Abstract: The object of this invention is to provide a pin-retained inlay bridge and process of making and fitting such a bridge to a patient. This inlay bridge (100) is firmly fixed to the abutment teeth (200) using a plurality of tapered pins (p) driven into the pinholes (220) of the teeth (200) through the locking holes (121) of the inlays (120) of the bridge (100) after bonding the inlays (120) to the inlay cavities (210) of the teeth (200). This bridge (100) thus minimizes the size of the inlay cavities (210). This bridge thus protects the abutment teeth, and prevents the abutment teeth from being decayed by food which gets stuck between the bridge and the abutment teeth. The present invention also simplifies the process of making and fitting such inlay bridges as well as reduces the operational cost during a dental treatment using bridges.

Abstract: A prosthodontic assembly comprises a restoration having a cavity defined by a first surface and an abutment positioned within the cavity. The assembly further comprises a plurality of standoffs positioned in between the first surface and the abutment to provide a gap. Methods for forming the restoration are also disclosed.

Abstract: Ready-to-use preshaped, prefabricated cured components and hybrid 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 comprising fibers 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 The component of claim 1 wherein the dental appliance system is selected from the group consisting of orthodontic retainers, bridges, space maintainers, tooth replacement appliances, splints, crowns, partial crowns, dentures, posts, teeth, jackets, inlays, onlays, facings, veneers, facets, implants, cylinders, abutments, pins and connectors.

Abstract: There are several techniques that are recommended for removal of cement after cementation of castings, veneers, and all ceramic units. With the introduction of resin and resin ionomer cements and their inherent hardness after setting, removal of excess cement has become more difficult. To determine by means of an in vitro study whether the marginal integrity and seal of indirectly fabricated restorations cemented with a resin-based cement are affected by the technique of cement removal. Materials & Methods. Chamfer preparations were made on extracted human teeth. Impressions of the preparations were pour in die stone and wax patterns were fabricated and cast in gold using conventional laboratory techniques. A resin cement was used for cementation and 5 techniques (three castings per technique) were employed for removal of excess cement. After cementation the samples were immersed in methylene blue dye solution for 24 hours and sectioned.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: The invention relates to novel cyclic siloxane compounds of the following general formula (I): in which: n=0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 preferably 1, 2, 3, 4, 5; A=H or C1-C15 alk(en)yl, C3-C15 cycloalk(en)yl, C6-C12 aryl, C8-C18 alkaryl, where, in the said radicals, in each case one or more C atoms can be replaced by O, C═O, O(C═O), SiR2 and/or NR, R being an aliphatic radical with 1 to 7 C atoms, in which one or more C atoms can be replaced by O, C═O, and/or O(C═O); B=E or a linear, branched or polycyclic aliphatic- or aromatic-groups-containing hydrocarbon radical which links 2 to 10 of the cyclosiloxane radicals defined above, less B, to one another and contains 2 to 50 C atoms and additionally 0 to 30 other atoms from the group O, N, S, P, Si, Cl, F, Br, I and from which correspondingly 1 to 9, preferably 1 to 4 of the above defined cyclosiloxane radicals, less B, are pending; E=A or a polymerizable group G—Q—L, where o

Abstract: An adhesive for dentures comprising a paste-like carrier substance to which hydrocolloids are admixed. In order to obtain an adhesive which is entirely benign from a health viewpoint, the carrier substance consists of honey mixed with alcohol.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of reducing, controlling, inhibiting, preventing, protecting against, or minimizing calculus, tartar, plaque, or stain, in the oral cavity, by applying a denture adhesive composition to the oral cavity, the denture adhesive composition comprising: (a) a safe and effective adhesive amount of a denture adhesive component; and (b) a safe and effective amount of a non-aqueous denture adhesive carrier.

Abstract: The invention provides a dental device comprising thermoplastic polyamide having a Charpy notched impact strength of at least 3.5 ft-lb/in2. Preferably the polyamide comprises at least 10 percent by weight of micro-crystals having a largest dimension less than 750 nanometers. Preferably the device is a Denture base, denture, partial denture, clasp, splint, or night guard. Preferably, the polyamide has an opacity of less than 30 percent. The invention provides a metal cartridge container containing particles of thermoplastic polyamide effectively free of pigment. The metal cartridge is used in a method of making a partial dental prosthesis having a substantially transparent clasp. First a substantially transparent thermoplastic is injected into a first portion of a mold cavity of a mold containing an artificial tooth, and then a substantially opaque thermoplastic injecting into a second portion of the mold cavity.

Abstract: Disclosed is a dental prosthesis.

