Abstract: A holding attachment includes a holding portion with a round or substantially round columnar hole shape in which a held portion of a material before cutting is inserted and a mounting portion that is mounted on a work mount of a cutting machine. The mounting portion includes at least one pin that is inserted to at least one pin insertion hole provided in the work mount and at least one engagement portion that is engaged with at least one rotation stopper provided in the work mount. A position reference portion of the material before cutting is recessed from a round or substantially round columnar outer peripheral surface of the held portion. The holding portion includes a fitting portion fit to the position reference portion of the material before cutting.

Abstract: A luminescent coating is disclosed that is used to dimensionally control the curing of a photocurable agent placed in close contact with the coating. The coating is applied at the interface of structures, such as brackets and prosthetics, or may be applied directly on a curable material for use in 3D printing, at the location where bonding material is needed to be cured. The luminescent coating irradiates from its structure the curing radiations necessary to photopolymerize the resin in response to a first radiation irradiated on its structure of a different wavelength.

Abstract: A dental blank is provided for yielding a metal frame having a desired shape according to a dental CAD/CAM system and a machining process. The dental blank is formed from a metal powder sintered body and contains Co as a main component, Cr in a proportion of 26% by mass or more and 35% by mass or less, Mo in a proportion of 5% by mass or more and 12% by mass or less, and Si in a proportion of 0.5% by mass or more and 1.0% by mass or less. Further, part of the Si is silicon oxide, and the ratio of the silicon oxide to the total amount of Si is preferably 10% by mass or more and 90% by mass or less.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a porous, silicate, ceramic body, possibly with different colors, with a first density, which can be sintered into a silicate, ceramic body with a second density, wherein the ratio of the first density to the second density is 2/5 to 98/100, and the three-point bending strength of the porous, silicate ceramic body with a first density, measured according to ISO 6872, amounts to 25 to 180 MPa.

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: A method of forming an implant to be implanted into living bone is disclosed. The method comprises the act of roughening at least a portion of the implant surface to produce a microscale roughened surface. The method further comprises the act of immersing the microscale roughened surface into a solution containing hydrogen peroxide and a basic solution to produce a nanoscale roughened surface consisting of nanopitting superimposed on the microscale roughened surface. The nanoscale roughened surface has a property that promotes osseointegration.

Abstract: A method for producing a tooth stump structure that is to be anchored in a root canal comprises the following steps: flexible needles are introduced one after the other into a recess in the form of a root canal or into an exposed cavity; the length of the protruding ends of the needles is adjusted to the form of a core of the stump structure, the core is then modelled from a semi-liquid, polymerizable composition and subsequently hardened; and an outer jacket of a crown is applied to the core. The tooth stump structure produced by said method is formed by a structural core made of a hardened composition, wherein individual flexible needles are anchored in said core and protrude therefrom, a cross section of the needles being circular, elliptical or polygonal and their diameter ranging from 0.1 to 0.8 mm. The protruding parts of the needles occupy a space that corresponds essentially to the space of the root canal or the cavity.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a manufacturing method and apparatus of artificial human teeth using dental CT. The method comprises the steps of: removing a damaged part of human teeth; obtaining surface coordinates of the teeth using a dental CT machine located at a dental clinic for a medical checkup; converting the surface coordinates of the actual teeth to CAD/CAM data; manufacturing artificial teeth by cutting metal or ceramic with a three-dimensional N/C machine using the converted data; obtaining shape data of upper or lower actual teeth corresponding to the artificial teeth; changing the shape of the artificial teeth by direct surface processing according to the shape data of the upper or lower teeth; and coating ceramic to the artificial teeth after sintering the processed artificial teeth for a predetermined period.

Abstract: A cluster mill blank includes a framework constructed to cooperate with a blank holder of an existing CAD/CAM system, and a plurality of sub-blanks attached to the framework forming an addressable matrix or cluster blank. CAD/CAM systems including such a framework, as well as associated methods are described.

