Quartz Solid Solution Glass Ceramic Dental Restorations
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Solution Overview
Problem
Glass ceramics used in dentistry lack a combination of high strength and good translucency, and their thermal expansion coefficient is not easily adjustable, making them unsuitable for dental restorations.
Innovation Solution
A glass ceramic with two different quartz solid solution phases, comprising specific weight percentages of SiO2, Li2O, Al2O3, and other oxides, which allows for adjustable thermal expansion and improved mechanical and optical properties, enabling easy processing into dental restorations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If glass ceramics with high quartz solid solution phase are used to improve strength, then mechanical strength is improved, but translucency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating distinct surface and interior regions with different crystal phases. The surface layer contains high quartz solid solution phase (40-70 wt.%) for strength, while the interior contains lithium disilicate phase for translucency. This spatial differentiation allows each region to optimize its local properties for its specific function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses composite materials by combining multiple crystal phases (quartz solid solution and lithium disilicate) within a single glass ceramic body. The surface layer is composed primarily of quartz solid solution phase while the interior contains lithium disilicate phase, creating a composite structure that achieves both high strength and good translucency simultaneously.
2Adaptability or versatility
If glass ceramics with adjustable thermal expansion coefficient are developed, then adaptability to dental applications is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by systematically varying the chemical composition (SiO2: 68-81 wt.%, Li2O: 6-14 wt.%, Al2O3: 1-8 wt.%) and heat treatment parameters (temperature: 700-900°C, time: 5-24 hours) to achieve different thermal expansion coefficients. This allows precise adjustment of the final product's properties through controlled changes in processing parameters.
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 glass ceramic achieves high strength, excellent translucency, and adjustable thermal expansion, making it suitable for dental restorations while maintaining ease of processing and color imitation of natural tooth material.
Implementation Method 1
the glass ceramic comprises at least two different quartz solid solution phases
Implementation Method 2
the thermal expansion coefficient of the glass ceramics according to the invention can be varied over a wide range by the type and amount of quartz solid solution phases formed
Data Source
AI summary
Quartz solid solution glass ceramics and precursors thereof are described. which are characterized by very good mechanical and optical properties and can be used in particular as restorative materials in dentistry.