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: An injection molded dental crown formed of an acetal homopolymer resin.

Abstract: An apparatus for rinsing a dental restoration after etching, includes a base component having an open top end and a tubular extension terminating in an open bottom end. A shield component includes an open bottom end which is sized to fit onto the base component and has a tapered profile to an open top end. Within the base and shield components is carried a platform having one or more holes therethrough to allow fluid to pass from the shield component to the base component. In operation, a dental restoration is placed within the shield component onto the platform. Suction is drawn on the bottom open end of the base component and rinsing fluid is sprayed into the top open end of the shield component onto the dental restoration. Fluid which passes through the platform is suctioned through the bottom open end of the base component.

Abstract: A quadrant and/or anterior shell for making a bridge or multi-tooth crown includes a plurality of integrally formed shell segments. Each shell segment corresponds to a different tooth in the respective quadrant and/or anterior region. Each shell has an occlusal surface, formed on a top wall, that replicates the occlusal surface of a natural tooth. A method of forming bridges or crowns using such shells includes selecting or sectioning off an appropriate section of the shell. The selected shell section is filled with resin. The shell section is positioned over prepared teeth, and, in the case of a bridge, also over a gap in the patient's dentition. Resin extrudes from mesio-distal sides and gingival margins of the shell section to form good proximal and gingival contacts. Once the resin has set, the resin and shell section are shaped to form the final crown or bridge.

Abstract: High strength ceramic components for use in dental applications are provided with a bonding layer disposed thereon to increase the bonding properties of the ceramic component in order that the ceramic component may better bond to a resin material, ceramic material or composite material. Moreover, the bonding layer provides strength to the ceramic component by forming a compressive layer thereon. The ceramic component may be partially or fully embedded in composite material. The ceramic component is bonded to the composite material either by mechanical means, chemical means or both. The material may be placed directly on the ceramic component. Alternatively, the structural component is coated with a bonding layer to provide adhesion between the composite or like material and the structural component.

Abstract: A method for producing a dental prosthesis includes computer modeling of a three-dimensional prosthetic cap based on an human implantation zone. The method first includes casting an impression of the implantation zone of the human body. Then, on the basis of the moulded impression, a digital three-dimensional representation (R1) of the implantation zone is made by sensing the implantation zone with a sensor. From this, a digital representation (R1c) of the internal surface of the prosthesis is defined on the basis of the digital three-dimensional representation (R1) of the implantation zone. A digital three-dimensional representation (R2) of the external surface of the prosthesis is then defined on the basis of the surrounding parameters of the prosthesis and the digital three-dimensional representation (R1c).

Abstract: A dental material and method for forming a laminated structure having at least three layers with at least one layer composed of a base material composition containing high fusing temperature metal particles and another layer composed of a filler material composition of low fusing temperature metal particles. The layers are arranged in tandem adjacent to one another in an alternating sequence such that upon firing of the laminated structure in a furnace at a temperature at least equal to the melting temperature of the low fusing temperature metal particles but below the melting temperature of the high fusing temperature metal particles diffusion occurs from the filler layers into the base layers to bring the base layers together and to form a solid structure.

Abstract: Shaping cap made of ceramic, metal or plastic material, which is suitable as a solid constituent of dental pin structures.

Abstract: High-strength sinterable lithium disilicate glass ceramics are described which can be further processed in particular by pressing in the viscous state to shaped dental products.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a metallic dental crown comprising making a model base out of a base formed on a tooth root in an oral cavity; capping only a top portion of the model base with a mold material for forming a dental crown occlusal portion which is made of plastic film and which has a shallow royal crown configuration; coating that area of an outer peripheral surface of the model base, which is not capped with the mold material for forming the dental crown occlusal portion, with wax to form a composite mold material for forming the dental crown integral with the mold material for forming the dental crown occlusal portion; and substitution molding the composite mold material for forming the dental crown with a metal material. A mold material for forming a dental crown occlusal portion used for manufacturing a metallic dental crown is also disclosed.

Abstract: A dental prosthetic device, such as a crown or a bridge, which includes a ceramic core that is effectively joined by “cementing” to the stump in a tooth preparation, and a polyceramic outer jacket which is effectively joined by “bonding” to the core.