Abstract: A method for processing a glass fiber material, wherein the glass fiber material has been heat treated at a temperature less than or equal to the annealing temperature of the glass for a length of time effective to prevent separation and fraying of the edges of the material upon cutting.

Abstract: A ceramic tooth restoration has two neighboring ceramic tooth replacement elements each having a recess. A connecting member is placed into the recesses. A glass paste is provided for anchoring the connecting member in the recesses by sintering at a temperature below approximately 800° C.

Abstract: A prosthodontic assembly comprises a restoration having a cavity defined by a first surface and an abutment positioned within the cavity. The assembly further comprises a plurality of standoffs positioned in between the first surface and the abutment to provide a gap. Methods for forming the restoration are also disclosed.

Abstract: A permanent dental bridge comprised entirely of one or more types of dental composite material may be constructed directly, i.e., without laboratory assistance, either in situ or ex situ, without reduction of the abutment teeth. The direct composite bridge comprises one or more composite pontics, integrally laminated attachment portions and substructure, and optional embedded reinforcement materials. In the in situ process, composite material is applied between abutment teeth in the patient's mouth, attachment portions are formed from the composite material, those attachment portions respectively attaching to corresponding surfaces on the abutment teeth, and the composite material is cured. The steps of application and curing of composite material are successively repeated until a completed dental bridge, including a pontic portion, is formed entirely within the patient's mouth.

Abstract: A denture adhesive liner contains a foamed, flexible, polymeric, self supporting layer that supports a denture adhesive and, optionally, a material for adhering the liner to a denture. The foamed self supporting layer helps provide better cushioning and a more effective gasket for the denture adhesive liner.

Abstract: A denture adhesive composition is disclosed and comprises a polymeric activator in an amount of up to about 3 percent by weight based on the total weight of the denture adhesive composition. This composition exhibits enhanced adhesive performance and reduces oozing and incidence of food occlusion. Also disclosed is a method of preparing a denture adhesive composition comprising: preparing a mixture which comprises a polymeric activator in an amount of up to about 3 percent by weight based on the total weight of the denture adhesive composition; forming a denture adhesive composition including the mixture; and recovering the denture adhesive composition. A method of making a denture adhesive composition more adhesive and less oozing is disclosed as well. This method comprises adding to the denture adhesive composition a polymeric activator in an amount of up to about 3 percent by weight based on the total weight of the denture adhesive composition.

Abstract: A dental device for use as a fixed bridge, splint or removable prosthesis attachment. The device includes a bench framework adapted to be bonded to an internal axial surface of a tooth cavity preparation. The device may include one or more pontics for securing between adjacent natural teeth. The device may further include two members having mating wells for holding magnets to provide a removable prosthesis.

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 base material impregnated 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, and a support element of woven fibers and polymeric base material. The support element can span the endentulous area, wrap around the structural component, and provide support for the veneer on the pontic.

Abstract: 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 comprising fibers 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.

Abstract: An adhesive for bonding items includes magnetic particles dispersed therein. Removal is enhanced by applying varying magnetic fields near the adhesive. Magnetic locking elements are biased to engage a catch portion. Removal is effected by urging the magnetic elements out of the catch portion by application of magnetic fields of opposite polarity.

Abstract: A denture adhesive comprising a copolymer salt at least partially cross-linked by lysine, histidine, arginine, nontoxic derivatives or family members of lysine, histidine or arginine and mixtures thereof.

Abstract: A hybrid fiber-reinforced structural component for dental restorations, wherein the hybrid reinforcing fibers comprise a core having a composite sheath bonded thereto. Preferably, the core comprises a material having a high modulus, such as tungsten, tantalum, niobium, boron or carbon. The composite sheath comprises fibers disposed within a polymeric matrix material, preferably the fibers glass or polyethylene fibers. The hybrid fiber-reinforced composite is particularly useful as a structural component for bridges or for reinforcement of a tooth restoration after endodontic treatment.

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 fiber-reinforced composite material for use in dental restorations such as dental bridges, splints, veneers, and laminates, wherein the composite material comprises a glass fiber material which has been heat treated at a temperature less than or equal to the annealing temperature of the glass for a length of time effective to prevent separation and fraying of the edges of the material upon cutting. The heat treatment therefore greatly enhances the ease of preparation of the dental restorations.

Abstract: A composite material is provided including a strongly bioresorbable, poorly crystalline apatitic calcium phosphate composite and a supplementary material. The poorly crystalline apatitic calcium phosphate is characterized in that, when placed in an intramuscular or subcutaneous site, resorption of at least 1 g of the material is complete within one year. The supplementary material is in intimate contact with the hydroxyapatite material in an amount effective to impart a selected characteristic to the composite. The supplemental material may be biocompatible, bioresorbable or non-resorbable.

