AU2021203859B2

AU2021203859B2 - Mesh reinforced dental restorations

Info

Publication number: AU2021203859B2
Application number: AU2021203859A
Authority: AU
Inventors: John Fung
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2021-02-24
Filing date: 2021-06-10
Publication date: 2022-12-08
Anticipated expiration: 2041-02-24
Also published as: WO2022178579A1; AU2021203859A1

Abstract

Fig.21 2 / 2 100 108 104 102 106 110X Fig. 3 200 202 Melting porcelain Engaging a mesh with 204 the melted porcelain Allowing the porcelain to set such that 206 the mesh is permanently engaged with the porcelain Fig. 4 300 Engaging a mesh 302 with porcelain Fig. 5

Description

1/2

10 2224

12

124 106

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Fig.21

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100 108

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102 106

110X

Fig. 3

200 202 Melting porcelain

Engaging a mesh with 204 the melted porcelain

Allowing the porcelain to set such that 206 the mesh is permanently engaged with the porcelain

Fig. 4

300 Engaging a mesh 302 with porcelain

Fig. 5

"Mesh reinforced dental restorations"

Cross-reference to Related Applications

[0001] This application is a divisional application of Australian Patent Application No. 2021201201, filed on 24 February 2021.

Technical Field

[0002] The present disclosure relates, generally, to dental restorations.

Background

[0003] Dental restorations, such as dental crowns or dental veneers, are treatments used to restore the function, integrity, and morphology of missing tooth structure resulting from caries or external trauma as well as to replace such structure supported by dental implants.

[0004] Porcelain fused to metal (PFM) dental crowns include a metal coping and a porcelain exterior which are fused together using either a metal oxide layer formed between the metal coping and the porcelain exterior, a compression fit or a micro-mechanical retention. The resulting strength of PFM crowns relies solely on the strength of the oxide layer, fit or retention, that is, the adherence or mechanical engagement between the metal coping and porcelain exterior.

[0005] The metal coping of the PFM crown also inhibits light from passing through the porcelain veneer to a portion of a tooth during use, i.e. the PFM crown is substantially opaque. Thus, the PFM crown does not closely mimic the optical properties of a natural tooth which is translucent.

[0006] Dental veneers are made from porcelain or dental composite and are used to cover the facade or front of a tooth. Veneers are translucent, though they are prone to failure due to the limitations of the strength of the porcelain or composite.

[0007] Any discussion of documents, acts, materials, devices, articles or the like which has been included in the present specification is not to be taken as an admission that any or all of these matters form part of the prior art base or were common general knowledge in the field

Claims

relevant to the present disclosure as it existed before the priority date of each of the appended claims.

Summary

[0008] In an aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a dental restoration, the dental restoration comprising: an inner surface and an exterior surface, the inner surface located opposite the exterior surface in an inner direction of the dental restoration, the inner surface being configured to be adhered to a portion of a tooth using a cement or an adhesive; a body of first material defining the exterior surface of the dental restoration; and a mesh of second material engaged with the body of first material, the mesh being spaced from the exterior surface of the dental restoration in the inner direction of the dental restoration, wherein the first and second materials are different, and wherein the first material comprises porcelain or dental composite and the second material comprises zirconia.

[0009] The mesh may be at least partially embedded in the body of first material. In some embodiments, the mesh may be fully embedded in the body of first material. The body of first material may define the inner surface of the dental restoration and the mesh may be embedded in the body of first material between the inner and exterior surfaces of the dental restoration.

[0010] Alternatively, the mesh may be adhered to the body using a cement or adhesive. The mesh may be configured to be adhered to a surface of a portion of a tooth by a cement or adhesive. The mesh may define the inner surface of the dental restoration.

[0011] The mesh may have a shape substantially corresponding to the surface of the portion of the tooth or may have a different shape, such as a planar shape or otherwise. The mesh may be configured to be spaced from the surface of the portion of the tooth and may have a different shape from the surface of the portion of the tooth when spaced from the surface. An underside of the dental restoration may be configured to be adhered to a portion of a tooth. The body may form an exterior of the dental restoration.

[0012] The dental restoration maybe a dental veneer or a dental crown.

[0013] When the dental restoration is a dental crown, the mesh may form a coping of the dental crown configured to extend over the surface of the portion of the tooth. However, alternatively, the mesh of the dental crown may spaced from the surface of the portion of the tooth, e.g. as a result of being fully embedded in the body. The dental crown and/or mesh may be configured to be adhered to the surface of the portion of the tooth by a cement or adhesive.

