Abstract: A method and apparatus for making a denture base disc that is used subsequently to form a removable denture. A vessel with an elastomeric lining is used to form the denture base disc so that the compression of the elastomeric material is approximately equivalent to the shrinkage of the denture base disc material during its polymerization. The vessel and elastomeric lining contained therein work cooperatively to cause the denture base disc to cure in a homogenous manner with consistent pressure on all sides so that residual stresses in the finished disc are minimized.

Abstract: A device for making artificial teeth for a denture. The device is comprised of a nest comprised of a lower portion formed of a rigid material and having an upper planar surface, and an upper portion contiguous with the upper planar surface of the lower portion, and formed of an elastomeric material and configured to receive a plurality of the artificial teeth and hold the teeth in predetermined positions relative to the upper planar surface. A method for making artificial teeth using the nest and a fixative applied thereto is also disclosed. The method may include milling of the artificial teeth by a CAD-CAM operated mill.

Abstract: A method of molding artificial teeth in denture base material comprising forming a U-shaped cavity in a block of denture base material, forming socket cavities in the bottom of the U-shaped cavity, casting a fluid artificial tooth material into the cavities, and causing the fluid tooth material to solidify into solid artificial tooth material while applying pressure. Causing the solidification may include heating the fluid tooth material. The method may include casting a liquid elastomer into a bottom portion of the U-shaped cavity following forming that cavity and prior to the forming the socket cavities, curing the liquid elastomer into a solid elastomeric cushion, and removing the cushion from the U-shaped cavity. Subsequently, the cushion may be inserted into the U-shaped cavity and contacted with the fluid tooth material. A die may then be contacted with the cushion to apply pressure to it and the fluid tooth material during curing.

Abstract: Dental prostheses and methods for making them are disclosed. In one embodiment, a method comprises a sequence of steps including milling a cavity in a block of a coping material, filling the cavity with a green ceramic material, milling a portion of the green ceramic material away to leave a layer of green ceramic material on an occlusal surface formed in the coping material, milling the underside of the block of coping material to form the coping with green ceramic material, and sintering the coping with green ceramic material to complete the prosthesis. The milling steps may be performed by a computer-controlled mill. The computer may execute a CAD-CAM program that includes data from a three dimensional model of a tooth that is to receive the prosthesis. The dental prosthesis may be a dental crown or a dental bridge.

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

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