Nano-crystalline dental ceramics
US8298329B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Apr 29, 2010 |
| Grant date | Oct 30, 2012 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 22, 2031 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC C)Chemistry; Metallurgy
- CPC primaryC04B2235/9653
- WIPO fieldPharmaceuticals
- WIPO sectorChemistry
Abstract
Unlike conventional dental ceramic powder made by grinding, dental ceramic nanocrystals are formed by vaporization into individual particles. Tetragonal zirconia particles thus formed are not broken into pieces, and so do not transform to weaker monoclinic zirconia and weaker sintered products. The particles created by this approach can be much smaller, and dental prostheses sintered from this powder can be stronger and more realistic. For instance, the smaller size of sintered tetragonal zirconia crystals increases optical translucence by reducing scattering from birefringence, and the small average particle size and tight distribution of sizes and shapes can essentially eliminate pores in a sintered product. Cylindrical and spherical particles can be manufactured by this approach, whereas prior art dental ceramic particles were generally neither. In addition to tetragonal zirconia, various dental ceramic particles and powders can be made by this approach, which can be used to form various sintered dental prostheses.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.