[0014] In another embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided a method of forming a dental restoration, the method comprising: melting a first material, the first material comprising porcelain, or providing a first material, the first material comprising dental composite paste; engaging a mesh of a second material with the first material, wherein the first and second materials are different, and wherein the second material comprises zirconia; and allowing the first material to set such that the mesh is permanently engaged with a body of the first material, wherein the body of the first material defines an exterior surface of the dental restoration, an inner surface of the dental restoration being located opposite to the exterior surface in an inner direction of the dental restoration, the inner surface being configured to be adhered to a portion of a tooth using a cement or an adhesive, and wherein the mesh is spaced from the exterior surface of the dental restoration in the inner direction of the dental restoration when permanently engaged with the body of first material.

[0015] The engaging of the mesh with the first material may comprise at least partially embedding the mesh in the first material.

[0016] In yet another embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided a method of forming a dental restoration, the method comprising: engaging a mesh of a second material with a body of a first material, wherein: the body of the first material defines an exterior surface of the dental restoration, an inner surface of the dental restoration being located opposite to the exterior surface in an inner direction of the dental restoration, the inner surface being configured to be adhered to a portion of a tooth using a cement or an adhesive; the mesh is engaged with the body of first material such that it is spaced from the exterior surface of the dental restoration in the inner direction of the dental restoration; and the first and second materials are different, the first material comprising porcelain or dental composite and the second material comprising zirconia.

[0017] The engaging the mesh with the body may comprise adhering the mesh to the inner surface of the body using a cement or adhesive.

[0018] In addition to providing a zirconia mesh to reinforce the dental restoration, in some embodiments, the dental restoration may be further reinforced by providing fibreglass fibres or carbon fibres in the porcelain or dental composite body.

[0019] In general, the zirconia mesh (and optionally fibres) may provide for increased strength of the dental restoration. Moreover, these reinforcing components can allow for light to pass through the dental restoration during use. This approach may allow for closer mimicking of the optical properties of a natural tooth which is translucent.

[0020] Throughout this specification the word "comprise", or variations such as "comprises" or "comprising", will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated element, integer or step, or group of elements, integers or steps, but not the exclusion of any other element, integer or step, or group of elements, integers or steps.

Brief Description of Drawings

[0021] Embodiments of the present disclosure will now be described by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

[0022] Figure 1 shows an exploded schematic of an embodiment of a dental restoration arrangement in the form of a dental crown, the dental crown comprising porcelain and a mesh;

[0023] Figure 2 shows a schematic of the dental crown shown in Figure 1, with the mesh engaged with the porcelain;

[0024] Figure 3 shows a schematic of an underside of an embodiment of a dental restoration in the form of a dental veneer, the veneer comprising porcelain and a mesh engaged with the porcelain;

[0025] Figure 4 shows a flow chart of a method of forming the dental restorations shown in Figures 1-3; and

[0026] Figure 5 shows a flow chart of another method of forming the dental restorations shown in Figures 1-3.

Detailed Description of Exemplary Embodiments

[0027] In the drawings, reference numeral 10 generally designates a dental restoration in the form of a dental crown 10 comprising porcelain 12 and a mesh 14 engaged with the porcelain 12 (Figure 2). The mesh 14 may comprise zirconia, or steel, such as stainless steel, and forms a coping 16 of the dental crown 10 configured to extend over a surface 18 of a portion of a tooth due to the mesh having a shape substantially corresponding to the surface 18 of the portion of the tooth 20 (Figure 1). The porcelain 12 forms an exterior 22 of the dental crown 10 and is configured to define an external surface 24 of the dental crown 10. The crown 10 also comprises an underside 26 which is configured to be adhered to the portion of the tooth 20 via cement or an adhesive 19. In alternative embodiments, a dental composite may be used instead of porcelain.

[0028] In an embodiment, the mesh 14 is at least partially embedded in the porcelain 12 such that the dental crown 10 is formed as a single piece of reinforced porcelain 12, with the at least partial embedment of the mesh 14 defining the engagement between the porcelain 12 and the mesh 14. It will be understood that the mesh 14 may be partially protruding from the porcelain 12 or fully embedded in the porcelain 12. The underside 26 of the crown 10 is configured to be adhered to the portion of the tooth 20 using the cement or adhesive 19. When the mesh 14 is fully embedded in the porcelain 12, the mesh 14 is configured to be spaced from the surface 18 of the portion of the tooth 20, in use. This occurs due to the porcelain 12 defining the underside 26 of the crown 10 and the distance from the mesh 14 to the surface 18 of the portion of the tooth defining the spaced arrangement.

