Abstract: A method for determining tooth numbers of teeth within a dental arch includes receiving a digital scan of a patient's dentition, detecting a cusp associated with at least one tooth in the digital scan, where the cusp is detected based at least in part on a radius of a surface of the cusp, matching a molar shape of the at least one tooth, and identifying the patient's molar tooth based on the molar shape.

Abstract: A dental implant has an implant body made of diamond material, the implant body being provided with a bore hole that has at least one lateral dimension and a depth dimension, the lateral dimension and the depth dimension being mm sized. The bore hole is substantially formed by laser light being directed at the implant body to form said bore hole by softening said diamond material at an intended location of said bore hole. The bore hole is further defined by utilizing at least one metallic drilling tool to remove more of the diamond material after initial formation of the bore hole by said laser light. Preferably, the drilling tool has a cone shaped drilling head or a rectangular drilling head.

Abstract: A method for determining and drawing the ideal individual shape of the two front upper teeth uses at least one image of the patient's face in front view, non-smiling and with the mouth closed, and at least one image of the patient's face in front view, smiling and with closed teeth.

Abstract: Dental compositions and methods of formulating a dental composition are described. In one embodiment, the dental composition comprises a polymerizable resin comprising one or more ethylenically unsaturated monomers or oligomers and nano-particles. The nanoparticles have a refractive index of at least 1.600 and an average discrete or aggregate particle size of no greater than 100 nm. The dental composition further comprises inorganic metal oxide filler having a discrete or aggregate average particle size of at least 200 nm. The nanoparticles are present at a concentration to provide a refractive index differential between the cured polymerizable resin and inorganic metal oxide filler such that the contrast ratio of the dental composition is at least 40.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing and machining dental, maxillofacial and trauma prostheses and for optimizing an amount of time used in machining a prosthesis that has been previously manufactured with additive manufacturing technology is provided. The method includes manufacturing, by using excess material and additive manufacturing technology on a printing plate, a prosthetic block including at least a prosthesis. The method further includes joining pieces and positioning elements with specific dimensions and distances between the same; positioning the prosthetic block on a machining tray using the positioning elements; fixing the prosthetic block to the machining tray using the positioning elements; and fixing the machining tray to a machining machine, such that the prosthesis is fixed in a specific and known position in the machining machine by the specific dimensions and distances of the prosthetic block. The method further includes performing a machining operation to critical areas of the prosthesis.

Abstract: To provide a mill blank for dental CAD/CAM for preparing a dental restoration by being installed in a CAD/CAM device, wherein, the mill blank for dental CAD/CAM has a substantially columnar shape, the mill blank for dental CAD/CAM has at least one recess in a circumference portion, the recess does not extend over the whole of the circumference portion of the mill blank for dental CAD/CAM, and the recess of the mill blank for dental CAD/CAM is to be engaged with the CAD/CAM device.

Abstract: To provide a mill blank for dental CAD/CAM containing a ceramic material for preparing a dental restoration by being installed in a CAD/CAM device, wherein, the mill blank for dental CAD/CAM comprises a ceramic portion in which a dental restoration is cut out and a resin portion which joins with a CAD/CAM device, the mill blank for dental CAD/CAM has a columnar shape, the resin portion is provided at a side surface of the ceramic portion and has a cylindrical shape or a belt shape, a ceramic portion side of the resin portion contacts with the side surface of the ceramic portion, the ceramic portion has a columnar shape, the ceramic portion has a protrusion part, an upper surface and a bottom surface of the columnar shape of the ceramic portion are parallel to each other, the mill blank for dental CAD/CAM has at least two recesses which includes a first recess and a second recess in a circumference portion, the first recess and the second recess respectively include a first surface which is parallel to the upp

Abstract: A dental prosthesis is disclosed includes a prosthetic tooth element comprising ceramic and a veneer located on a surface of the prosthetic tooth element, the veneer comprising cured dental composite. The prosthetic tooth element can be fixed to a mount in a patient's mouth using the same dental composite used for the veneer. A method of forming a prosthetic tooth element is disclosed including filling a mould that is formed at least partially from flexible polymeric material with a dental mixture comprising ceramic, and applying pressure to the filled mould to form a prosthetic tooth element comprising ceramic with a roughened surface.