Abstract: A process is provided for producing a dental restoration piece that has a frame with first and second portions and a blended synthetic material covering a first portion of the frame, the heat expansion coefficient of the blended synthetic material being different than the heat expansion coefficient of the frame material. Prior to a thermal treatment of the dental restoration piece, at least the second portion of the frame is covered with a heat protection paste, whereby the heat protection paste limits the increase in temperature of the frame resulting from thermal treatment of the dental restorative piece to effect curing of the blended synthetic material to a lesser temperature value than if the heat protection paste had not been applied onto the dental restorative piece. Also disclosed is a kit for practicing the process.

Abstract: Decorative elements in the form of removable personalized plates made of dentistry metal (nickel free Rhodium, gold, silver, chromium, cobalt, titanium, or similar metals) with imbedded stone pattern designs, thereby producing a particular effect on a user's teeth, that are applied in a removable mode by pressing the individual plates with horseshoe-shaped fastening brackets onto a specially design frame with upward serpentine-shaped prongs with outward protruding center depressions or dimples pressed against the interior of the fastening brackets to secure in place multiple ornamental plates.

Abstract: The invention encompasses a glass-ceramic comprising a continuous glass phase and a crystal phase comprising tetragonal leucite, wherein the glass-ceramic has a crack-free glass phase and a crystal phase comprising leucite crystals distributed essentially homogeneously in the glass phase. The crystal phase has a particle size distribution made of from about 5% to about 70% of a first group of leucite crystals having particle sizes of <1 ?m and from about 30% to about 95% of a second group of leucite crystals having particle sizes of ?1 ?m. The proportion of Li2O in the glass-ceramic is preferably below 0.5% by weight. It is preferred that not only the glass phase but also the crystal phase is essentially free of cracks. The corresponding glass-ceramics are particularly suitable for use in the dental sector, in particular as facing ceramics.

Abstract: The invention relates to uses of glasses and glass-ceramics in dental and orthodontic applications.

Abstract: A dental restoration comprising a fiber reinforced composite framework and one or more of a randomly dispersed, fiber-filled veneer, a soft particulate filled composite veneer having a strain to failure greater than that of FRC framework and/or a brittle particulate filled composite veneer having a strain to failure value less than that of the FRC framework. The fiber filled veneer is advantageously placed beneath the framework, the soft veneer is advantageously pled where tensile stresses are expected to occur, while the brittle particulate filled veneer is placed where compressive stresses are expected to occur.

Abstract: The invention relates to uses of glasses and glass-ceramics in dental and orthodontic applications.

Abstract: Dental restorations are fabricated using metal powder. Preferably, the metal powder is a high fusing metal and preferably, the metal powder comprises a non-oxidizing metal. The metal powder is applied to a die and is covered with a covering material such as a refractory die material preferably in the form of a flowable paste. A second covering material may be sprinkled or dusted onto the paste. The model is then dried prior to firing. After drying, the model is sintered to provide a high strength metal restoration. After sintering, the outer shell can be broken off easily with one's hand to expose the sintered coping.

Abstract: Dental restorations are fabricated using metal powder. Preferably, the metal powder is a high fusing metal and preferably, the metal powder comprises a non-oxidizing metal. The metal powder is applied to a die and is covered with a covering material such as a refractory die material preferably in the form of a flowable paste. A second covering material may be sprinkled or dusted onto the paste. The model is then dried prior to firing. After drying, the model is sintered to provide a high strength metal restoration. After sintering, the outer shell can be broken off easily with one's hand to expose the sintered coping.

Abstract: A near net tooth shaped ceramic prosthesis is provided in a tooth shape to minimize the amount of cutting and baking required to finish the outer crown portion of the dental prosthesis. A metallic core is provided for attachment to an implant in a patient's mouth. A ceramic crown is then attached to the core.

