Abstract: Solid free form fabrication techniques can be utilized indirectly to manufacture substrates, dies, models, near-net shapes, shells, and wax-ups that are then used in the manufacture of dental articles. Digital light processing is the most preferred indirect method for the production of substrates. After the substrates are produced, various coating or deposition techniques such as gel casting, slip casting, slurry casting, pressure infiltration, dipping, colloidal spray deposition or electrophoretic deposition are used to manufacture the dental article.

Abstract: Solid free form fabrication techniques can be utilized indirectly to manufacture substrates, dies, models, near-net shapes, shells, and wax-ups that are then used in the manufacture of dental articles. Digital light processing is the most preferred indirect method for the production of substrates. After the substrates are produced, various coating or deposition techniques such as gel casting, slip casting, slurry casting, pressure infiltration, dipping, colloidal spray deposition or electrophoretic deposition are used to manufacture the dental article.

Abstract: Dental alloys are provided having a coefficient of thermal expansion in the range from about 8 to about 18×10−6/° C. in the temperature range of 25-500° C. and melting temperatures above about 800° C. but below about 1500° C. The alloys contain gold in combination with a small amount of chromium and/or tantalum. Other elements may also be included with the gold and chromium and/or tantalum to provide the necessary forming, melting, and mechanical properties required to manufacture the desired dental restoration.

Abstract: The dental alloys herein are formulated from a combination of palladium, silver and platinum and a small amount of one or more of indium, gallium, tin, germanium, zinc and manganese. The alloys may also contain one or more of gold, iridium, ruthenium, rhodium, rhenium, titanium, aluminum, silicon, hafnium, boron, and/or calcium. The alloys are particularly useful as substrate components for dental restorative materials 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. The substrate may be defined as a main component of the dental restoration having one or more layers of material thereon, or as the complete restoration with no other material thereon.

Abstract: Dental alloys are provided having a coefficient of thermal expansion in the range from about 8 to about 18×10 −6/° C. in the temperature range of 25-500° C. and melting temperatures above about 800° C. but below about 1500° C. The alloys contain gold in combination with a small amount of chromium and/or tantalum. Other elements may also be included with the gold and chromium and/or tantalum to provide the necessary forming, melting, and mechanical properties required to manufacture the desired dental restoration.

Abstract: The present invention relates to unique dental structures such as bridges and crowns. The bridge comprises a structural component such as a fiber reinforced polymeric matrix bar disposed within interproximal cavities located in the distal occlusal surface of the mesial abutment tooth and the mesial occlusal surface of the distal abutment tooth. A structural wrap and/or occlusal strip comprising fibers embedded within a polymeric matrix can also be employed where the wrap is attached to one or both abutment teeth and one or both sides of the structural component. The occlusal strip is attached to the occlusal surface of both of the abutment teeth, spans the edentulous area, and is attached to the top surface of the structural component. Meanwhile, the crown comprises a wrap disposed around and adhered to a damaged natural tooth and may have an occlusal strip adhered to the occlusal surface of the natural tooth where the wrap is disposed around the edge of the occlusal strip.

Abstract: A cobalt-chromium alloy consisting essentially of:______________________________________ Element Weight Percent ______________________________________ Cobalt 50-70 Chromium 25-35 Molybdenum 2-10 Manganese 0-2 Carbon 0-0.1 ______________________________________and(i) from about 1 to about 6% silicon or(ii) from about 2 to about 6% silicon and from about 0.1 to about 1.5% boron with the proviso that the combined amount of silicon and boron is greater than or equal to 3% or(iii) from about 1 to about 6% aluminum or(iv) from about 1 to about 6% silicon and from about 1 to about 6% aluminum with the proviso that the combined amount of silicon and aluminum is less than about 8% or(v) from about 1 to about 6% silicon, from about 0.1 to about 1.5% boron and from about 1 to about 6% aluminum with the proviso that the combined amount of silicon and aluminum is less than about 8%, said alloy constituents totalling 100%.