Abstract: A system and method for fabricating dental crowns and bridgework includes the steps of: selecting one or more prototype teeth; forming a mold around the prototype teeth using a soft flexible material; placing the mold within a model of a patient's teeth; pressing the uppers and lowers of the model together to establish the bite; removing the prototype teeth from the mold; adding wet porcelain to the inside walls of the mold and vibrating the mold to create the incisal; adding wet porcelain to create the body; pressing framework into the uncured body; vibrating the mold and removing moisture; allowing the porcelain to dry and removing the molded porcelain crown or bridgework from the mold; trimming off excess porcelain and adding porcelain to the margin area as needed; baking the crown or bridgework in an oven and removing when half cured; and carving and shaping the half cured porcelain.

Abstract: Disclosed is method and apparatus for creating a statistical average model of an enamel-dentine junction. The method includes steps of acquiring CT image data of a tooth; segmenting the CT image data to obtain a surface of an enamel-dentine junction; segmenting the obtained surface using a curvature-based clustering algorithm to remove a bottom of the enamel-dentine junction; spherical-parameterizing, by means of spherical harmonic analysis, the surface of the enamel-dentine junction after removal of the bottom; and aligning different samples of the tooth to obtain a statistical average model.

Abstract: An artificial bone is provided comprising an inner core made from a porous material, the porous material comprising at least one fiber component having fibers, a liquid and a binder, and an outer layer comprising at least one fiber component having fibers, a liquid and a binder, wherein the ratio of the at least one fiber component having fibers to liquid to binder of the inner core is different from the ratio of the at least one fiber component having fibers to liquid to binder of the outer layer.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of manufacturing a multilayer zirconia block for artificial teeth, including a first material mixing step of mixing a 3 mol % yttrium oxide-tetragonal zirconia polycrystal and an organic binder, a second material mixing step of mixing a 3 mol % yttrium oxide-tetragonal zirconia polycrystal, a 5 mol % yttrium oxide-tetragonal zirconia polycrystal and an organic binder, a third material mixing step of mixing a 5 mol % yttrium oxide-tetragonal zirconia polycrystal and an organic binder, a compression molding step of sequentially placing the mixtures obtained in the first material mixing step, the second material mixing step, and the third material mixing step in a mold for compression molding and performing compression molding, and a calcination step of calcining a compression molded product obtained in the compression molding step.

Abstract: Methods of fabricating dental prostheses are provided that include the steps of providing a powder of a dental material, and then selectively melting the powder of the dental material to produce a functionally graded layer of the dental material. Additional layers of functionally graded dental material are then built on top of the initial layer of dental material to thereby produce a three-dimensional dental prosthesis having a functionally graded structure and a desired physical geometry. Dental prostheses produced by the foregoing methods are also provided.

Abstract: A method produces one or more dentures wherein the dentures have a base element that holds at least two tooth blanks. The method comprises producing a negative mold by machining on the basis of a digital image of a tooth situation and shortening, by machining, a length dimension of the tooth blanks that are preassembled and held in the negative mold from a basal side in order to achieve a tooth line adapted to the tooth situation. The method also comprises connecting the base element and the shortened tooth blanks to form the dentures.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process of selectively treating parts of the surface of a porous dental ceramic comprising the steps of a) providing a composition and a porous dental ceramic having an outer surface, b) applying the composition to only a part of the outer surface of the porous dental ceramic, c) optionally drying the porous dental ceramic, and d) optionally firing the porous dental ceramic, wherein the composition comprises—a liquid being miscible with water, but not being water, —a whitening agent comprising nano-sized metal oxide particles, metal ion containing components or mixtures thereof which precipitate if the composition is adjusted to a pH above 5, —acid, complexing agent or mixture thereof. The invention also relates to a dental ceramic article obtainable by a process.