Abstract: Opaque porcelains for use with metal cores in the manufacture of PFM restorations. The porcelains exhibit a coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) substantially equal to or slightly above the CTE of the metal to which it is applied. The porcelains exhibit a CTE equal to or up to about 1.5×10−6/° C. higher than the dental alloys to which they are applied as the opaque. The porcelains are fabricated from a mixture of two frit compositions. A high expansion, leucite containing frit is combined with a low melting glass frit to provide a porcelain having an expansion in the range of 16.9 to about 18×10−6/° C. in the temperature range of 25°-500° C.

Abstract: A fluoride-releasing dental amalgam composition for a tooth restoration comprising a dental amalgam alloy material and an fluoride-containing, the glass particulate powder component of a fluoride-leachable acid-etchable glass ionomer cement. The invention further provides a method for using the composition to prevent or reduce secondary caries in an existing tooth restoration, which is classified as a dental amalgam in nature.

Abstract: A ceramic restoration based on a leucitic glass-ceramic, which is characterized in that the glass-ceramic includes by way of components 40-95 wt.-% SiO2 5-25 wt.-% Al2O3 5-25 wt.-% K2O 0-25 wt.-% Na2O 0-20 wt.-% CaO 0-8 wt.-% B2O3 0-0.5 wt.-% P2O5 0-3 wt.-% F, in that it contains, as sole crystalline phase, leucite in a total proportion from 20 to 45 wt.-%, at least 80% of the theoretically producible quantity of leucite being present, and in that it exhibits a linear coefficient of thermal expansion &agr;(20-500° C.) from 12.5·10−6 to 15.5·10−6 K−1. This glass-ceramic is particularly suitable for processing as pressed ceramic and can be advantageously faced with dental ceramic that exhibits a linear coefficient of thermal expansion &agr;(20-500° C.) from 13.5·10−6 to 17.0·10−6 K−1.

Abstract: Alkali silicate glasses are described which, in view of their good chemical stability and their optical properties and processing properties, are particularly suitable as a coating or veneering material for ceramic dental frameworks and hence for the production of all-ceramic dental restorations such as crowns or bridges.

Abstract: Porcelain compositions of the present invention comprises particulate of one or more glass or glass-ceramic powder components. Additionally, one or more opacifing agents, pigments, fluorescing agents and the like may be included in the composition. Based on volume percent, the particulate has a d10 of from about 1.1 and about 1.8 microns; a d50 of from about 3 to about 6 microns; a d90 of from about 8 to about 16 microns; and about 1.0 to about 4.0% by volume of the particulate has a particle size greater than or equal to about 20 microns. The mean particle size is preferably in the range of about 3.0 microns to about 7.5 microns.

Abstract: Dental jewelry includes a surface-covering jewelry piece, the body of which is designed to lie principally in a plane parallel with the tooth surface and is designed to be affixed to said surface by a layer of fixing composite. On its backside, which is designed to be turned toward the surface of the tooth, the jewelry piece has a recess which, along the piece's circumference of said backside, defines a continual supporting edge upon which the jewelry piece rests against the tooth surface.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for producing a titanium and ceramic adhesive composite system, and a titanium and ceramic adhesive system produced therefrom. The system can be used to improve the adhesive of ceramics, intended for pure titanium or titanium alloys, to a structure consisting of pure titanium or a titanium alloy. The improvement is attained in that silicon ions (4) are inserted into the surface (1) of a structure consisting of pure titanium or a titanium alloy by ion implantation with ion beams (3) between the atoms (5) of the titanium or the atoms (5) of the titanium alloy. The silicon ions form a titanium and silicon layer (2) in the surface (1) of the structure in the penetration layer of the ion implantation, on which titanium and silicon layer crystalline, non -metallic inorganic materials are applied, and an adhesive composite is produced with said materials.

