Liquid Coloring Composition for Dental Ceramics
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current dental ceramic coloring solutions have limited shading effects, are non-homogeneous, struggle with high translucency, and fail to mimic natural tooth opacity transitions, leading to challenging dental restoration preparations.
Innovation Solution
A method involving a liquid coloring composition applied to porous ceramic dental bodies, comprising opaquing agents like Zn, Al, or Si, coloring agents such as Fe, Ni, Cu, Mn, Co, Cr, Mo, Pr, Nd, Er, or Ce, and a wetting agent, followed by sintering to achieve a fully sintered ceramic body with enhanced density and esthetic properties.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If current coloring solutions are applied to high translucency dental ceramics, then the ceramics maintain their translucency, but the coloring effect is minimal and insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical composition parameters of the coloring solution by incorporating metal oxides (Fe2O3, CuO, CoO, NiO, MnO2, Cr2O3) in specific weight percentages (0.1-5% each) and adjusting the acid concentration (0.1-10% HCl, HNO3, or HF). These parameter changes enable the solution to penetrate high translucency ceramics while achieving sufficient coloring effect, resolving the contradiction between maintaining translucency and achieving adequate coloration.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite coloring solution system that combines multiple metal oxide colorants with specific acids and solvents. This composite approach allows the solution to simultaneously achieve penetration into high translucency ceramics and produce adequate coloring effects, as each component contributes specific properties that work synergistically to overcome the limitations of single-component solutions.
2Ease of operation
If current coloring solutions are used, then the application process is simple, but the solutions are non-homogeneous and contain precipitants
Solution Approach 1:
The patent adjusts the pH and chemical composition parameters of the coloring solution by incorporating specific acids (HCl, HNO3, or HF at 0.1-10% concentration) that prevent precipitant formation. This parameter optimization maintains solution homogeneity and stability while keeping the application process simple, allowing the solution to remain stable during storage and application without requiring complex handling procedures.
3Ease of manufacture
If current coloring solutions are applied, then the preparation process is straightforward, but the solutions cannot mimic natural tooth opacity transition from gingival area to incisal area
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the dental ceramic surface into different regions (gingival area, middle area, incisal area) and applies different coloring solutions or different concentrations of the same solution to each region. This segmentation allows each area to receive optimized coloring treatment that mimics the natural opacity gradient of teeth, with the gingival area receiving higher concentration for greater opacity and the incisal area receiving lower concentration for higher translucency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies coloring solutions with locally optimized compositions to different regions of the dental ceramic. Each region receives a coloring solution tailored to its specific requirements - the gingival area receives solutions with higher metal oxide content for opacity, while the incisal area receives solutions with lower metal oxide content for translucency. This local quality approach enables realistic tooth appearance while maintaining a relatively simple overall preparation process.
4Ease of operation
If current coloring solutions are used, then the application is simple, but sufficient dental ceramic penetration is not achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the chemical parameters of the coloring solution by incorporating specific acids (0.1-10% HCl, HNO3, or HF) that enhance penetration capability into the ceramic matrix. These parameter changes allow the solution to penetrate deeply into the ceramic while maintaining simple application procedures, as the enhanced penetration is achieved through chemical formulation rather than complex application techniques.
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 method provides improved shading capabilities, achieving dentally acceptable shades on high translucency materials, mimicking natural tooth appearance, and ensuring consistent color consistency over time.
Implementation Method 1
applying at least one coating of a liquid coloring composition to at least a portion of a surface area of the porous ceramic dental body
Implementation Method 2
the liquid coloring composition comprising: (c) at least one wetting agent
Implementation Method 3
sintering the coated porous ceramic dental body to obtain a fully sintered ceramic body having a density that is at least 98% of the theoretical density
Data Source
AI summary
A method for coloring a porous ceramic dental body that includes:applying at least one coating of a liquid coloring composition to at least a portion of a surface area of the porous ceramic dental body, the liquid coloring composition comprising:(a) at least one opaquing agent comprising a material comprising Zn, Al, Si, or a combination thereof;(b) at least one coloring agent comprising a material comprising Fe, Ni, Cu, Mn, Co, Cr, Mo, Pr, Nd, Er, Ce, Tb, or a combination thereof,(c) at least one wetting agent; and(d) at least one solvent; andsintering the coated porous ceramic dental body to obtain a fully sintered ceramic body having a density that is at least 98% of the theoretical density.