[0029] In another embodiment, the mesh 14 is adhered to the porcelain 12 using a cement or adhesive, and the adherence of the mesh 14 to the porcelain 12 defines the engagement between the porcelain 12 and the mesh 14. In this alternative arrangement, the mesh 14 defines the underside 26 of the crown 10 and the mesh 14 is configured to be adhered to the surface 18 of the portion of the tooth 20 by the cement or adhesive 19.

[0030] Figure 3 shows another embodiment of a dental restoration in the form of a dental veneer 100. The veneer 100 comprises porcelain 102 and a mesh 104 engaged with the porcelain 102. In alternative embodiments, a dental composite may be used instead of porcelain. The mesh 104 may comprise zirconia or steel, such as stainless steel and has a shape substantially corresponding to a surface of a portion of a tooth (not shown), the surface generally defining a facade or front of the tooth. The veneer 100 comprises an underside 106, which is configured to be adhered to the portion of the tooth via cement or an adhesive. The porcelain 102 of the veneer 100 forms an exterior 108 and is configured to define an external surface 110 of the veneer 100.

[0031] In the embodiment shown in Figure 3, the mesh 104 is adhered to the porcelain 102 using a cement or adhesive, and the adherence of the mesh 104 to the porcelain 102 defines the engagement between the porcelain 102 and the mesh 104. In this arrangement, the mesh 104 defines the underside 106 of the veneer 100 and the mesh 104 is configured to be adhered to the surface of the portion of the tooth by the cement or adhesive.

[0032] It will be appreciated by the person skilled in the art that in an alternate embodiment, the mesh 104 is at least partially embedded in the porcelain 102 such that the veneer 100 is formed as a single piece of reinforced porcelain 102, with the at least partial embedment of the mesh 104 defining the engagement between the porcelain 102 and the mesh 104. It will be understood that the mesh 104 may be partially protruding from the porcelain 102 or fully embedded in the porcelain 102. The underside 106 of the veneer 100 is configured to be adhered to the portion of the tooth using the cement or adhesive. When the mesh 104 is fully embedded in the porcelain 102, the mesh 104 is configured to be spaced from the surface of the portion of the tooth, in use. This occurs due to the porcelain 102 defining the underside 106 of the veneer 100 and the distance from the mesh 104 to the surface of the portion of the tooth defining the spaced arrangement in this embodiment.

[0033] Figure 4 shows a flow chart of an embodiment of a method 200 of forming a dental restoration such as the dental crown 10 or the veneer 100. The method 200 includes melting porcelain 202, engaging a mesh with the melted porcelain 204 and allowing the porcelain to set such that the mesh is permanently engaged with the porcelain 206. The mesh 14, 104 is engaged with the melted porcelain 12, 102 by embedding the mesh 14, 104 in the melted porcelain 12, 102, thereby forming the reinforced porcelain 12, 102 as a single piece after the melted porcelain 12, 102 is allowed to set. In alternative embodiments, a dental composite paste may be provided instead of melted porcelain, the dental composite paste being allowed to set to engage with a mesh in a similar manner to that described with respect to the melted porcelain.

[0034] Figure 5 shows a flow chart of another embodiment of a method 300 of forming a dental restoration 10, 100. The method 300 includes engaging a mesh with porcelain 302. The mesh 14, 104 is engaged with the porcelain 12, 102 by adhering the mesh 14, 104 to the porcelain 12, 102 using a cement or adhesive. This forms a layered construction of the dental restoration 10, 100 with the mesh 14, 104 defining the underside 26, 106 of the dental restoration , 100 and the porcelain 12, 102 defining the external surface 24, 110 of the dental restoration , 100. In alternative embodiments, a dental composite may be used instead of porcelain.

[0035] In use, a patient's tooth is prepared such that the portion of the tooth 20 corresponds to the underside 26 of the dental restoration 10, 100 and vice versa. The underside 26, 106 of the dental restoration 10, 100, which includes the mesh 14, 104 engaged with the porcelain 12, 102 (or dental composite), is adhered to the surface 18 of the portion of the tooth 20 by the cement or adhesive 19.

[0036] The mesh 14, 104 may absorb tensile, compressive and shear stresses applied to the dental restoration 10, 100 which commonly occur during mastication. The dental restoration 10, 100 may also be able to withstand these stresses for a long period of time since the mesh 14, 104 compliments the compressive strength of the porcelain 12, 102 by providing increased tensile and shear strength. The structure of the mesh 14, 104 may also allow light to pass through the porcelain 12, 102 and the dental restoration 10, 100 to mimic the optical properties of a natural tooth while still providing increased strength due to the mesh 14, 104.