Abstract: Alkali silicate glasses are described which, in view of their good chemical stability and their optical properties and processing properties, are particularly suitable as a coating or veneering material for ceramic dental frameworks and hence for the production of all-ceramic dental restorations such as crowns or bridges.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for making metal frameworks for dental protheses:of the type comprising metallic cops, optionally coated with resin or ceramic material, designed to be anchored in the mouth directly onto the stump of the tooth or teeth to be restored, contiguous or independent,optionally coupled by also metal intermediate members;using for the embodiment of said cops directly on the master mould, generally of plaster, obtained from the patient maxilla or mandibular cast, i.e. without having to pass through a duplicate in refractory material, first a thin metal sheet forming operation on the stump model of the tooth to be restored and then wintering and/or melting operation of precious, semiprecious and non-precious metal powder, coating said metal sheet, through the effect of a suitable heat supply.

Abstract: Porcelain compositions of the present invention comprise one or more glass or glass-ceramic powder components. Additionally, one or more opacifying agents, pigments, fluorescing agents and the like may be included in the composition. Based on volume percent, 10% of the particulate in the porcelain has a particle size of less than between about 1.1 microns and about 1.5 microns, 50% of the particulate in the porcelain has a particle size of less than between about 3 and about 6 microns, 90% of the particulate in the porcelain has a particle size of less than between about 8 and about 13.5 microns, and the maximum particle size of the particulate is greater than about 20 microns and less than about 60 microns. The mean particle size is preferably in the range of about 3.0 microns to about 6.5 microns.

Abstract: A process for producing and installing a three-dimensional ornamental jewelry dental appliance onto a target tooth selected by the patient without employing a crown is disclosed, as is the structure of the ornamental appliance itself. The dental appliance is made by making an impression of the target tooth, creating a mold from that impression and casting a noble metal appliance from a lost wax mold having a rear wall that conforms exactly to the surface of the target tooth. Registration of the ornamental appliance with a target area of the target tooth is assured by use of an indexing tab integrally molded with the ornamental appliance. The rear surface of the dental appliance and surface of the tooth are etched to improve bonding. A dentist applies a cement to the rear surface of the ornamental appliance and a catalyst to the tooth, then presses the dental appliance against the tooth and removes the indexing tab.

Abstract: An ornamental metal foil applique for adhesive securement to a dental substrate, comprises a metal foil body having main top and bottom faces of a predetermined shape, preferably with a maximum facial area dimension not exceeding 1 centimeter. The main bottom face may be microetched over at least a major portion of its facial area to enhance the adhesive securement of the applique to the dental substrate and/or have a mesh backing member or other formaminous backing structure secured to such face of the metal foil body. The applique of the invention may be usefully employed for ornamenting a dental substrate of an individual whose mouth contains such dental substrate, by bonding the main bottom face of the shaped metal foil to the dental substrate with an adhesive medium so that the ornamental metal foil applique is in a selected display position on the dental substrate.

Abstract: An all-ceramic dental restoration comprising a ceramic core over and at least one coating thereon of a porcelain composition having a maturing temperature of from about 850.degree. to about 1050.degree. C. and a coefficient of thermal expansion of from about 4.0 to about 13 (room temperature to 500.degree. C.) parts per million per .degree.C. comprising:______________________________________ Component Amount (Wt. %) ______________________________________ SiO.sub.2 69-75 Al.sub.2 O.sub.3 4.0-9.5 Na.sub.2 O 5-10 K.sub.2 O 0-4 CaO 0-1.5 MgO 0-6 B.sub.2 O.sub.

Abstract: The artificial tooth blanks made by series production involve a dentin-colored fired dental ceramic composition including a previously compression-molded hard core and optionally a retention, wherein the size of the artificial tooth blank is reduced over that of the corresponding finished artificial tooth and the artificial tooth blanks do not contain an enamel layer. The retention may involve one or more high-melting shells incorporated by firing and containing high-melting retention pins soldered therein after firing, wherein the retention pins as well as the solder are stable under the melting conditions for dental ceramic compositions for bridges and crowns, and especially so in the presence of air as well.