Abstract: A quadrant and/or anterior shell for making a bridge or multi-tooth crown includes a plurality of integrally formed shell segments. Each shell segment corresponds to a different tooth in the respective quadrant and/or anterior region. Each shell has an occlusal surface, formed on a top wall, that replicates the occlusal surface of a natural tooth. A method of forming bridges or crowns using such shells includes selecting or sectioning off an appropriate section of the shell. The selected shell section is filled with resin. The shell section is positioned over prepared teeth, and, in the case of a bridge, also over a gap in the patient's dentition. Resin extrudes from mesio-distal sides and gingival margins of the shell section to form good proximal and gingival contacts. Once the resin has set, the resin and shell section are shaped to form the final crown or bridge.

Abstract: A living tissue replacement of crystallized glass having bioaffinity and mechanical strength is briefly obtained simply by pressure molding or machining without using a special equipment. A glass material having a softening point below its crystallization temperature and exhibiting viscous flow at temperatures below its melting point is heated at a temperature above its Tg and pressed at the temperature to mold to a desired shape, thereby manufacturing a living tissue replacement such as a dental crown. Molding can be done under a pressure of up to 20 MPa.

Abstract: Material for a dental prosthesis consisting of fiber glass reinforced plastic. The material is used to produce a blank by means of a special injection-molding process, which can be worked by means of a machining process. A method and a device for determining the shape of a duplicate of a remaining tooth area to be provided with a dental prosthesis. The shape of the duplicate is determined, as is the shape of duplicate sections into which the duplicate has been divided, the determined data are stored and combined. A method and arrangement for producing a dental prosthesis. The shape of a duplicate (42) of a remaining tooth area to be provided with the dental prosthesis is determined by means of a shape determination device (110), the determined data are stored in the form of digital data (DD), and the dental prosthesis (143) is produced in a production machine (114), which is controlled by means of production data (FD).

Abstract: A set of fiber-polycarbonate shells for making bicuspid and molar crowns are formed with hourglass shaped occlusal profiles. Mesio-distal sidewalls of the shells have a concave shape matching the concavity of the occlusal profile. The shells are sized to fit loosely between adjacent teeth and relative to opposed teeth. The concavity of the mesio-distal sides and the occlusal surface of each shell allows a good fit between the shell and the convex sides of adjacent teeth. A good fit provides a substantially uniform-width proximal gap between mesio-distal sidewalls of the shell and the adjacent teeth. Each shell further has small mesio-distal windows in the mesio-distal sidewalls. The uniform-width gap and the mesio-distal windows control mesio-distal resin flow to adjacent teeth.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for creating a structure (10) with complex external and internal shapes (12 and 14) includes a unitary flexible mold of a structure (10) with complex external shapes (12). A unitary flexible male mold (24) of the interior of the structure with complex internal shapes (14) that mirror the complex external shapes (12) is created. A keying device (42) connected to the molds (16 and 24) is utilized so that the unitary flexible female mold (16) and the unitary flexible male mold (24) are maintained in a predetermined, fixed relationship (40) when pressed together.

Abstract: In the method for manufacturing a dental replacement a dental support structure is provide that has a labial and a buccal side. A fired, pre-shaped ceramic part is placed onto the labial or the buccal side and at least partially embedded in a ceramic paste. Subsequently, the thus assembled dental replacement is fired.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to enhancing the accuracy with which tooth restorations are performed, including the manner by which a tooth is prepared and fit with a dental prosthetic. Further, the present invention is directed to reducing the skill dependent tasks associated with tooth restoration, while at the same time, improving the precision with which these procedures are performed. By improving the accuracy of restoration procedures, any need to repeat these procedures for a given patient can be eliminated and patient comfort can be improved.

Abstract: A dental tool having a processing section at one end which includes a longitudinally extending lateral face and a transversely extending front face having an abrasive working face located at a distance from the lateral face so as to permit forming a precise marginal edge around a tooth to permit precise positioning of a crown while avoiding deleterious working of the tooth region nearest the stump on which the crown is to be mounted.

