Electrophoretic deposition applied to ceramic dental crowns and bridges

Electrophoretic deposition (EPD) was used as shaping technique for ceramic dental crowns and dental three-unit and four-unit bridges in the high loaded molar region. Because of esthetical aspects and their biocompatibility ceramics are the material of choice for dental applications. Allergic reactions or toxic tissue damages can be prevented largely by application of ceramic dental products. Zirconia in its tetragonal yttria stabilized polycrystal form (TZP) and alumina toughened zirconia (ATZ) offer highest strength combined with highest toughness. In this publication, the influence of the kind and the amount of dispersing agent on the rheological properties of the ceramic suspensions was investigated. For EPD plaster stumps which had been prepared for the dental crowns and bridges by the dental technician were coated with silver and were directly used as deposition electrodes. For optimisation of the removing step of the deposited crown or bridge cap from the plaster stumps organic temporary binders and organic intermediate layers were investigated. The dental parts were sintered either to full density or to porous ceramics for a subsequent glass infiltration step