Abstract: Gold-free palladium-silver alloys for dentures [dental prostheses] which alloys can be veneered without color changes with dental ceramics and can be easily removed from the mold after the casting contain 45 to 80% by weight palladium, 7 to 50% by weight silver, 0 to 5% by weight gold, 0 to 5% by weight tin, 0 to 5% by weight indium, 0 to 3% by weight zinc, 0 to 2% by weight copper, 0 to 1% by weight ruthenium, iridium and/or rhenium, 0 to 7% by weight gallium, 0 to 5% by weight cobalt and 0 to 3% by weight germanium, whereby of the elements gallium, cobalt and germanium at least two must be present with contents totalling 2 to 9% by weight.

Abstract: Porcelain compositions suitable for layers on metal base dental restorations have fusion temperatures of about 800.degree. C. and lower. The compositions may be employed as coatings on titanium and titanium alloy bases since the compositions have thermal expansion values close to those of titanium and its alloys. A bond layer is also provided to improve bonding between the porcelain layers and the restoration base. A method is also provided for forming dental restorations with relatively inexpensive and biocompatible metal bases and low fusing dental porcelains.

Abstract: Porcelain compositions suitable for use as porcelain layers on metal base dental restorations have fusion temperatures of about 800.degree. C. and lower. The compositions may be employed as coatings on titanium and titanium alloy bases since the compositions have thermal expansion values close to those of titanium and its alloys. A method is also provided for forming dental restorations with relatively inexpensive and biocompatible metal bases and low fusing dental porcelains.

Abstract: A ceramic dental prosthesis is produced from a shaped fritted metal oxide infrastructure whose pores are filled with a glass.

Abstract: Dental facings or veneers preformed from precision metals; suitable for attachment to the labial enamel surface of human teeth; and utilizable for cosmetic purposes and/or as a base for further decorative enhancement by cut-out design, inlaid design or otherwise.

Abstract: A dental prosthesis comprises an inner layer portion and an outer layer portion. The outer layer portion is a dental porcelain material, while the inner layer portion is a sintered product which, after sintering, is composed of:(i) 40 to 95% by weight of one or (two or) more electric conductive ceramic materials selected from the group consisting of nitride ceramics, boride ceramics and carbide ceramics, all having a specific electric resistance of 10.sup.-1 .OMEGA..multidot.cm or below, and(ii) 5 to 60% by weight of the following (A) and/or (B):(A) a dental porcelain material, and(B) one or (two or) more metals selected from the group consisting of Ti, Zr, Au, Pt, Pd, Ag, In and Sn.

Abstract: There is provided a mixture which preferably is a colloidal suspension of finely divided particles of a rare-earth oxide such as cerium oxide in a liquid. The liquid may be all water but also may include other materials such as acetic acid, 1,3-butanediol, methanol. The mixture is used as a wetting and suspending agent for opaque and build-up dental porcelains to primarily overcome the problem of discoloration of the porcelains when used with metal substrates made of dental alloys containing silver, and also to make the porcelains easier to handle and to work with.

Abstract: A dental material of a metal composition for reinforcing the metal framework of a dental restoration comprising an aggregate combination of metal particles including a first high fusing temperature precious metal component and a second low fusing temperature component which form a porous sponge-like structure upon heat treatment.

Abstract: The method and material of the present inventioin includes a combination of a high-fusing temperature metal component and a low-fusing temperature metal component which are adapted to be heat treated at a temperature above the melting temperature of the low-fusing temperature metal component, such that a porous, sponge-like structure is formed with a total void volume of 20-80%.

Abstract: A method of building a dental appliance and a kit for use in the method are provided. In the method, metal copings are coated with an opaque ceramic paste, and a coarse ceramic powder, having structural stability under the conditions needed to fire the ceramic paste, is dusted on the coating of ceramic paste, and the coping is fired. A coated metal coping with a rough, sandpaper like surface is produced, and subsequent layers of ceramic paste are applied to the rough surface to build up the dental appliance. The kit of the invention provides at least one preformed opaque ceramic paste, dusting powders, and other ingredients needed to build a dental appliance.