Abstract: A dental prosthetic device, such as a crown or a bridge, which includes a ceramic core that is effectively joined by “cementing” to the stump in a tooth preparation, and a polyceramic outer jacket which is effectively joined by “bonding” to the core.

Abstract: A dental restoration comprising a porcelain composition, comprising a glassy matrix and leucite crystallites embedded therein, and having maturing temperatures in the range from about 680.degree. C. to about 870.degree. C. and CTEs in the range from about 12 to about 15, more preferably in the range from about 12.5 to about 14.5, and most preferably in the range from about 13.1 to about 14.5.times.10.sup.-6 /.degree. C. (measured from 25.degree. C. to 470.degree. C.). The porcelain is used in combination with a ceramic core or metal framework. The ceramic core comprises cubic leucite and exhibits maturing temperatures less than about 1200.degree. C. and CTEs in the range of about 12.5 to about 15.0.times.10.sup.-6 /.degree. C. (measured from 25.degree. C. to 500.degree. C.).

Abstract: An esthetic preformed crown for children which uses layers of a custom crown material applied as a veneer over non-precious, semiprecious and precious casting metals fabricated for the casting of custom copings and as an alternative to porcelain, vitrioids, copolyester, epoxy, and acrylics. The veneer is comprised of high density polyethylene, which is thermoformed over a screened preformed stainless steel crown to obtain the desired appearance. The crown material is specifically comprised of pigmented high-density polyethylene because of its high elastic limit great flexural strength, ability to withstand great shearing force when mechanically bonded to a preformed crown. The crown of the present invention has natural appearance of a vital tooth. The high density polyethylene veneer in this esthetic preformed crown has a greater bond strength than any current state of the art veneer or other facing material currently used on children's esthetic stainless steel crowns.

Abstract: A method for affixing a visual element on a workpiece, the method including the steps of selecting a visual element to be affixed on the workpiece; treating the visual element so as to render it transferable to the workpiece; transferring the visual element onto the workpiece in a target position; and curing the visual element on the workpiece in the target position so as to affix the visual element in the target position.

Abstract: A set of fiber-polycarbonate shells for making bicuspid and molar crowns is formed with lingual sidewalls shorter than the facial or buccal sidewalls to facilitate easy fit both gingivally and occlusally. The shells are sized to fit loosely between adjacent teeth and relative to opposed teeth. The shells have windows in the mesio-distal sidewalls and can have a window in the occlusal wall. A new method of forming crowns using such shells provides a good fit to a prepared tooth and relative to adjacent and opposed teeth by filling the shell with a glass-filled acrylic resin filler, biting down on the filled shell to position the shell gingivally and occlusally. Resin filler extrudes through the window to form good proximal contacts and to shape the occlusion, with the shell rocking about the facial gingival margin to a comfortable fit with an opposed tooth. The excess resin filler and shell are easily shaped to form the final crown.

Abstract: The invention relates to a dental prosthesis comprising a support shell intended to cover a stump and an external finish coating covering the support shell, the prosthesis being characterized in that the support shell is comprised of a composite material and in that the coating is comprised of at least one layer having at least one component of the same nature as at least one component of the composite material matrix of the shell. The invention also relates to a piece of matrix fabric preimpregnated before cross-linking for the manufacture of the shell, as well as to a method and a machine for manufacturing the dental prosthesis according to the invention.

Abstract: A feldspathic porcelain composition is provided which comprises a continuous glassy matrix phase and a discontinuous, substantially uniformly dispersed cubic leucite crystalline phase, said composition possessing a fusion temperature of from about 800.degree. to about 1200.degree. C. Methods of making the feldspathic porcelain composition are also provided, said methods comprising the steps of forming an alkali aluminosilicate powder comprising SiO.sub.2, Al.sub.2 O.sub.3, K.sub.2 O and Na.sub.2 O and at least one metal salt of rubidium, cesium, calcium, strontium, barium or thallium; heating the powder to effect an exchange of alkali cations with metal cations derived from said metal salt to provide a feldspathic porcelain composition which comprises a continuous glassy matrix phase and a discontinuous crystalline phase comprising cubic leucite.