Abstract: Antimicrobial compositions and methods are disclosed. The antimicrobial compositions are particularly useful in providing antimicrobial capability to a wide-range of medical devices. In one aspect the invention relates a UV curable antimicrobial coating comprising a UV curable composition comprising an oligomer, a momoner, and a photoinitiator which are together capable of forming a UV curable polymer composition. The compositions also include insoluble antimicrobial agents, which may be selected from a wide array of agents. The insoluble antimicrobial agents include a particle size less than 15 ?m. Representative insoluble antimicrobial agents include chlorhexidine diacetate, chlorhexidine base, alexidine(dihydrochloride), silver sulfadiazene, silver citrate, triclosan, octenidine(dihydrochloride), and rifampicin.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process of treating parts of the surface of a porous dental ceramic article comprising the steps of: a) providing a composition and a porous dental ceramic article having an outer surface, b) applying the composition to only a part of the outer surface of the porous dental ceramic article, c) optionally drying the porous dental ceramic article, and d) optionally firing the porous dental ceramic article, the composition comprising: a liquid being miscible with water, but not being water, a whitening agent comprising nano-sized metal oxide particles, metal ion containing components or mixtures thereof, a stabilizer (e.g. acid, base, complexing agent or mixture thereof). the porous dental ceramic article showing a N2 adsorption and/or desorption of isotherm type IV according to IUPAC classification. The invention also relates to a dental ceramic article obtainable by a process.

Abstract: A method of making a dental crown or bridge restoration includes forming a precursor crown outside of a patient's mouth with a first restorative material, with a buccal contour on the buccal wall substantially the same as a buccal contour on a final crown restoration, and an open space on or around at least one of the mesial side wall or the distal side wall; and filling and securing a second material, different from the first restorative material, inside the open space or pocket of the precursor crown while outside the patient's mouth, and with the precursor crown having a strength substantially equivalent to the final crown restoration, and with the buccal contour being substantially the same as the buccal contour on the final crown, prior to filling and securing the second material.

Abstract: The invention relates to the use of sphingosine based compounds, in particular phytosphingosine compounds, in the protection of hydroxyapatite containing materials such as teeth and bone. Such compounds are especially useful in the treatment and prevention of dental caries, dental erosion, dentine hypersensitivity and tartar (dental calculus) formation. Methods and devices are also provided for preventing biofilm formation using sphingosine based compounds. Compositions comprising sphingosine based compounds are also provided.

Abstract: Pre-sintered blanks based on lithium disilicate glass ceramic are described which are suitable in particular for the preparation of dental restorations.

Abstract: Pre-sintered blanks based on lithium metasilicate glass ceramic are described which are suitable in particular for the preparation of dental restorations.

Abstract: A blank which is provided for producing dental shaped parts such as crowns, bridges, veneers, abutments and the like, already has at least one preform of a dental shaped part, which is available for producing this shaped part. In particular, the preforms in the blank are prepared by machining of the blank, preferably by cutting, sawing, grinding, drilling and/or milling. The preforms are in particular preforms for single crowns.

Abstract: The invention relates to the use of a composite resin composition comprising (a) at least one polyreactive binder, (b) a first photopolymerization initiator having an absorption maximum at a wavelength of less than 400 nm, (c) a second photopolymerization initiator having an absorption maximum at a wavelength of at least 400 nm and (d) an absorber having an absorption maximum at a wavelength of less than 400 nm, for the stereolithographic production of a dental shaped part based on composite resin. The invention also relates to a process for the stereolithographic production of a dental shaped part and the use of the composite resin composition in this process.

Abstract: An axially elongate dental machining portion includes a machining region machinable by a dental machining device, and a fixing region for fixing the machining portion to a holder of the machining device. In the fixing region is a fixing projection oriented transversely relative to the longitudinal axis. In a condition of the machining portion mounted in the holder, the fixing projection bears against a holding nose provided in complementary relationship on the holder. The machining region has a machinable surface which has a maximum spacing relative to the longitudinal axis, measured normal to the longitudinal axis, and the fixing projection has a maximum spacing relative to the longitudinal axis, measured normal relative to the longitudinal axis, that is greater than the maximum spacing of the surface relative to the longitudinal axis.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing an article, including taking an article formed in an initial state via an additive manufacturing process and performing a second manufacturing process to transform the article into a second state, which includes mounting the article in a holding device, processing at least one first feature on the article, which includes processing at least one set of mounting features on the article, re-mounting the article via the at least one set of mounting features, and then processing at least one second feature on the article.

