Dental Ceramic Coloring Liquid for Strength-Preserving Masking

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing dental ceramic coloring liquids using phosphoric acid, phosphate, and nitrate components cause a decrease in mechanical strength and fail to effectively mask underlying colors, leading to compromised aesthetics in zirconia-based dental prostheses.

Innovation Solution

A dental ceramic coloring liquid containing an organosilicon compound, preferably a silicone compound, which imparts masking properties and reduces mechanical strength loss by converting into silicon dioxide and zircon during firing, creating opacity to mask underlying colors.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If phosphoric acid or phosphate components are used as masking agents in dental ceramic coloring liquid, then masking properties are improved, but mechanical strength of the sintered body decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemasking propertiesVSAvoidmechanical strength

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the chemical composition parameter by replacing phosphoric acid/phosphate components with organosilicon compounds. This substitution maintains the masking function while eliminating the harmful effect on mechanical strength, as the organosilicon compound decomposes into benign products (silicon dioxide and water) that do not weaken the zirconia structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The organosilicon compound acts as a temporary masking agent that is fully decomposed during sintering. It serves its masking purpose during the coloring process and then disappears completely, leaving no harmful residues that would affect the final mechanical properties of the ceramic.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

2Ease of manufacture

If nitrate is used as a masking agent, then masking properties are improved, but safety issues arise due to decomposition and generation of toxic gases or explosion at ceramic firing temperature

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemasking propertiesVSAvoidsafety issues

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent converts the potential harm of using reactive masking agents into a benefit by selecting an organosilicon compound that decomposes safely. Instead of generating toxic gases like nitrate, it decomposes into silicon dioxide and water, transforming a potentially dangerous process into a safe one while maintaining masking effectiveness.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

Solution Approach 2:

The organosilicon compound creates a chemically inert environment during decomposition, producing only silicon dioxide and water vapor. This inert decomposition pathway eliminates the safety hazards associated with nitrate decomposition, allowing the masking function to be performed without generating toxic or explosive gases.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #39Inert atmosphere (Inert environment)

3Illumination intensity

If zirconia transmittance is improved to reproduce natural tooth color, then aesthetic quality is improved, but masking properties deteriorate allowing underlying colors to show through

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovetransmittanceVSAvoidmasking properties

Core Design Contradiction:

Illumination intensityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies partial masking action by using an organosilicon compound that provides just enough opacity to mask underlying colors while preserving the majority of zirconia's natural transmittance. This partial action approach avoids excessive opacification that would eliminate the aesthetic benefits of high-transmittance zirconia.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Solution Approach 2:

The masking effect is applied locally at the surface level where the organosilicon compound is applied, while the bulk material maintains its high transmittance properties. This local quality approach allows the surface to mask underlying colors without compromising the overall optical transparency needed for natural tooth color reproduction.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

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 organosilicon compound-based liquid maintains mechanical strength and provides effective masking properties, ensuring the desired shade and aesthetic quality of dental ceramics by reducing transparency and enhancing opacity.

Implementation Method 1

converting into silicon dioxide and zircon during firing, creating opacity to mask underlying colors

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhase transition: Phase Change

Data Source

PatentUS20250248903A1Dental ceramic coloring liquid having masking property

Publication Date: 2025.08.07 KURARAY NORITAKE DENTAL

AI summary

The present invention provides a dental ceramic coloring liquid with which a decrease in the mechanical strength of a dental ceramic after sintering can be reduced, and that can impart masking properties while having good preservation stability. The present invention relates to a dental ceramic coloring liquid comprising an organosilicon compound. The organosilicon compound is preferably hydrophilic. The organosilicon compound is preferably a silicone compound. The organosilicon compound is preferably an alkylsilane compound.