A microwave polymerization system for dentistry utilizes specifically
controlled microwave energy to cure polymer materials so as to produce
dental prosthetics, such as dentures, bridges and crowns, that are made in
an extra-oral setting such as a dental laboratory or dental office, and to
create dental composites for fillings and veneers that are used in an
intra-oral setting directly in the patient's mouth. Unlike the microwave
energy delivered by commercial microwave ovens, the system utilizes
metered and controlled microwave energy that is preferably continuous and
voltage controlled, and regulates the application of this microwave energy
by use of various feedback and control mechanisms. The metered and
controlled microwave energy enables a higher degree of conversion of
monomers into polymer chains in the polymerization process, thereby
enhancing the physical and biocompatibility characteristics of both dental
prosthetics and dental composites made from polymers.