Abstract: Lithium silicate materials are described which can be easily processed by machining to dental products without undue wear of the tools and which subsequently can be converted into lithium silicate products showing high strength.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing an article including taking an article in an initial state formed using an additive manufacturing process, the article including at least one set of mounting features; performing a second manufacturing process to transform the article into a second state, which includes mounting, via the at least one set of mounting features, the article in a holding device of a machine for operating on the article, wherein the position and orientation of the article in three linear and three rotational degrees of freedom within the machine operating volume is known and defined by virtue of the interaction of the mounting features with the holding device, and processing at least one feature on the article. The at least one mounting feature includes kinematic mount features which engage with corresponding kinematic mount features on the holding device of the machine.

Abstract: Polymers and copolymers including a functional polymer component may be used as conventional denture materials. Antifungal materials may be releasably bound to the functional polymer component such that the antifungal materials may be slowly eluted over an extended period of time to combat a fungal infection.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a dental restoration for a patient, where the method includes: obtaining a 3D scan of at least a restoration site of the patient's mouth, where the manufactured dental restoration is adapted for fitting to the restoration site; obtaining a CAD design of the dental restoration; milling the restoration from a material, where the restoration is milled both on an inside surface configured for fitting to the shape of the restoration site of the patient's mouth and on an outside surface, where the milling is according to the obtained CAD design; transferring the milled restoration to a retention means providing a fixed known position of the restoration relative to a post-processing machinery, where the restoration is retained on the inside surface, such that the outside surface of the restoration is approachable/free/accessible; and performing post-processing of the outside surface of the restoration.

Abstract: A fluorine-containing porcelain, such as a porcelain material comprising a fluorine-doped glass, is provided for use in dental applications. The porcelain may be used to overlie at least a portion of a dental component such that an interface between the porcelain and the dental component comprises a fluorinated metal oxide. Methods for producing such fluorine-containing porcelains and for treating dental components with such fluorine-containing porcelains are also provided. The fluorine-containing porcelain may exhibit enhanced bonding to the underlying dental component such as a high strength ceramic.

Abstract: Provided is an acellular mammalian tooth-shaped scaffold including a compound that is chemotactic, osteogenic, dentinogenic, amelogenic, or cementogenic. Also provided is a method of replacing a tooth in the mouth of a mammal, where the tooth is absent and a tooth socket is present in the mouth at the position of the absent tooth. The method includes implanting an acellular scaffold having the shape of the missing tooth into the tooth socket. Additionally, a method of making a tooth scaffold is provided. The method includes synthesizing an acellular scaffold in the shape of a mammalian tooth and adding at least one compound that is chemotactic, osteogenic, dentinogenic, amelogenic, or cementogenic.

Abstract: A dental superstructure, and a manufacturing method thereof, comprising a screw-channel (1), through which screw-channel a screw member is to be inserted, and a screw member seat (3), for providing support to the head of said screw member during fixation of said dental superstructure to a spacer element or an implant (5), are provided. Said dental superstructure is provided with a central axis of said screw-channel (1) and a central axis of said second mouth (4) that at least partly do not coincide. A manufacturing method thereof, a screw-member, and a screwdriver are also provided.

Abstract: A dental blank has at least an inner zone (or layer) of a first color and an outer zone (or layer) of a second color, wherein the inner and outer zones are concentric. The inner zone can be surrounded in its entirety by the outer zone such that only the outer zone is visible on all surfaces of the blank. Alternatively, the inner zone and the outer zone can extend to a same single surface of the blank, such that only the outer zone covers all remaining surfaces. The blank may also have an intermediate zone between the inner and outer zones. A method of fabrication includes solid free form processes, such as robocasting, laser sintering and 3D printing that allow for placement of multiple colors. A dental restoration made from the blank can have a variety of shades depending on a ratio of milled outer layers to internal layers.