Abstract: A denture adhesive composition is disclosed and comprises a polymeric activator in an amount of up to about 3 percent by weight based on the total weight of the denture adhesive composition. This composition exhibits enhanced adhesive performance and reduces oozing and incidence of food occlusion. Also disclosed is a method of preparing a denture adhesive composition comprising: preparing a mixture which comprises a polymeric activator in an amount of up to about 3 percent by weight based on the total weight of the denture adhesive composition; forming a denture adhesive composition including the mixture; and recovering the denture adhesive composition. A method of making a denture adhesive composition more adhesive and less oozing is disclosed as well. This method comprises adding to the denture adhesive composition a polymeric activator in an amount of up to about 3 percent by weight based on the total weight of the denture adhesive composition.

Abstract: A permanent dental bridge comprised entirely of composite material may be constructed directly, i.e., without laboratory assistance, either in situ or ex situ. In the in situ process, composite material is applied between abutment teeth in the patient's mouth, affixing wings are formed from the composite material, those wings respectively attaching to corresponding surfaces on the abutment teeth, and the composite material is cured. The steps of application and curing of composite material are successively repeated until a completed dental bridge, including a pontic portion, is formed entirely within the patient's mouth. The ex situ process is accomplished by fabricating a composite pontic, applying composite material between the patient's abutment teeth, curing the composite material, applying a lamination of additional composite material between the abutment teeth, inserting the composite pontic into the lamination, and curing the lamination.

Abstract: A dental prosthodontic apparatus including an abutment which is implanted into the jaw of a patient and which is provided with a slot which accepts fitted risers of different lengths. The end of the riser is substantially flat and forms a shelf and the length of the riser is selected so that when the riser is inserted into the slot, the end is approximately level with the gum line of the patient. When a prostheses is mounted to the abutment, the proximal margin of the prosthesis forms a gap between the margin of the prosthesis and the shelf formed by the inserted riser. The gap provides opposed surfaces against which a prying instrument can be worked in the event the prosthesis needs to be removed from the abutment.

Abstract: Apparatus comprising drill guide bodies and a pair of positioning bars, each such drill guide body being a body so configured and constructed as to define an imaginary axis through the length thereof and forming a pilot guide bore for guiding a drill substantially along said axis and at least one lateral bore substantially perpendicular to said pilot guide bore substantially along chord of said drill guide body disposed on opposite sides of the pilot guide bore, and methods of forming stents and rigid guides for guiding the drilling of holes into a patient's boney structure are disclosed.

Abstract: An improved dental prosthesis for replacing a tooth or teeth in an edentulous space in a patient's mouth either adjacent to existing teeth or between a first tooth anterior of and a second tooth posterior of the edentulous space which tooth or teeth are prepared with occlusal mounting grooves and where indicated indentations on the respective buccal and lingual proximals of the same tooth or teeth for receiving said dental prosthesis; has multi-section infrastructure for fabricating the dental prosthesis which includes, a main support bar or beam having a sized and shaped center section and at least one connecting end for fastening the main support bar on the tooth or teeth adjacent the edentulous space, the connecting end or ends has a predetermined shape, material and is sized to permit adjustment thereof as a function of the mesial-distal length of the edentulous space and the relative position of the tooth or teeth adjacent the edentulous space, secondary support means operatively connected to the main su

Abstract: A narrow channel is provided in an dental abutment post to allow excess dental cement to flow out of the interstitial space between the dental abutment and the overlying prosthesis. During the seating of the prosthesis the excess dental cement is channeled to and extruded from a preferred collection point for easy removal. Hydrostatic pressure and trapped gasses that would tend to lift the prosthesis into a non-fitting position or form a weakened cemented bond of uneven thickness are prevented by this apparatus and method to relieve pressure.

Abstract: Disclosed is a denture adhesive composition comprising at least one non-adhesive self-supporting layer; and a partial salt of a lower alkyl vinyl ether-maleic acid copolymer wherein the partial salt comprises a cationic salt function consisting essentially of: from about 0.01% to about 10% of ferric iron cations; and from about 0.1% to about 75% of divalent and/or monovalent metal cations selected from the group consisting of zinc, calcium, magnesium, potassium, sodium, ammonium, and mixtures thereof.

