Abstract: A method of forming a prosthetic tooth element (104) is disclosed, the method comprising depositing a first hardenable fluid material (101) at a bottom of a cavity (111) of a female mould (110) to a first level (113), the first material having a first translucency when hardened; depositing in the cavity (111), over the first material (101), a second hardenable fluid material (102) to a second level (114), the second material having a second translucency when hardened, the second translucency being less translucent than the first translucency; and inserting a male mould (120) into the cavity (111), the insertion of the male mould displacing at least a portion of the second material (102) within the cavity (111).

Abstract: The fixed space regainer is a resin band designed to regain space in the gap between the remaining teeth when a tooth is lost. The band has opposing concave ends that provide bonding surfaces or anchors that attach to the remaining teeth on opposite sides proximal to the gap and an elongate connecting band between the bonding surfaces. The regainer is made from a biocompatible elastic material so that the connecting band will arch when installed across the gap and exert resilient pressure against the remaining teeth proximal to the gap to regain the space lost by narrowing that occurs by loss of the tooth, thereby providing proper spacing for growth of a permanent tooth or installation of a cosmetic replacement. The regainer may be designed by the dentist in software from a digital impression and made by 3D printing or additive manufacturing.

Abstract: A method of printing a three-dimensional (3D) color object, layer-by-layer, comprises: obtaining a 3D CAD specification defining a 3D geometry and a surface color distribution for the color object to be printed, defining regions on a surface of the color object; defining colors for each region based on the CAD specification; determining, using the 3D geometry of the specification, conditions applying at respective regions that are liable to cause color variation, such that using the colors as defined at the respective regions may give rise to a coloration error; selecting color corrections defined for respective determined conditions; correcting the defined colors; and printing the 3D color object with the color corrections.

Abstract: A method for monitoring a property of the appearance of the teeth of a patient, said method including: A) acquiring, by means of a first acquisition apparatus, at least one first two-dimensional image of said teeth and of a first reference gauge, referred to as “initial image”; B) acquiring, by means of a second acquisition apparatus, at least one second two-dimensional image of said teeth and of a second reference gauge having the same appearance as the first reference gauge, referred to as “updated image”; C) standardising the initial and updated images such that the representations of the first and second reference gauges on the standardised initial and updated images have the same appearance; D) before or after step C, marking the same region of the teeth on the initial and updated images; and E) comparing the appearance of said region in the standardised initial and updated images.

Abstract: A method of making a customized dental blank. The method has steps of obtaining from a dental practitioner a first color scheme and a different second color scheme as well as a first dimensional information for the first color scheme and a different second dimensional information for the second color scheme. The first and second dimensional information each relate to a size and/or a location within dimensions of the dental blank. The method further has the step of manufacturing the customized dental blank which has a first portion based on the first dimensional information according to the first color scheme and a second portion based on the second dimensional information according to the second color. Further the method has the step of providing the dental practitioner with the customized dental blank. The method helps facilitating the making of a dental restoration from a blank.

Abstract: A method of making a dental restoration has the steps of capturing an image of a tooth, posterizing the image, determining a tooth color structure, providing information about a multicolored block having a block color structure, matching the tooth color structure and the block color structure, based on the matching, determining a position within the block in which the tooth color structure and the block color structure match, and machining the dental restoration from the block at the determined position. The invention helps facilitating the making of dental restorations at maximized aesthetics.

Abstract: A method of coloring a pre-sintered dental restoration comprises securing a pre-sintered dental restoration having multiple different layers having a different chemical composition of color pigments between adjacent layers; dipping the pre-sintered dental restoration into a coloring liquid, and sintering the pre-sintered dental restoration to acquire a fully sintered ceramic restoration having a translucency and color intensity/chroma with an inverse relationship with the translucency increasing in one direction of the restoration and the color intensity/chroma decreasing in the same direction of the restoration.

Abstract: A method, system, and dental prosthesis are provided to facilitate simulation of the natural appearance of teeth. The prosthesis can be formed to include a component to which an aesthetic coating, such as a coloring or tint, can be applied. Further, the prosthesis can include a porcelain coating disposed on the outer surface thereof, and on top of the aesthetic coating, such that the aesthetic coating can be visible through the porcelain coating of the prosthesis. During production, the crown can be coated with a metal and/or ceramic powder by means of a powder printer that can be controlled by computer equipment. A practical and rapid application function can be obtained to produce an extremely natural-looking result.

