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: A curing apparatus wherein rapid curing is provided by using light, pressure, pressure and light, or purge, pressure and light to cure resinous materials by application of energy from an external source to excite polymerization in a polymerizable system. An air-tight chamber is provided to house the polymerizable dental material. The apparatus provides an automated system for curing the polymerizable material under light and pressure in the same unit. A purge cycle may be included to minimize or eliminate bubbles and provide an oxygen-free atmosphere.

Abstract: A curing apparatus providing rapid curing by using light, pressure, pressure and light, or purge, pressure and light to cure resinous materials by application of energy from an external source to excite polymerization in a polymerizable system. A curing chamber is provided to house the polymerizable dental material. The apparatus utilizes light emitting diodes (LEDs) to radiate energy to polymerize the dental materials. The LEDs are positioned optimally within the curing apparatus to provide efficient, effective polymerization of the dental materials.

Abstract: A dental post comprising a rod fabricated of fiber-reinforced composite material. The rod comprises a plurality of frustoconical sections arranged coaxially along the longitudinal axis of the rod. Preferably the rod has consistent width along the longitudinal axis wherein the frustoconical sections each have the same tapered width and same length. The number of frustoconical units per rod can vary. The frustoconical sections may vary in shape. Moreover, the rod may include a channel therein extending along the longitudinal axis thereof. The rod may also include one or more grooves extending along the surface thereof.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for producing dental restorations for teeth that need to be restored. In the process, a first set of data points is retrieved from a tooth or an image of the tooth to be restored. The tooth is prepared by the dentist and a second set of data points is retrieved from the tooth or an image of the tooth. The second set of points is compared to the first set of points to obtain a third set of points. The dental restoration is milled from dental material based on the image resulting from the third set of data points.

Abstract: A dental porcelain composition comprises an amorphous glass phase with a maturing temperature less than about 850° C., wherein the amorphous glass phase, in one embodiment, comprises: 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.