Abstract: An ultra high strength plastic mesh reinforcing material for forming a dental appliance or prosthesis, a method of fabricating a prosthesis therewith and a dental prosthesis made thereby are provided. The material is in the shape of a ribbon and formed of fibers, preferably of ultra high strength polyethylene, that are woven into a matrix in which yarns of the fibers preferably extend at angles to the transverse extent of the ribbon to permit the ribbon to be shaped through the adjusting of its width by a practitioner. Such yarns are preferably braided, so that diagonally angled fibers will result and no fibers are cut along the edges of the ribbon. The braid is preferably a two-over/two-under pattern that utilizes an odd number of carriers. The fibers are preferably surface activated, such as by a cold plasma treatment to enhance adherence of resin of which the appliance or prosthesis is formed.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for setting and removing a cemented, retrievable prosthodontic appliance by means of a levering instrument applied to the gap between two parallel surfaces, the first surface being a flat-topped ledge of a window on the lingual aspect of a dental prosthesis and the second surface being at least one opposed step or ledge on an artificial implant abutment. This invention combines the evenly stressed strength of a permanently cemented prosthesis with a damage free method of prosthesis removal without undue forces on the underlying implant. A conformal, removable plug of durable polymer fills and is securable within yet removable from the window in the completed restoration.

Abstract: A method of adhering a denture, having a biocontact surface, to a gum or a roof of a mouth, containing the steps of: (1) Treating the biocontact surface of the denture with a denture adhesive composition containing a chemical substance derived from an aloe leaf to obtain a treated denture; and (2) placing the treated denture in close proximity to a gum or the roof of the mouth thereby engaging the treated denture with the gum or the roof of the mouth. A method of preparing a denture adhesive composition containing a chemical substance derived from an aloe leaf.

Abstract: This invention provides for an acetabular cup and the manufacturing of an acetabular cup implant formed from a composite of polymer materials such that the articulating surface of the implant is 100% ultra high molecular weight poly ethylene (UHMWPE) and the bone engaging surface of the cup contains a significant amount of poly methyl methacrylate (PMMA). The cup would consist of at least two zones. Zone 1 forming the articulating surface and zone two extending from the zone 1 to the bone engaging surface. Preferably, the zone 1 would consist of UHMWPE and would extend a predetermined thickness from the articulating surface. Zone 2 would preferably consist of a mixture of UHMWPE and PMMA dry blended before molding. A third zone may abut zone 2 and consist of PMMA.

Abstract: A kit whose contents permit a denture wearer to repair their own dentures. The kit contains replacement teeth, a liquid monomer and a powdered polymer which when added together form a putty-like acrylic, a pipette for dispensing the liquid, a specially designed grinding and filing tool, a piece of emery paper, and a strip of wax used for temporarily bridging a loose tooth to a fixed tooth. Instructions explaining a method for repairing both simple and complex denture fractures, as well as replacing broken or lost denture teeth are also included in the kit. The methods each utilize the specially designed grinding and filing tool.

Abstract: An improved dental adhesive device to hold prosthetic devices in the human mouth is made as a laminate of webs which are bonded together by deforming a film of thermoplastic ethylene oxide polymer. The dental adhesive is produced by continuously applying a film of thermoplastic ethylene oxide polymer between moving webs of cellulose acetate fibers and then passing said webs in superimposed relationship between a pair of dry heated calendar rolls for thermoplastically bonding said webs into a unitary structure. A dry water-activated adhesive material, such as sodium alginate, may be employed with the thermoplastic ethylene oxide polymer by being dissolved or dispersed in the polymer film. Synthetic fibers are applied to the webs so as to extend transversely through the webs.

Abstract: Custom teeth, comprising molded acrylic, porcelain, ABS, or nylon artificial teeth, and an impression compound. Each anatomically disproportionate artificial tooth is molded in a predetermined shape and has an interior cavity. A user applies denture reliner material to the interior cavity and positions the artificial tooth on a existing human tooth while the liner cures and hardens. The custom teeth may then be removed and reused. The anatomically disproportionate teeth are colored, shaped, and polished to provide lifelike realism. Users can achieve a custom fit in about five minutes. One typical use is for cosmetic enhancement, such as vampire fangs. An alternate embodiment includes an artificial gum assembly with or without teeth installed and a resilient liner. The artificial tooth assembly is molded in a predetermined shape and has an internal cavity.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for setting and removing a cemented, retrievable prosthodontic appliance using a levering instrument applied to the gap between two parallel surfaces, the first surface being a flat-topped ledge of a window on the lingual aspect of a dental prosthesis and the second surface being at least one opposed step or ledge on an artificial implant abutment. This invention combines the evenly stressed strength of a permanently cemented prosthesis with a damage free method of prosthesis removal without undue forces on the underlying implant.