Abstract: A method for attaching a dental prosthesis is disclosed. The prosthesis has multiple implants with different trajectories. In use, each implant is disposed within a patient's jawbone and their relative locations are mapped. The prosthesis is formed from multiple abutments with each abutment having a protrusion. The protrusions are machined to produce a common path of insertion into recesses of the implants.

Abstract: A dental blank of the present invention has at least an inner zone (or layer) of a first color and an outer zone (or layer) of a second color wherein the inner and outer zones are concentric The inner zone can be surrounded in its entirety by the outer zone such that only the outer zone is visible on all surfaces of the blank and the inner zone is not visible on any surface of the blank Alternatively, the inner zone and the outer zone can extend to a same single surface of the blank, such that only the outer zone covers all remaining surfaces The dental blank may also have an intermediate zone between the inner and outer zones, wherein the intermediate zone is surrounded in its entirety by the outer zone and/or the intermediate zone surrounds the inner zone in its entirety.

Abstract: The various embodiments herein provide a dental mill blank for fabrication of dental appliance and restorations. A method for fabricating dental bridgework from the mill blank is also provided. The mill blank comprises a hard inner core and wherein the hard inner core provides resistance against a normal occlusal force, a soft outer cover surrounding the inner core, a channel passing through the inner core and the outer cover, a metallic abutment provided at one end of the channel and a handle stud for holding the mill blank onto a milling machine. The channel is designed to make a screw type bridgework for supporting a plurality of neighbouring implants.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for preparing dental restorations, wherein a lithium silicate glass ceramic or a lithium silicate glass is used which contains at least 8.5 wt.-% transition metal oxide selected from the group consisting of oxides of yttrium, oxides of transition metals with an atomic number from 41 to 79 and mixtures of these oxides.

Abstract: Creating a denture by using the patient's mouth as an intra-oral articulator by use of an upper and/or lower dental impression tray for creating the impression of the edentulous mouth, the trays having platforms or support surfaces which magnetically hold a main frame therebetween. The orientation of the main frame is adjustable and lockable with respect to the lower tray all while within the mouth. Once the main frame is located and locked in place, artificial teeth formed with holding wax and a rearwardly extending fork are slid into a slot of the main frame and also locked. The wax holding the artificial teeth is then melted to integrate the teeth with formed respective upper and lower custom trays.

Abstract: A method is disclosed to fabricate a dental prosthesis by obtaining an image of the patient's dentition and generating a three-dimensional model of the dentition; positioning a portion of the dentition into a computer model of a mill blank; defining a margin region surrounding a dental object; defining an abutment ditch outside of said margin; generating a milling model having two virtual portions including the margin region and the abutment ditch region; and milling the dental prosthesis with a differential speed, wherein the milling of the abutment ditch portion is done at a higher speed than the milling of the prosthesis portion.

Abstract: Feedback data useful in prosthodontic procedures associated with the intra oral cavity is provided. First, a 3D numerical model of the target zone in the intra oral cavity is provided, and this is manipulated so as to extract particular data that may be useful in a particular procedure, for example data relating to the finish line or to the shape and size of a preparation. The relationship between this data and the procedure is then determined, for example the clearance between the preparation and the intended crown. Feedback data, indicative of this relationship, is then generated, for example whether the preparation geometry is adequate for the particular type of prosthesis.

Abstract: The invention relates to a tooth replacement comprising at least one posterior tooth having a mesial contact surface, a distal contact surface, and an occlusal surface. The occlusal surfaces comprises a least one buccal cusp having a buccal cusp tip, a lingual cusp having a lingual cusp tip, a central fissure which has at least one tooth pit and passes through the occlusal surface in the mesiodistal direction between the two cusps, a first gradient which slopes downward from the buccal cusp tip in the direction of the central fissure, and a second gradient which slopes downward from the lingual cusp tip in the direction of the central fissure. The tooth replacement according to the invention is characterized in that the mesial contact surface, the distal contact surface and/or the occlusal contact surface comprise expansion spaces that have been incorporated in a targeted manner to obtain a dynamic occlusal guidance.

