymerizable material into the mold to form a solid core applied on the inner external layer.Type: GrantFiled: December 12, 2000Date of Patent: December 3, 2002Assignee: Dentsply Research & Development Corp.Inventors: Andrew M. Lichkus, Wayne C. Bollinger, Scott E. Shaffer
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Publication number: 20020175430Abstract: 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.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 25, 2002Publication date: November 28, 2002Inventor: James R. Glidewell
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Patent number: 6482284Abstract: A mill blank assembly for making a dental prosthesis includes a milling section and a support section. The support section is adapted to fit in a chuck or collet of a milling machine. One of the milling section and the support section includes a projection that extends into a recess of the other, in order to enhance the strength of the bond between the milling section and the support section. As a result, the completed assembly is less likely to fracture or become disassembled during the milling process.Type: GrantFiled: August 31, 2000Date of Patent: November 19, 2002Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: Dean K. Reidt, Darin J. Meyertholen, John R. Cheney, Robert M. Biegler, Robert E. Brunsell
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Publication number: 20020150864Abstract: An injection molded dental crown formed of an acetal homopolymer resin.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 11, 2001Publication date: October 17, 2002Inventor: Uri L. Zilberman
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Patent number: 6455451Abstract: 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 quenched (e.g., water quenched or roller quenched) or cast into steel molds, or alternately, cooled to the crystallization temperature. The resulting glass is heat-treated to form a glass-ceramic via a one or two step heat-treatment cycle preferably in the temperature range of about 400° to about 1100° C.Type: GrantFiled: December 10, 1999Date of Patent: September 24, 2002Assignee: Jeneric/Pentron, Inc.Inventors: Dmitri Brodkin, Carlino Panzera, Paul Panzera
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Publication number: 20020125592Abstract: 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 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.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 22, 2001Publication date: September 12, 2002Inventors: Martin L. Schulman, Carlino Panzera
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Publication number: 20020102519Abstract: A method and article for fabricating gold crown tooth restorations by a novel modification of the lost wax process utilizes mold pattern pre-forms each having a generally cylindrically-shaped base made of material such as wax which is capable of having formed therein and retain an accurate impression of a tooth stump. The pre-form base is surmounted by a hollow cap made of a shape-retaining material such as tin, and a plurality of pre-forms are preferably provided, each having a different exterior shape and size which replicates a tooth of a particular type and size. A pre-form having a shape and size suitable for a particular restoration is selected from the plurality of pre-forms, and the base of the pre-form pressed against a tooth stump to form an impression of the stump in the base, thus converting the preform into a restoration casting pattern for casting a restoration. The pattern is then invested into a semi-liquid slurry of mold material, which is allowed to solidify into a mold.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 26, 2001Publication date: August 1, 2002Inventors: Lloyd Baum, Bruce Walter
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Publication number: 20020079600Abstract: The invention provides a method for the manufacture of a dental restoration including the steps of forming a model of refractory material of a tooth, and forming, by flame spraying directly on to said refractory model, a base layer of predetermined thickness of said restoration, said refractory model being cooled during the formation of said base layer. The refractory model is subjected to burn out, and optionally hardening heat treatment, and one or more layers of dental porcelain are applied to the base layer following sintering of said base layer.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 20, 1999Publication date: June 27, 2002Inventors: PHILIP ANTHONY EVANS, PAUL HARRISON, NICHOLAS RAYMOND IAN YOUNG
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Publication number: 20020081546Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for forming a pontic in a polymeric shell dental appliance, including providing a polymeric shell dental appliance of the type which is removably placeable over a patient's dentition, said shell having a concave trough which conforms to the teeth when the appliance is placed over the dentition and a location in the trough corresponding to a missing tooth; and depositing a flexible, durably affixed material in the location to form the pontic.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 28, 2001Publication date: June 27, 2002Applicant: Align Technology, Inc.Inventors: Robert E. Tricca, Eric Kuo, Peter G. Knopp, Choi Woncheol, Craig R. Burns
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Patent number: 6398990Abstract: The invention provides a method for the manufacture of a dental restoration including the steps of forming a model of refractory material of a tooth, and forming, by flame spraying directly on to said refractory model, a base layer of predetermined thickness of said restoration, said refractory model being cooled during the formation of said base layer. The refractory model is subjected to burn out, and optionally hardening heat treatment, and one or more layers of dental porcelain are applied to the base layer following sintering of said base layer.Type: GrantFiled: December 20, 1999Date of Patent: June 4, 2002Assignee: Techceram LimitedInventors: Philip Anthony Evans, Paul Harrison, Nicholas Raymond Ian Young
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Patent number: 6379593Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for producing a multicolored shaped body for further processing to form a dental restoration, and to a device for carrying out the method.Type: GrantFiled: April 6, 1998Date of Patent: April 30, 2002Assignee: Mega-Physik GmbH Co. KGInventors: Gabriele Datzmann, Regina Kuhnert, Michael Neumann