Abstract: An improved denture adhesive that exhibits superior tack, adhesion, cohesive strength and spreadability characteristics is made from a hydrocarbon-free base consisting of a mixture of medium length chain triglycerides which have been mixed with a small amount of fumed silica and other components so as to improve the viscosity, spreadability and taste. Preferred triglycerides include captic and caprylic acids and in particular, a mixture of the caprylic and captic acids which are combines with fumed silica and a water soluble cellosic polymer and a synthetic methyl vinyl ether/maleic anhydride copolymer that is formulated as a paste or gel.

Abstract: An artificial and removable tooth cap body and a method of easily attaching the tooth cap body to a real tooth. The tooth cap body is anchored to the real tooth with a low melting point and malleable thermoplastic material. The tooth cap body includes ridges and/or depressions so that the thermoplastic material can anchor and attach to the tooth cap body.

Abstract: This invention relates to an improved adhesive composition having extended holding power accompanied by adhesion building properties during use and having increased gel adhesion, which composition consists essentially of (a) from about 10 to about 35 wt. % lower alkyl vinyl ether-maleic acid copolymer wherein from 0 to about 90 wt. % of the copolymer carboxyl units are converted to a mixture of salts selected from the group of calcium, sodium, strontium, zinc, magnesium and potassium; (b) an excess, with respect to said copolymer, of a non-crosslinked, non-ionic natural guar gum; and (c) from about 30 to about 70 wt. % oil base as a carrier. The invention also relates to the preparation and use of said adhesive for affixing dentures.

Abstract: A denture adhesive which is useful in aiding in the retention of dentures to the oral mucosa constitutes a mixture of polyacrylic acid and hydroxy compound of sufficiently high molecular weight to be solid at room temperature. The combination can be used in the form of a powder or can be mixed in an oil base for application as a cream or liquid. The composition can also include hydration enhancers and pH adjustment agents.

Abstract: This invention relates to a process of preparing a high polymer load dispersion of an innocuous adhesive polymeric resin in an oil base containing between 0.01 and about 5 wt. % of a non-toxic, food grade surfactant and to coating and affixing a denture material coated with said adhesive to the gums for increased strength and extended holding power.

Abstract: Adhesive component formulations containing (meth)acrylic acid esters, containing formamide groups, and optionally an initiator, which are used as an adhesive component for the treatment of collagen-containing materials.

Abstract: An implant supported prosthesis, and a method for making an implant supported prosthesis, including a framework cast from a wax-up frame, at least one implant abutment, a fixation means for securing at least one abutment to the mouth and at least one cylinder securely attachable to each of the at least one abutments. The framework is cast including the casting of surfaces defining at least one aperture. The framework is mounted in the mouth with the at least one aperture receivably mating with the at least one cylinder. The framework may then be bonded onto the at least one cylinder by use of a luting material.

Abstract: An adhesive agent for dentures consists of a spreadable compound with an alginate, a polyvinyl acetate, a carboxymethyl cellulose and an emulsifier.In order to obtain a lasting effect, unchanging spreadability and long-term durability, the compound consists of a mixture of a modified mixture of carboxymethyl cellulose and sodium alginate with the polyvinyl acetate, an anionic water- and alcohol-soluble cellulose ether, a gel, a neutral oil and an organically modified montmorillonite as the emulsifier and stabilizer, as well as of an alcohol solvent.

Abstract: A reinforcing frame for a dental bridge is described. The frame consists of a main support bar which is bent so that ends may be mounted in abutment teeth spaced above the central portion where the pontic will be formed. A pair of cross bars are then mounted at the central portion extending equidistantly, perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the main support bar. The cross bars or rings and ellipses may be attached in a conventional fashion such as by welding or by spot welding. Optionally, U-shaped wires depend from the ends of the cross bars. The dental prothesis is then formed around the cross bars and main support bar so that the occlusal surface thereof is above the main support bar and there is no more than about 1.5 to 2 mm of bulk composite or porcelain extending beyond a reinforcing metal member. An additional support bar can be provided when cross bars are mounted below and/or above the main bar. This bar is mounted below the cross bars extending parallel to the main support bar.

Abstract: A dental prosthetic device is provided comprising a coping adapted to be placed on at least one abutment tooth to an edentulous region. A pontic metal substructure adapted to be joined to the coping and a ceramic buildup to fill the edentulous region are also provided. Also provided are metal-porcelain dental restorations which can be made in a two-layer or three-layer structure. The first layer closely fits the contours of the abutment teeth and ceramic and the additional layer complete the restoration. One or both of the other layers may be stainless steel mesh.