Dental Ceramic Fluorescence via Bismuth Diffusion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for providing fluorescence to dental ceramic bodies are time-consuming and prone to inhomogeneities, often requiring the application and drying of solutions, which can lead to inefficient processes and suboptimal results.
Innovation Solution
A process involving exposure of the dental ceramic body or its precursor to a bismuth-containing atmosphere at temperatures above 1000°C, allowing bismuth to penetrate and diffuse into the ceramic material, thereby imparting fluorescence without the need for additional solution application, and integrating this process with sintering or post-sintering steps for efficient and homogeneous fluorescence.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a solution containing colouring agent and fluorescing agent is applied to the dental ceramic body, then fluorescence can be provided to the ceramic body, but the process becomes time-consuming and prone to inhomogeneities
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the colouring and fluorescence provision steps into a single sintering process. The colouring agent and fluorescing agent are incorporated into the ceramic powder mixture before sintering, allowing both functions to be achieved simultaneously in one heating cycle, thereby eliminating the need for separate solution application and drying steps
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes changes in temperature parameters during the sintering process to achieve both colouring and fluorescence. By controlling the sintering temperature range and duration, the ceramic body absorbs the fluorescent properties from the added agents while maintaining structural integrity, transforming a multi-step process into a single parameter-controlled operation
2Reliability
If a solution is applied to the dental ceramic body to provide fluorescence, then fluorescence can be imparted, but inhomogeneities in colouring may arise
Solution Approach 1:
The patent ensures homogeneous distribution of both colouring agent and fluorescing agent throughout the ceramic body by incorporating them into the powder mixture before sintering. This pre-mixing approach, combined with uniform heating during sintering, guarantees consistent fluorescence and colouring across the entire ceramic body, eliminating the inhomogeneities that would result from surface application methods
3Reliability
If separate solution application is used to provide fluorescence, then fluorescence can be added to the ceramic body, but additional process steps are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the colouring and fluorescence provision into a single sintering operation. Both the colouring agent and fluorescing agent are incorporated into the ceramic powder mixture before sintering, allowing both functions to be achieved simultaneously in one heating cycle, thereby eliminating the need for separate solution application and drying steps
Solution Approach 2:
The sintering process serves multiple functions simultaneously: it densifies the ceramic body, incorporates the colouring agent to provide colour, and incorporates the fluorescing agent to provide fluorescence. This multi-functional approach eliminates the need for separate specialized steps for each function, simplifying the overall process
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
This method enables a time-saving and homogeneous fluorescence application that closely resembles natural tooth fluorescence, with adjustable intensity and no significant impact on mechanical stability or biocompatibility, while avoiding inhomogeneities and the need for separate solution application.
Implementation Method 1
exposing at least a portion of the outer surface of the dental ceramic body or of the precursor to the bismuth containing atmosphere at a temperature above 1000° C.
Implementation Method 2
bismuth to penetrate and diffuse into the ceramic material, thereby imparting fluorescence
Implementation Method 3
Fluorescence refers to the phenomenon of light being emitted by a substance that has absorbed light or other electromagnetic radiation. Typically, the emitted light is of longer wavelength and, therefore, lower energy than the absorbed radiation.
Data Source
AI summary
A process for providing fluoresence to a dental ceramic body by treating at least a portion of the outer surface of the dental ceramic body or a precursor thereof with a bismuth containing substance, characterized by the steps of placing the dental ceramic body or the precursor thereof into a closeable container, in particular a crucible; generating a bismuth containing atmosphere in the container and exposing at least a portion of the outer surface of the dental ceramic body or of the precursor to the bismuth containing atmosphere at a temperature above 1000° C.