Abstract: A method of building a dental appliance and a kit for use in the method are provided. In the method, metal copings are coated with an opague ceramic paste, and a coarse ceramic powder, having structural stability under the conditions needed to fire the ceramic paste, is dusted on the coating of ceramic paste, and the coping is fired. A coated metal coping with a rough, sandpaper like surface is produced, and subsequent layers of ceramic paste are applied to the rough surface to build up the dental appliance. The kit of the invention provides at least one preformed opaque ceramic paste, dusting powders, and other ingredients needed to build a dental appliance.

Abstract: The process for making metal artificial tooth parts consists in that an impression of the tooth or jaw to be treated is prepared using an electrically non-conductive material, the inner wall of said impression is coated with a heated low-melting alloy and then the interior is filled up with filling material in which fixing pins are inserted in the case of crowns, inlays and bridges. Alternatively, the impression is filled up with traditional filling materials and an electric conductive coating is produced by vaporizing a metal layer, spraying a conductive lacquer or currentless deposition of an electrically conductive layer. Again, alternatively the impression may be filled up with electrically conductive plastic.

Abstract: Dental crowns, bridges and jointing implements or tabs for dental prostheses which are capable of being welded in the mouth are disclosed. These structures are preferably comprised of high purity titanium alloy. The dental crowns are formed as a cast or prepressed central cap in the shape of the tooth to be treated. The crown is additionally provided with one or two tabs which correspond to one or both of the linking sides of the crown with an adjacent crown. The titanium jointing tabs are designed for coupling and welding in the mouth and may be used with crowns or bridges of conventional structure such as gold or a gold alloy. Each jointing implement is provided at one end with a shaped element such as a screw to be rigidly coupled to the crown. The jointing implement is also optionally provided with one or more microindentations on the inside lateral surface to facilitate welding in the mouth with the jointing implement or tab of the crown element associated with the adjacent tooth.

Abstract: Completely removable retention means are applied onto casting patterns for dental prosthetic metal constructions by coating the casting pattern with an adhesive coating composition to hold said retention means in position, said composition containing at least one photopolymerizable compound the polymerization of which is inhibited by oxygen, and at least one photopolymerization initiator, irradiating the coated casting pattern, applying the retention means, and irradiating the casting pattern once more.

Abstract: Gate is a wax structure for forming part of a wax master in investment casting of a dental prosthesis. The gate has a square feeder with a circular disc on each end. The square feeder reduces the cracking stresses between adjacent feeders to reduce unwanted fins, and the square shape aids in final cutoff of the cast prosthetic. In the wax master, one of the discs is secured to the prosthetic form and the other disc to the conventional reservoir bar. The disc shape aids in filleting to the form and bar.

Abstract: The mastication enhancing device of the instant invention includes a hardened cusp for providing a hardened occlusal surface in a tooth, and means for retaining the hardened cusp in a predetermined pattern in a tooth. A major portion of a hardened cusp is embedded in the tooth. Cusps may be arranged in an opposing, offset pattern in upper and lower teeth to provide a point-contact between occlusal surfaces of upper and lower teeth.

Abstract: A novel method for firmly bonding metal and ceramics comprising the steps of applying a composite plating composition consisting of a metal containing plating solution and fine particles of ceramic on a surface of metal to which the ceramic is to be bonded, thereby forming a metal plating layer on the surface having partially projected fine particles of ceramic, and then firing the coated metal in order to fuse the ceramic thereto.

Abstract: A dental material of a metal composition for reinforcing the metal framework of a dental restoration comprising an aggregate combination of metal particles including a first high fusing temperature precious metal component and a second low fusing temperature component which form a porous sponge-like structure upon heat treatment.