[0037] Furthermore, in embodiments where the engagement between the porcelain 12, 102 or dental composite and the mesh 14, 104 is through embedding the mesh 14, 104 in the porcelain 12, 102 or dental composite, the mesh 14, 104 may be strongly and permanently secured in place due to the porcelain 12, 102 or dental composite by partially or entirely surrounding the mesh 14, 104.

[0038] In any of the preceding embodiments, in addition to providing a mesh to reinforce the dental restoration, in some embodiments, the dental restoration may be further reinforced by providing fibreglass fibres or carbon fibres in the porcelain or dental composite.

[0039] In general, in the preceding embodiments, the mesh (and optionally fibres) may provide for increased strength of the dental restoration. Moreover, these reinforcing components can allow for light to pass through the dental restoration during use. This approach may allow for closer mimicking of the optical properties of a natural tooth which is translucent.

[0040] It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that numerous variations and/or modifications may be made to the above-described embodiments, without departing from the broad general scope of the present disclosure. The present embodiments are, therefore, to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive.

CLAIMS:

1. A dental restoration, the dental restoration comprising: an inner surface and an exterior surface, the inner surface located opposite the exterior surface in an inner direction of the dental restoration, the inner surface being configured to be adhered to a portion of a tooth using a cement or an adhesive; a body of first material defining the exterior surface of the dental restoration; and a mesh of second material engaged with the body of first material, the mesh being spaced from the exterior surface of the dental restoration in the inner direction of the dental restoration, wherein the first and second materials are different, and wherein the first material comprises porcelain or dental composite and the second material comprises zirconia.
2. The dental restoration of claim 1, wherein the mesh is at least partially embedded in the body of first material.
3. The dental restoration of claim 1, wherein the mesh is fully embedded in the body of first material.
4. The dental restoration of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the mesh is configured to be spaced from a surface of the portion of a tooth.
5. The dental restoration of claim 1, wherein the body of first material defines the inner surface of the dental restoration and the mesh is embedded in the body of first material between the inner and exterior surfaces of the dental restoration.
6. The dental restoration of claim 1, wherein the mesh defines the inner surface of the dental restoration.
7. The dental restoration of claim 6, wherein the mesh is configured to be adhered to a surface of the portion of a tooth by a cement or adhesive.
8. The dental restoration of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the mesh has a shape substantially corresponding to a surface of a portion of a tooth.
9. The dental restoration of any one of the preceding claims, wherein fibreglass fibres or carbon fibres are provided in the body.
10. The dental restoration of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the dental restoration is a dental veneer.
11. The dental restoration of any one of claims 1-9, wherein the dental restoration is a dental crown.
12. The dental restoration of claim 11, wherein the mesh forms a coping of the dental crown configured to extend over a surface of a portion of a tooth.
13. A method of forming a dental restoration, the method comprising: melting a first material, the first material comprising porcelain, or providing a first material, the first material comprising dental composite paste; engaging a mesh of a second material with the first material, wherein the first and second materials are different, and wherein the second material comprises zirconia; and allowing the first material to set such that the mesh is permanently engaged with a body of the first material, wherein the body of the first material defines an exterior surface of the dental restoration, an inner surface of the dental restoration being located opposite to the exterior surface in an inner direction of the dental restoration, the inner surface being configured to be adhered to a portion of a tooth using a cement or an adhesive, and wherein the mesh is spaced from the exterior surface of the dental restoration in the inner direction of the dental restoration when permanently engaged with the body of first material.
14. The method of claim 13, wherein the engaging of the mesh with the first material comprises at least partially embedding the mesh in the first material.
15. A method of forming a dental restoration, the method comprising: engaging a mesh of a second material with a body of a first material, wherein: the body of the first material defines an exterior surface of the dental restoration, an inner surface of the dental restoration being located opposite to the exterior surface in an inner direction of the dental restoration, the inner surface being configured to be adhered to a portion of a tooth using a cement or an adhesive; the mesh is engaged with the body of first material such that it is spaced from the

I1

exterior surface of the dental restoration in the inner direction of the dental restoration; and the first and second materials are different, the first material comprising porcelain or dental composite and the second material comprising zirconia.
16. The method of claim 15, wherein the engaging the mesh with the body comprises adhering the mesh to the inner surface of the body using a cement or an adhesive.

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Fig. 3

200 202 Melting porcelain

204 Engaging a mesh with the melted porcelain

Allowing the porcelain to set such that 206 the mesh is permanently engaged with the porcelain

Fig. 4

300

Engaging a mesh 302 with porcelain

Fig. 5