Abstract: A prosthetic restoration of the invention is made from a metal material containing Ti as the main component and from 0.01 to 3 wt % of M (were M is at least one element selected from the group comprising Si, Zr, Ca, P and In). Further, in addition to these materials, from 0.01 to 4 wt % of Q (where Q is at least one element selected from the group comprising Al, Sn, V ad Cu) may be contained. On an outer surface of such a metal material, a coating layer formed of porcelain or synthetic resin or the like can be provided. Such a prosthetic restoration can be manufactured as follows. First, a model of an abutment tooth is manufactured. Next, a compound is prepared by mixing and kneading metallic powder of Ti or an alloy containing Ti, powder composed of the M or a compound containing the M and a binder. In this case, the powder composed of Q or an compound containing the Q may be added.

Abstract: A method of restoring a damaged anterior tooth by creating an esthetically pleasing crown affixed thereto wherein a scaffold having an opening in the facial panel thereof, and having a cap fitted over the exterior thereof, is filled with a quantity of composite material and fitted to the tooth to be restored, which tooth had been previously prepared for receipt of said scaffold, and removing the cap once the composite material has cured, to reveal an aesthetically pleasing crown.

Abstract: A fabric part preimpregnated with a matrix before hardening designed to form, after shaping, hardening and depositing of an external finishing coating, a support shell of a dental prosthesis. The matrix has at least one component of the same nature as at least one component of the coating.

Abstract: A blank for preparing artificial tooth parts, such as inlays, overlays or partial and complete crowns and bridges comprises a body of laminate material. The body has at least one layer of high abrasive resistance, at least one layer of high breaking strength, and at least one layer of lower hardness and breaking strength. For forming the tooth part, material is removed from the blank in such a way that the layer having high fracture strength forms a reinforcing structure. In a single working step, a tooth part of high strength can be machined.

Abstract: A crown cementation seating comprising a longitudinal portion having opposed first and second ends and a central portion therebetween. The central portion having a width that corresponds generally to the central groove of the crown and that is less than the distance between the lingual and buccal cusps of the crown.

Abstract: A pre-formed tooth crown comprises a connection at the lateral surfaces capable of bridging three-tooth crowns. The connection further comprises a male fastener at one lateral surface and a female fastener at the opposing lateral surface, where the male fastener has a center hole and the female fastener has a corresponding central through hole. In order to form a crown bridge with at least three-tooth crowns, the male fastener of one tooth crown can engage with the female fastener of an adjacent tooth crown. While after the crown bridge is located onto the patient's teeth, a lining material stuffed inside the tooth crowns can be then squeezed from one tooth crown to an adjacent tooth crown via the center hole and the central through hole for ensuring the binding within the crown bridge.

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

Abstract: The method of manufacturing a dental crown includes the steps of making an impression of the patient's teeth including the tooth to be crowned and then making a first model from the impression. The tooth to be crowned is then treated by removing surface portions to provide a prepared tooth. An impression is made of the patient's teeth with the prepared tooth and from this impression a second model is made. By use of heat and pressure a thin acrylic releasing plastic foil is applied over the second model. By use of heat and pressure a thicker plastic foil form is made from the first model. Moldable crown formed material is then placed on the plastic foil encapsulated prepared tooth on the second model. The plastic foil form is then placed over the foil covered second mold to shape the moldable crown forming material. The crown forming material is then hardened to create a crown that is removed from off of the foil covered second model and out of the plastic foil form.

Abstract: The invention relates to a dental prosthesis comprising a support shell (2) intended to cover a stump (1) and an external finish coating (3) covering the support shell (2), the prosthesis being characterized in that the support shell (2) is comprised of a composite material and in that the coating (3) is comprised of at least one layer having at least one component of the same nature as at least one component of the composite material matrix of the shell (2). The invention also relates to a piece of matrix fabric preimpregnated before cross-linking for the manufacture of the shell (2), as well as to a method and a machine for manufacturing the dental prothesis according to the invention.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing an artificial tooth replacement for at least one tooth includes the step of prefabricating a ceramic reinforcement member. Connecting elements are formed at the reinforcement member for fastening the artificial tooth replacement to at least one tooth stump of a patient. The ceramic reinforcement member is covered with a ceramic cover material for completing the artificial tooth replacement.