Abstract: There is provided a method of manufacturing a zirconia block for an artificial tooth having a color gradient. The method includes: preparing colored zirconia-based powder and white zirconia-based powder; preparing a plurality of raw materials in which the colored zirconia-based powder and the white zirconia-based powder are mixed in different weight ratios by mixing the colored zirconia-based powder and the white zirconia-based powder while changing a mixing ratio in order to express a desired color gradient; sequentially injecting the plurality of raw materials into a compression mold or a mold frame to mold in increasing or decreasing order of content of the colored zirconia-based powder of the raw material; and calcining a molding result. According to the present invention, it is possible to express aesthetics of a natural tooth by implementing a color gradient of the natural tooth in the zirconia block itself without using porcelain powder or a liquid color set.

Abstract: A dental block for producing a dental prosthesis comprises a green body including zirconia and having a chemical composition including increasing amounts of a chroma component, such as manganese, through a thickness of the green body. The green body is substantially white with a substantially consistent optical characteristic of chroma across the thickness, and is subsequently millable and sinterable to form the dental prosthesis with an optical characteristic of decreasing gray color through a thickness of the dental prosthesis.

Abstract: A dental block for producing a dental prosthesis comprises a green body including zirconia and having a chemical composition including increasing amounts of yttria through a thickness of the green body. The green body is substantially white with a substantially consistent optical characteristic of chroma across the thickness, and is subsequently millable and sinterable to form the dental prosthesis with an optical characteristic of decreasing chroma through a thickness of the dental prosthesis.

Abstract: The invention relates to a blank for the production of a dental shaped body, wherein the blank has a corpus (2) of tooth restoration material, from which the shaped part to be fabricated is carved by means of a tool (4) by removal of material. The blank has coding means (1) formed on part of the surface (6) of the blank corpus (2), which coding means (1) has at least one structure (8, 9) for identification of the blank. The coding means (1) consists of a plurality of panels (5.1) at the level of the surface (6) of the corpus (2) and a plurality of panels (5.2, 5.3) incorporating a flat structure (8, 9) at a level (h1, h2) which is distinguishable from at least the level of the surface (6) of the corpus (2). The invention further relates to a method for identifying a blank with the aid of coding means (1).

Abstract: The invention relates to a solution to be selectively applied to individual parts of the surface of dental ceramic(s) and a process for using the solution in the dental field. More specifically the invention relates to a solution comprising a) a solvent, b) an effect agent, and c) a complexing agent. The invention also relates to a kit comprising the solution and to a method of using the solution for selectively treating of parts of the surface dental ceramic(s). The invention also relates to a application instrument suitable for applying the solution.

Abstract: This invention relates to methods for making a three-dimensional dental prosthesis using ink-jet printing systems. An ink-jet printer is used to discharge light-curable, wax-like polymerizable material in a layer-by-layer manner to build-up the prosthesis. The methods are particularly useful for making integrated dentures containing a set of artificial teeth. The denture base and set of teeth are made of light-curable, wax-like polymerizable materials comprising a mixture of monomer, oligomer, and light sensitizer. The wax-like materials are dimensionally stable in their uncured states. The denture base and artificial teeth are later light-cured to form a polymerized denture product having high flexural modulus and flexural strength.

Abstract: A method for determining color information of an object, wherein data is generated of the object with an image generation device having a field of view. The object and a reference implement having one or more regions of predetermined optical properties are positioned in the field of view. Data is generated of the reference implement, which includes a positional location attribute, based on which a position of the one or more regions of predetermined optical properties is determined by a processing system without operator identification of the position of the reference implement in the field of view. Color information of the object is generated by adjusting the data generated of the object based on the data generated of the reference implement. The color information may include value, chroma and hue information, RGB values, XYZ coordinates, or Lab values, and may be transmitted electronically to a remote location.

