Prefabricated components for dental appliances

Prefabricated components for dental appliances
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United States Patent 6846181
Publication Date: January 25, 2005
Inventors: Karmaker; Ajit (Wallingford, CT);Schulman; Martin L. (Orange, CT);Prasad; Arun (Cheshire, CT)
Assignee: Pentron Corporation (Wallingford, CT)
Application Number: 29782
Filing Date: October 26, 2001
Abstract:
Ready-to-use preshaped, prefabricated cured structural components are prepared in a variety of shapes and sizes to be used in the fabrication of dental appliances. Preferably the structural components are fabricated of a fiber-reinforced composite material or a particulate-filled composite material comprising fibers or particulate filler impregnated with a polymeric matrix. The polymeric matrix is partially or fully cured to the point of sufficient hardness to provide a ready-to-use structural component for use in the fabrication of dental appliances such as orthodontic retainers, bridges, space maintainers, tooth replacement appliances, splints, crowns, partial crowns, dentures, posts, teeth, jackets, inlays, onlays, facings, veneers, facets, implants, abutments, cylinders, and connectors