Abstract: X-ray opaque esters or amides of iodosubstituted benzoic acid according to formula I and polymers and dental materials produced therefrom. ##STR1## R.sup.1 =hydrogen or C.sub.1 to C.sub.3 alkyl, preferably H or CH.sub.3 ; R.sup.2 =straight-chain or branched C.sub.1 to C.sub.6 alkylene, oxyalkylene or arylene, preferably C.sub.2 to C.sub.4 alkylene and particularly preferably --CH.sub.2 --CH.sub.2 -- and --CH.sub.2 CH(--)CH.sub.2 --;X=O or NH, preferably O;R.sup.3 -R.sup.7 =at least 3 iodine substituents, preferably in R.sup.3, R.sup.4 and R.sup.6 or R.sup.3, R.sup.5 and R.sup.7 position, the other groups are hydrogen, C.sub.1 to C.sub.6 alkyl, C.sub.1 to C.sub.6 alkoxy, --Cl, --Br, --OH, --NH.sub.2, --N(C.sub.1 to C.sub.6 alkyl).sub.2 or --NH--CO--(C.sub.1 to C.sub.6 alkyl), preferably R.sup.3, R.sup.4, and R.sup.6 are=I and R.sup.5 and R.sup.7 =H, or R.sup.3, R.sup.5 and R.sup.7 =I and R.sup.4 and R.sup.6 =--NH(COCH.sub.3);n=1, 2 or 3, preferably 1 or 2.

Abstract: A tooth imitation intended for application to naturally grown teeth or a correspondingly shaped denture. To make it possible for the user to use the tooth imitation without health hazard and to provide a tooth imitation which has a simple design and is easy to use, provisions are made for making the tooth imitation out of materials which are nearly completely digestible in the gastrointestinal tract in the form of a hollow body which can be directly molded onto the naturally grown teeth or the denture.

Abstract: Thermoplastic compositions are used for the fabrication of provisional (i.e., temporary) prosthetic devices, especially for the fabrication of crowns and bridges, and as liners for crowns. Preferably, the thermoplastic compositions comprise free-radically polymerizable functionality so that the material can be polymerized after being shaped to a desired configuration.

Abstract: A leucite-containing phosphosilicate glass-ceramic is described which, in addition to a leucite crystalline phase and at least one further crystalline phase, also contains one or more glass phases.

Abstract: A method for reattaching to a first abutment tooth a detached crown of a dental bridge having at least one other crown fixed onto a second abutment tooth includes the steps of forming a vent hole through the detached crown, inserting the open tip of a syringe needle into the vent hole, preliminarily securing and sealing the needle in the vent hole and thereafter applying a flowable dental adhesive material such as an acrylic resin to securely reinforce the connection between the needle and crown and seal any gap therebetween. The void under the detached crown is then washed by ejecting fluids through the needle with a syringe barrel. A flowable dental cement is then ejected through the needle to fill the void between the crown and abutment tooth. Upon curing of the cement, the acrylic resin is dislodged from the surface of the crown enabling withdrawal of the needle from the vent hole which is then plugged.

Abstract: A small, thin, flat, stiff tab is glued with a hot melt adhesive to the exterior surface of a dental restoration. For veneers, a primer is applied to the veneer before the adhesive to enhance the bond. The tab can then be gripped between a thumb and forefinger while placing the restoration on a tooth to which it is to be laminated. After the restoration is placed on the tooth with permanent bonding material between the restoration and the tooth, the tab is used as a vibrating transmitter to the restoration. The tab is vibrated by positioning a flat-sided dental shaft against the tab or an extension element and rotating the shaft with a dental handpiece. A group of tabs are conveniently supported in slots formed in the upper surface of a support. The slots are dimensioned in relation to the tabs in a manner such that one end of a tab is in a slot while the finger gripping area of the tab extends upwardly, away from the support for convenient gripping by a person's fingers.