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 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 process for making a dental restoration includes forming a dental restoration base, selecting a decal representing a natural oral cavity characteristic, and attaching the selected decal to the base. Thereafter, the decal and the dental restoration base are conditioned to create a finished dental restoration having desired oral cavity color and characteristics such as teeth, enamel, dentin, crazing lines, stains, veins, blood vessels, bony coloration, hyper-calcification, mucosal tissue or gum tissue. In an alternative embodiment, the process may include placing a sealant over the decal and at least a portion of the dental restoration base. Additionally, a secondary decal may be attached over the sealant, followed by glazing the secondary decal.

Abstract: Hernandez Dental Studio presents the new paradigm for pure gold brilliance. Cut gold fees in half or more using this revolutionary dual alloy method in ceramo-metal dental ceramics. By the incorporating of matching CTE's of all its parts, gold is back in dentistry, and all purities of gold are now inexpensive as in the past and will continue for all generations afterward. A gold tooth can now be designed artistically with a complete facial coverage of a gold crown, a open face (round border) gold crown, a ¾ gold crown or a multitude of styles and shapes and drawings on a beautiful 96% Au. 2% Pt. HDZ Golden Smile. Dental implants, ceramic bridges or a single PFM can create pure gold awesomeness. And this method also can also create a dual alloy combination on a facial of a PFM, like a silver arrow through a gold heart.

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: A process for the manufacture of a dental implant restoration system including an abutment for attaching a dental prosthesis within a patient's mouth. The abutment is a single unit structure fabricated of a ceramic material, multicolored throughout to match the color of the dental prosthesis, the surrounding dentition and the surrounding gingival tissue.

Abstract: A palladium-based alloy having a coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) of about 12.0 to about 13.0 and having one or more of the following additive metals: platinum, gallium, molybdenum, tin, silicon, ruthenium, rhenium, indium, tungsten, niobium, boron and lithium.

Abstract: Provided are opaque materials exhibiting a good adhesive strength and a good color tone reproduction comparable with natural dental crowns as well as having a good operability. In addition, the opaque materials may exhibit a stain-resistance property in rebuilding-up a dental composition on the opaque materials in a cured form with a metal instrument. Further, the opaque materials may exhibit a good color tone reproduction comparable with natural dental crowns even if a dental membrane is thinly formed from the opaque metals. The dental membrane is formed from a first opaque layer and a second opaque layer, wherein the first opaque layer contains a filler of indefinite-shape particles and the second opaque layer contains a filler of spherical-shape particles, and wherein the first opaque layer is formed on a metal base and the second opaque layer is formed on the first opaque layer.

Abstract: A shade matching device for at least one artificial tooth or crown restoration is disclosed comprising eight shade guides held by three gingival colored holders. The shade guides are grouped by value and arranged within a particular value by chroma. A method for determining natural tooth shade is also disclosed. Images of the target tooth are captured with the shade guides placed adjacent to the target tooth. Preferably, additional images are captured to provide additional data, including images when the patient's lips are formed in a smile; in the M position; and retracted. A close-up image of the patient's teeth is also captured along with an image that includes the patient's full face.

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: Colorless dental compositions for restoring the enamel layer of a tooth are disclosed. The colorless enamel compositions are combined with pigmented dentin compositions to provide a true color match and natural esthetics. Methods that utilize the compositions in placement/build-up techniques in direct restorations are also disclosed.

Abstract: A zirconia sintered body having not only high strength but also excellent aesthetic properties. A colored translucent zirconia sintered body, characterized by containing an iron compound and from 2 to 4 mol % of yttria, showing a lightness L* of from 51 to 80 in L*a*b* color system, and having a relative density of at least 99.80%. The colored zirconia sintered body preferably has a total light transmittance of at least 20% as measured at a sample thickness of 1 mm and with a D65 light source. The colored translucent zirconia sintered body has aesthetic properties equivalent to those of natural teeth and is particularly suitable for a zirconia sintered body to be used for dental applications, and further, suitable for a mill blank such as an artificial tooth material or the like, and an orthodontic bracket.

