Abstract: A hand-held microwave system for intra-oral dentistry utilizes microwave energy to cure polymer materials intra-orally so as to produce dental composites having improved physical characteristics, and also utilizes microwave energy to detect the presence of and to preferentially heat caries or cavities, thereby disinfecting and therapeutically treating the caries in a potentially non-invasive manner. The intra-oral polymerization process can be accomplished with less overall energy and with composite-matrices that maximally absorb the microwave energy so as to reduce heating of adjacent tissue. The antenna of a hand-held version of the intra-oral microwave system is also advantageously designed to detect the presence of and to preferentially heat caries or cavities, thereby disinfecting and therapeutically treating the caries in a potentially non-invasive manner. A method and product by process for the system are also disclosed.

Abstract: A hand-held microwave system for intra-oral dentistry utilizes microwave energy to cure polymer materials intra-orally so as to produce dental composites having improved physical characteristics, and also utilizes microwave energy to detect the presence of and to preferentially heat caries or cavities, thereby disinfecting and therapeutically treating the caries in a potentially non-invasive manner. The intra-oral polymerization process can be accomplished with less overall energy and with composite-matrices that maximally absorb the microwave energy so as to reduce heating of adjacent tissue. The antenna of a hand-held version of the intra-oral microwave system is also advantageously designed to detect the presence of and to preferentially heat caries or cavities, thereby disinfecting and therapeutically treating the caries in a potentially non-invasive manner. A method and product by process for the system are also disclosed.

Abstract: A microwave polymerization system for dentistry utilizes specifically controlled microwave energy to cure polymer materials so as to produce dental prosthetics, such as dentures, bridges and crowns, that are made in an extra-oral setting such as a dental laboratory or dental office, and to create dental composites for fillings and veneers that are used in an intra-oral setting directly in the patient's mouth. Unlike the microwave energy delivered by commercial microwave ovens, the system utilizes metered and controlled microwave energy that is preferably continuous and voltage controlled, and regulates the application of this microwave energy by use of various feedback and control mechanisms. The metered and controlled microwave energy enables a higher degree of conversion of monomers into polymer chains in the polymerization process, thereby enhancing the physical and biocompatibility characteristics of both dental prosthetics and dental composites made from polymers.

Abstract: A microwave polymerization system for dentistry utilizes specifically controlled microwave energy to cure polymer materials so as to produce dental prosthetics, such as dentures, bridges and crowns, that are made in an extra-oral setting such as a dental laboratory or dental office, and to create dental composites for fillings and veneers that are used in an intra-oral setting directly in the patient's mouth. Unlike the microwave energy delivered by commercial microwave ovens, the system utilizes metered and controlled microwave energy that is preferably continuous and voltage controlled, and regulates the application of this microwave energy by use of various feedback and control mechanisms. The metered and controlled microwave energy enables a higher degree of conversion of monomers into polymer chains in the polymerization process, thereby enhancing the physical and biocompatibility characteristics of both dental prosthetics and dental composites made from polymers.

Abstract: A microwave polymerization system for dentistry utilizes specifically controlled microwave energy to cure polymer materials so as to produce dental prosthetics, such as dentures, bridges and crowns, that are made in an extra-oral setting such as a dental laboratory or dental office, and to create dental composites for fillings and veneers that are used in an intra-oral setting directly in the patient's mouth. Unlike the microwave energy delivered by commercial microwave ovens which is controlled by pulsing a maximum voltage pulse on and off at a given duty cycle, the system utilizes metered and controlled microwave energy that is preferably continuous and voltage controlled, and regulates the application of this microwave energy by use of various feedback and control mechanisms.

Abstract: A hand-held microwave system for intra-oral dentistry utilizes microwave energy to cure polymer materials intra-orally so as to produce dental composites having improved physical characteristics, and also utilizes microwave energy to detect the presence of and to preferentially heat caries or cavities, thereby disinfecting and therapeutically treating the caries in a potentially non-invasive manner. The intra-oral polymerization process can be accomplished with less overall energy and with composite-matrices that maximally absorb the microwave energy so as to reduce heating of adjacent tissue. The antenna of a hand-held version of the intra-oral microwave system is also advantageously designed to detect the presence of and to preferentially heat caries or cavities, thereby disinfecting and therapeutically treating the caries in a potentially non-invasive manner. A method and product by process for the system are also disclosed.

Abstract: A hand-held microwave system for intra-oral dentistry utilizes microwave energy to cure polymer materials intra-orally so as to produce dental composites having improved physical characteristics, and also utilizes microwave energy to detect the presence of and to preferentially heat caries or cavities, thereby disinfecting and therapeutically treating the caries in a potentially non-invasive manner. The intra-oral polymerization process can be accomplished with less overall energy and with composite-matrices that maximally absorb the microwave energy so as to reduce heating of adjacent tissue. The antenna of a hand-held version of the intra-oral microwave system is also advantageously designed to detect the presence of and to preferentially heat caries or cavities, thereby disinfecting and therapeutically treating the caries in a potentially non-invasive manner. A method and product by process for the system are also disclosed.