Alkali Silicate Dental Opaquer for Thin-Walled Zirconia Restorations
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing dental zirconium oxide ceramics struggle to achieve high opacity without compromising mechanical properties, accuracy of fit, and esthetic appearance, especially in thin-walled restorations, while avoiding health hazards and complex processing.
Innovation Solution
A dental opaquer composition comprising alkali silicate and water, applied to zirconium oxide ceramics, increases opacity through surface thin glass phases without using metal ions or nanoparticles, ensuring mechanical strength and sintering accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If infiltration solutions are applied to increase opacity, then dark materials become invisible, but mechanical properties and accuracy of fit deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical composition parameters of the opaquer from traditional metal ion-based formulations to alkali silicate-based compositions. This parameter change allows achieving the desired opacity effect while maintaining mechanical strength and accuracy of fit, as the alkali silicate composition does not compromise the structural integrity of the zirconium oxide ceramic during sintering.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite system by combining alkali silicate compounds with water and organic solvents to form an opaquer composition. This composite formulation enables the opaquer to penetrate into the ceramic matrix and form thin glass phases that provide opacity without interfering with the mechanical properties, unlike traditional opaque agents.
2Illumination intensity
If metal ion-based opaquers are used, then opacity increases, but sintering distortion increases and accuracy of fit decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent fundamentally changes the chemical composition from metal ion-based to alkali silicate-based. This parameter change eliminates the sintering distortion problem because alkali silicates do not alter the local sintering properties of zirconium oxide ceramics, thereby maintaining high accuracy of fit while achieving the desired opacity.
3Illumination intensity
If aluminum or lanthanum compounds are used for opaquening, then opacity increases, but sintering distortion occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical composition from aluminum or lanthanum compounds to alkali silicate compounds. This parameter change eliminates sintering distortion by using materials that do not interfere with the sintering process, while still achieving the required opacity effect through the formation of thin glass phases on the ceramic surface.
4Illumination intensity
If traditional opaque frameworks are used, then dark materials are covered, but processing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the opaquer composition to the presintered blank before final sintering, allowing the opacity to be built into the ceramic matrix during the sintering process itself. This preliminary action eliminates the need for separate complex procedures such as fabricating opaque frameworks and veneering with glass ceramic, thereby simplifying the overall processing while achieving the desired opacity.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The composition provides zirconium oxide ceramics with enhanced opacity, mechanical strength, and accurate fit, reducing sintering distortion, and is safe for handling, suitable for thin-walled restorations.
Implementation Method 1
increases opacity through surface thin glass phases
Implementation Method 2
the presintered dental restoration is brought into contact with the infiltration solution by applying the infiltration solution to the restoration or by immersing the restoration in the solution
Data Source
AI summary
A dental opaquer composition for increasing the opacity of zirconium oxide ceramics. A process for producing a dental restoration to increase the opacity of the zirconium oxide ceramic by using the opaquer composition.