Abstract: The invention relates to a new kind of tooth replacement crown and tooth replacement bridge, of which the components are a framework and a veneer, which are reversibly connected to each other by a macro-retentive bonding system, and a method for producing the components, in which method these components are preferably produced by means of computer-aided design and computer-aided manufacturing.

Abstract: Molded member made of form-stabilized material, comprising at least one first component and one second component, characterized in that the second component has a different pigmentation than the first component and the second component is disposed inside the first element, forming a boundary surface, in such a way that the boundary surface represents a spatially curved surface.

Abstract: Molded member made of form-stabilized material, comprising at least one first component and one second component, characterized in that the second component has a different pigmentation than the first component and the second component is disposed inside the first element, forming a boundary surface, in such a way that the boundary surface represents a spatially curved surface.

Abstract: A method and apparatus that permits a dentist to provide a patient with a monolithic zirconia restoration (i.e., crown) in one office visit. The dentist is provided with a kit of various near net shape (NNS) components of various shapes and shades, chair-side software, and a chair-side milling machine to convert a selected kit component into a finished, fully contoured restoration in about one hour or less. Each such kit component may be, for example, a fully sintered zirconia NNS component having an integral mandrel at a precise location and orientation to minimize the amount of milling time.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for forming a pontic in a pontic-housing pocket of one or more polymeric shell appliances having teeth-receiving cavities. Cavities in the polymeric shell appliances corresponding to the location of a missing or extracted tooth may include a pontic-housing pocket. The pocket may be filled with a composite resin or acrylic material that hardens and presents with a similar visual appearance to a tooth, thereby presenting the illusion that there is no missing tooth. The pontic-hardening pocket may have a single opening of sufficient size for receiving a syringe for injecting the pontic material. After the material hardens and the pontic is formed, it is locked into the pocket, as it cannot fit through the single opening. As the space of a missing tooth is widened or narrowed by the alignment treatment, successive shell appliances may have pontics of successively larger or smaller size.

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 process for making a dental restoration includes forming an image which represents a natural oral cavity characteristic. The image may be formed on a computer by an artist or by capturing a photograph of an oral cavity. The computer-based image may be modified with a computer-aided software program. Thereafter, the image is printed as a decal and attached to the dental restoration base. The decal and the dental restoration base are conditioned by a high intensity light or by being fired together in an oven in order to create a finished dental restoration having the desired oral cavity color and characteristics.

Abstract: A dental implant abutment for attaching a dental prosthesis within a patient's mouth. The abutment is a single unit structure fabricated of a ceramic material, multicolored throughout to match the color of the dental prosthesis, the surrounding dentition and the surrounding gingival tissue.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a color adapting composition used for coloring and color adapting porcelain for ceramic crown such as dental restorations and prosthetics, and aluminosilicate glass appropriate for using in a color adapting composition. More specifically, a color adapting composition for dental porcelains are prepared by blending two or more kinds of glass frits having different sintering temperatures from each other and an inorganic pigment or a colored glass obtained by previously dispersing inorganic pigments in glass.

Abstract: The present invention is a dental device comprising natural and sustainable materials. These materials are derived from the nut of the tangua palm tree that may be fashioned into devices for human and animals when replacing one or more teeth of the subject.

Abstract: Method for producing a base part of a set of artificial teeth, or a set of artificial teeth having a base part, comprising the step of forming the base part by a rapid prototyping process, e.g. 3D lithography and, in particular, 3D laser lithography. Furthermore, the invention relates to a method of establishing a data set representing the shape of a base part of a set of artificial teeth, wherein a gum area or a model thereof is scanned and/or a model of a base part is scanned and/or the shape of the base part is simulated on a computer.

Abstract: A self-cure, dual-cure or tri-cure polymerizable dental composition is provided with at least one functional chemical. The dental composition is divided into a three-part composition to avoid stability issues caused by degradation and/or loss of function of one component in the extended presence of another component, and the three parts are packaged in a tri-barrel syringe or cartridge delivery system to avoid premature chemical interaction between the functional chemical, redox initiator and/or acid/base.