Abstract: A method and system for attaching, for example, an artificial dental prosthetic device such as a crown, cap, or bridge to a prepared tooth structure utilizes a fluoride releasing dentin bonding system in combination with a cement layer. The dentin bonding system is first applied to the prepared tooth structure, the dentin bonding system including a primer layer and a VLC microfill composite resin layer in certain embodiments. Then the artificial prosthetic device (e.g. crown) is removably adhered to the prepared tooth structure and the dentin bonding system by way of the cement (e.g. zinc oxide based type).

Abstract: Thermoplastic molding compositions are made from a mixture of thermoplastic material (for example, polycaprolactone), a free-radically polymerizable resin (for example, a urethane diacrylate oligomer), and free-radical initiator (for example, a visible-light cure photoinitiator). The mixture is solid at 38.degree. C., has a melting or softening point that comfortably can be withstood by oral tissues, and can be imprinted with a heat-stable custom shape memory and semi-thermoplastic properties by shaping the composition to a desired shape and then causing or permitting the resin to undergo polymerization.

Abstract: A dental foil compressing apparatus is constructed of two parts which engage to form a closed cavity. A viscous material is placed into the cavity so that engagement of the two parts causes a hydrostatic compressive force within the cavity to compress a foil against a dental model supported within the cavity. The dental model is placed near the parting line of the engagement of the two parts so as to be easily loaded and unloaded.

Abstract: A veneer for primary teeth in children, composed of composite resin, provides an aesthetically pleasing restoration which displays good fit, durability, and is inexpensive. A composite resin veneer is adhered to a properly fitted stainless steel crown which has been sandblasted and primed. The veneer of the present invention is then selected from a kit of different sized veneers which corresponds to the crown size that has been used. A composite resin cement is used to cement the facing to the fitted stainless steel crown. The veneer crown is then cemented to the patient's tooth.

Abstract: The method of this invention includes the steps of substituting wax with a new selected medium of a plastic shrinkable material to manufacture a metal substructure known as a dental coping or pontic, for the fabrication of a single or multiple tooth restoration. The new medium is placed over a die, which is the exact replica of what is left of the tooth in a patients mouth that has been clinically prepared for restoration. The die is then covered with the plastic shrink sleeving, and by using an external heat source is shrunk contiguous to the die, leaving a wall thickness of two tenths to three tenths of a millimeter. After trimming away the excess plastic the intermediate plastic is then invested creating a mold which is heated in a high heat oven until the intermediate plastic coping disintegrates completely leaving no unwanted residue on the inner surfaces of the mold.

Abstract: A moldable dental composition including high-fusing temperature metal particles and a binder comprising wax preferably in a concentration of above at least twenty percent (20%) of the composition. The high-fusing temperature metal particles should have an irregular nonspherical geometry and a thin cross-sectional average thickness. The moldable dental composition may also contain low fusing temperature metal particles for enhanced wetting of the high fusing metal particles during heat treatment at a heat treatment temperature which will substantially melt the low fusing metal particles. However it is not essential to the subject invention for the composition to contain low fusing metal particles.

Abstract: A system for color matching a dental prosthesis is provided. The system includes a shade guide or color range finder comprising a plurality of color elements, each of which identifies a different color than the remaining elements. This system also includes a plurality of plastic shells that are configured for placement on or along side a patient's anterior or posterior tooth that has previously been prepared for receiving a dental prosthesis. The shells correspond in color to the colors of the color range finder elements. The system further includes some type of coloring for selectively modifying the aesthetic appearance of a shell so that the dental practitioner can prepare an accurate representation of what is to be produced as a dental prosthesis in the laboratory.

Abstract: A small, thin, flat, stiff tab is glued with a hot melt adhesive to the exterior surface of a dental restoration. The tab can then be gripped between a thumb and forefinger while placing the restoration on a tooth to which it is to be laminated. After the restoration is placed on the tooth with permanent bonding material between the restoration and the tooth, the tab is used as a vibrating transmitter to the restoration. The tab is vibrated by positioning a flat-sided dental shaft against an edge of a hole in the tab and rotating the shaft with a dental handpiece. A group of tabs are conveniently supported in slots formed in the upper surface of a support. The slots are dimensioned in relation to the tabs in a manner such that one end of a tab is in a slot while the finger gripping area of the tab extends upwardly, away from the support for convenient gripping by a person's fingers.