US 11,939,272 B2
Composition and method for generating a shade gradient in zirconia dental restoration
Donald F. Cornell, Madison, CT (US); and Yoonho Jun, Weatogue, CT (US)
Assigned to JENSEN INDUSTRIES INC., North Haven, CT (US)
Filed by Jensen Industries Inc., North Haven, CT (US)
Filed on Mar. 19, 2019, as Appl. No. 16/358,050.
Claims priority of provisional application 62/644,761, filed on Mar. 19, 2018.
Claims priority of provisional application 62/748,884, filed on Oct. 22, 2018.
Prior Publication US 2019/0284103 A1, Sep. 19, 2019
Int. Cl. C04B 41/00 (2006.01); C04B 35/48 (2006.01); C04B 41/50 (2006.01); C04B 41/85 (2006.01)
CPC C04B 41/009 (2013.01) [C04B 35/48 (2013.01); C04B 41/5009 (2013.01); C04B 41/5012 (2013.01); C04B 41/85 (2013.01); C04B 2235/3246 (2013.01); C04B 2235/9661 (2013.01)] 6 Claims
OG exemplary drawing
 
1. A method of generating a color gradient by bleaching a pre-shaded zirconia, the method comprising:
applying, to the pre-shaded zirconia, a liquid comprising a metal compound or metal compounds comprising one or more metal selected from zinc, gallium, and aluminum in an amount sufficient to cause bleaching by the formation of oxides in the pre-shaded zirconia after sintering at a temperature greater than or equal to 1450° C., and optionally solvent,
wherein the liquid reduces the intensity of color in the pre-shaded zirconia, and
wherein the liquid substantially maintains the flexural strength of the pre-shaded zirconia.