3M has licensed its processed zirconia coloring technology to Wieland Dental + Technik.
The 3M technology enables the coloring of zirconia-based dental restorations for improved aesthetics, according to the company. With the technology, a dental technician can shade uncolored, tooth-shaped zirconia to a prescribed shade, matching the color of the restoration to the natural color of patients' teeth.
Much of the dental industry colors dental zirconia using this process, and 3M said it is open to further licensing of the technology.
3M and Ivoclar Vivadent recently settled a patent lawsuit in Germany involving a processed zirconia coloring technology. As a result of the settlement, Ivoclar Vivadent has licensed this technology from 3M.