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 process for the manufacture of a zirconium oxide prosthesis, the zirconium oxide being stabilized, which process includes the following steps: a) compacting a zirconium oxide powder at a pressure of at least 45 MPa to an object of a desired form, b) impacting an etchable medium into the surface, c) optionally working the object to a final shape, d) sintering the body at a temperature of above 1170° C. to transfer zirconium oxide into a tetragonal crystalline structure, and e) etching the etchable medium using hydrofluoric acid to remove the medium and impart a micromechanical retention surface. A prosthesis prepared by this process is also disclosed.

Abstract: The method for the production of a dental prosthesis part comprises the provision (11) of a dataset (2) for a dental prosthesis part (6) for use in a CAD/CAM technique, the provision (12) of reference data (3) for optical properties of different dentin materials and translucent enamel materials for the dental prosthesis part (6) and a relationship (4) between said optical properties, the desired optical properties and the dimensions of the dental prosthesis part (6), the definition (13) of a first setpoint (S1) for the optical properties of a dentin region, the definition (14) of a second setpoint (S2) for the optical properties of an enamel region, the definition (15) of a third setpoint (S3) for a thickness of the enamel region of the dental prosthesis part (6), the selection and provision (16) of a dental prosthesis mold block (5) having a dentin region made from a material.

Abstract: The invention relates to glass-ceramics based on the lithium silicate system which can be mechanically machined easily in an intermediate step of crystallisation and, after complete crystallisation, represent a very strong, highly-translucent and chemically-stable glass-ceramic. Likewise, the invention relates to a method for the production of these glass-ceramics. The glass-ceramics according to the invention are used as dental material.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an organically modified silicic acid (hetero) polycondensate or a composite comprising an organically modified silicic acid (hetero) polycondensate and a filler material for use in a dental procedure, particularly in a dental medicine procedure comprising at least a part or all of the following steps: (a) Transfer of said organically modified silicic acid (hetero) polycondensate or said composite in the form of a block and hardening of said block through organic cross-linking, preferably in a thermal and/or redox-induced manner, (b) Intra-oral measuring of the area requiring treatment in the mouth of the patient or a model or impression of this area outside the patient's mouth with the aid of a 3D imaging device, (c) Transfer of the produced imaging data to a computer unit, (d) Production of a virtual design to be inserted in the mouth of the patient with the aid of said computer unit, then either (e1) Grinding out a fully anatomical form of this design from a block made of

Abstract: Various methods and systems are provided for multifunctional denture systems. In one example, among others, a multifunctional oral prosthetic system includes an oral prosthetic device that may be located in an oral cavity. The oral prosthetic device includes a plurality of sensors and an internal module in communication with the plurality of sensors. The internal module is configured to provide sensor data corresponding to at least one of the plurality of sensors to an external processing unit when located in an oral cavity.

Abstract: A dental prosthesis, typically formed in a press to metal process, includes application of a porcelain composition sufficient to form a veneer on a dental prosthesis supporting metal structure, the composition having an integrated tooth-like translucency providing an aesthetic appearance. The composition is formed of a dentin frit and an enamel frit, typically sintered into a desired ingot shape including an amount of composition sufficient to veneer the prosthesis. The porcelain composition is a component of a kit that includes opaquers, other porcelains and stains useful in finishing to provide an aesthetic prosthesis.

Abstract: Methods for making a layered dental appliance. Some methods can include providing a solid structure (e.g., a die or a dental core, such as a fully sintered ceramic dental core) having a desired outer shape, and applying a first slurry to the solid structure to form a first free form layer on the solid structure. The method can further include solidifying the first free form layer on the solid structure, and machining the solidified first free form layer to a desired shape to form a first article comprising the solid structure and a first shaped layer. The method can further include applying, solidifying, and machining a second layer in a similar way to form a second article comprising the solid structure, the first shaped layer, and a second shaped layer. In some methods, the free form layers are not exposed to a high temperature prior to being machined.

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.