Abstract: A dental stone casting mold device (10) for use with a hardenable stone material (21) includes associated first and second side walls (11, 12) first and second end walls (13, 14) and a floor (15), forming an open top cavity (16). Each first and second side walls (11, 12) and first and second end walls (13, 14) extend from the floor (15) in a lateral direction, such that each has a portion (17) proximate to the floor (15) and a portion (18) distal thereto. There is also at least one slot (22) in the floor (15) removably receiving a stone retaining spine (20). In a preferred embodiment, each of first and second side wall (11, 12) carries a plurality of spaced indexing ribs (60). In another embodiment, each distal end 18 of the first and second side walls (11, 12) have integrally associated lateral extensions or webs (80) therefrom. Device (10) may also be provided with indexing bar or articulator attachment structures (101, 110).

Abstract: The invention provides a kit and method for the preparation of dental products. First, second and third materials are provided in labeled containers. Preferably the first, second and third materials are pastes or powders. The first material has a lightness value (L.sub.1) when formed into a least opaque layer. The second material has a lightness value (L.sub.2) when formed into a less opaque layer. The third material has a lightness value (L.sub.3) when formed into a most opaque layer. The third lightness value is greater than the second lightness value, which is greater than the first lightness value. The lightness value differences between the third lightness value (L.sub.3) and the first lightness value (L.sub.1) are less than 10 CIE L*a*b units.

Abstract: A low-fusing temperature porcelain compositions, methods of use thereof on metal or porcelain substrates to form dental prostheses and kits therefor. Compositions of the invention have a fusing temperature of less than 800.degree. C. and a coefficient of thermal expansion compatible with a substrate of metal or ceramic. Each composition includes, in weight percent of the composition, from 40 to 65 percent by weight SiO.sub.2, from 6 to 12 percent by weight Al.sub.2 O.sub.3, from 6 to 12 percent by weight Na.sub.2 O, from 5.5 to 10.50 percent by weight K.sub.2 O, from 1 to 3 percent by weight Li.sub.2 O, from 0.8 to 2.5 percent by weight CaO, from 0.8 to 4.0 percent by weight B.sub.2 O.sub.3 and from 0.1 to 0.8 percent by weight CeO.sub.2.

Abstract: The invention provides a kit, system and method for the preparation of porcelain dental restorations. First, second and third powders are provided in labeled containers. The first powder has a lightness value (L.sub.1) when formed into a least opaque porcelain layer. The second powder has a lightness value (L.sub.2) when formed into a less opaque ceramic layer. The third powder has a lightness value (L.sub.3) when formed into a most opaque ceramic layer. The .third lightness value is greater than the second lightness value, which is greater than the first lightness value. The lightness value differences between the third lightness value (L.sub.3) and the first lightness value (L.sub.1) are less than 2.5 CIE L*a*b units. Preferably, the first powder has a first hue (H.sub.1) when formed into the least opaque porcelain layer, the second powder has a second hue (H.sub.2) when formed into the less opaque ceramic layer, and the third powder has a third hue (H.sub.3) when formed into the most opaque ceramic layer.

Abstract: A low-fusing temperature porcelain composition for use in dental prostheses is disclosed having a fusing temperature of about 700.degree. C..+-.50.degree. C. and a coefficient of thermal expansion compatible with a substrate of metal or ceramic. The composition includes, in weight percent of the composition, SiO.sub.2 at 57-61, Al.sub.2 O.sub.3 at 6.5-11.5, Na.sub.2 O at 10-11, K.sub.2 O at 8-16, Li.sub.2 O at 1-3, CaO at 1.5-4, BaO at 1.5-2.5, CeO.sub.2 at 0.5-2, and Tb.sub.2 O.sub.3 at 0.5-2.