Abstract: The invention relates to compositions based on Ce-stabilized ZrO2, and single- and multi-colored blanks made from oxide ceramics, and a process for their preparation, in which oxide ceramic powder is coated with a coloring substance, the coated powders are preferably graded and at least one colored powder is filled into a compression mould, the colored powder or powders are compressed to produce a shaped body, and the compressed shaped body is sintered to produce a blank, and to the use of these blanks for the preparation of dental restorations. The compositions exhibit high fracture toughness and high flexural strength.

Abstract: A system, method and composition for coloring dental ceramics. The system, method, and composition resulting in natural color matching without drying time between color layers. The system, method and composition also resulting in good color preparation on restorations of about 0.001 mm-1.000 mm thickness.

Abstract: A series of ceramic ingots is provided in which each ingot in the series, referred to as base ingots, has a shade corresponding to a different shade of a shade guide. The number of differently shaded base ingots is less than the total number of shades associated with the shade guide. A base ingot is selected from the series having a shade of a value at least as high as a shade associated with a patient's tooth. If the base ingot shade matches the patient's tooth, a restoration made with the selected base ingot can be glazed as is; otherwise the dental restoration is stained with a stain having a lower value than the selected base ingot to match the tooth. Thus, the total different number of ingot shades needed in inventory is reduced but without requiring staining in every case.

Abstract: A computerized method for coloring a porcelain tooth includes a color difference comparison step, a first computer aided process, and a second computer aided process, for precisely controlling the color of the porcelain tooth. Each parameter is obtained from data comparison. The first computer aided process forms a first layer on the surface of the porcelain tooth and then and the second computer aided process forms a second layer on the first layer by way of computer aided manufacturing (CAM) according to the color difference comparison step. Because of CAM, the method does not require an experienced operator. Therefore, it may reduce labor cost, human error, and ceramic powder consumption. The method may thus save cost, improve production efficiency, and shorten delivery time of the porcelain tooth product.

Abstract: The process for duplicating mucosal tissue or tooth structure for use in a prefabricated dental restoration includes first selecting a characterization strip and a base layer having a desired oral cavity color or characteristic. The selected characterization strip is then placed on the selected base layer and the two are rolled together into a composite. The composite is then formed into a portion of a prefabricated dental restoration, wherein the color and characteristics of the composite duplicate mucosal tissue or tooth structure. In this regard, the composite may be bent into a denture base or otherwise shaped into an artificial tooth for use in dentures.

Abstract: A method of making a dental restoration is provided. The dental restoration comprises a frame and a veneer. An inner veneer surface and an outer frame surface are adapted to be mated with one another to form the dental restoration. The method in particular comprises steps of (a) providing an outer veneer surface; (b) determining an outer frame surface, based on the outer veneer surface; (c) determining an inner veneer surface, based on the outer frame surface; and (d) providing an inner frame surface, based on a natural tooth surface. The method may be advantageous for rapid, precise and inexpensive manufacturing of a dental restoration.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an aesthetic dental restoration having a layered structure, which dental restoration has the appearance of a natural tooth. In addition, the present invention relates to a method for preparing such dental restorations. Particularly, the invention is based on the control of interaction between opalescence and fluorescence.

Abstract: Provided is a dental restoration conditioning apparatus including a housing formed with a liquid-tight dental restoration treating space including a liquid drain. The housing is configured with a disposable dental restoration grip including at least one resilient vacuum cup, each of the at least one vacuum cup being in fluid communication with at least one vacuum source.

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: A method and system for selecting dental constructions using translucent materials that match an individual's preexisting tooth appearance uses a set of reference templates. The reference templates are constructed from layers of various translucent dental materials positioned on bases constructed from actual or simulated tooth structures. The layers of translucent materials have a thickness that varies in increments that correspond to the likely thicknesses of the materials when used in dental constructions. A reference table is created based upon color measurements of each of the reference templates. A color measurement of the individual's preexisting teeth is then compared to the reference table to determine which particular dental construction will most closely match the individuals preexisting teeth.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and a system for preparing dental restorations from ceramic or polymeric material to achieve color and opacity gradients simulating natural dentition, wherein an ingot of ceramic or polymeric material is entirely or partially forced through a system of channels in a press mold into a mold cavity in the press mold, wherein the mold cavity corresponds to a dental restoration.