Abstract: A dental composition can include at least one polymerizable resin and at least one anti-stokes up converter. Alternatively, a two-part composition can include at least one dental composition configured for placement onto a person's tooth, and at least one anti-stokes up converter to be combined with the at least one dental composition. The dental composition can be formulated to blend with a person's tooth, and also be capable of changing color to be distinguishable from the tooth when exposed to long wavelength light. The dental composition can be used in a method for performing a dental procedure by applying the dental composition to a tooth, and exposing the dental composition to long wavelength light. Accordingly, the dental composition can aid a dental professional in distinguishing between the location of the dental composition and the tooth.

Abstract: A dental composition can include at least one polymerizable resin and at least one anti-stokes up converter. Alternatively, a two-part composition can include at least one dental composition configured for placement onto a person's tooth, and at least one anti-stokes up converter to be combined with the at least one dental composition. The dental composition can be formulated to blend with a person's tooth, and also be capable of changing color to be distinguishable from the tooth when exposed to long wavelength light. The dental composition can be used in a method for performing a dental procedure by applying the dental composition to a tooth, and exposing the dental composition to long wavelength light. Accordingly, the dental composition can aid a dental professional in distinguishing between the location of the dental composition and the tooth.

Abstract: Methods and related systems for mixing a multi-phase fluoride varnish composition preparatory to applying it to a person's teeth. The method includes the steps of providing a multi-phase fluoride varnish composition including a liquid hydrophobic adhesive phase and a solid fluoride salt (e.g., sodium fluoride) phase that is substantially insoluble in the liquid adhesive phase, and applying turbulence to the multi-phase composition within a closed vessel in order to substantially suspend the solid fluoride salt phase within the liquid hydrophobic adhesive phase while preventing spillage of the composition.

Abstract: Two-part self-etching primer compositions can be used to etch and prime a tooth surface. The composition includes an acid component comprising a polymerizable organic acid contained in a first part, and a polymerizable component comprising at least one acrylate or methacrylate resin in a second part. A self-etching primer composition is formed upon mixing the first part with the second part. The self-etching primer composition may include a photoinitiator and/or other optional components.

Abstract: A system for storing a dental composition having a given shelf-life. The storage system includes a container (e.g., a syringe) and activatable time sensitive marking means disposed on or within the container. Upon activation of the time sensitive marking means, the system begins to indicate time lapsed since activation. The time sensitive marking means allows a dental practitioner to determine whether a dental composition within the container has expired, or how much time remains before the composition expires and should either be used up or discarded.

Abstract: A dental composition can include at least one polymerizable resin and at least one phosphorescent material. Alternatively, a two-part composition can include at least one dental composition configured for placement onto a person's tooth, and at least one composition comprised of a phosphorescent material for combining with the at least one dental composition. The dental composition can be formulated to blend with a person's tooth, and also be capable of phosphorescing. The composition can be used in a method for performing a dental procedure by applying the dental composition to a tooth, and irradiating the dental composition with a light source. Accordingly, the phosphorescence can aid a dental professional in distinguishing between the location of the dental composition and the tooth.

Abstract: A dental composition can include at least one polymerizable resin and at least one anti-stokes up converter. Alternatively, a two-part composition can include at least one dental composition configured for placement onto a person's tooth, and at least one anti-stokes up converter to be combined with the at least one dental composition. The dental composition can be formulated to blend with a person's tooth, and also be capable of changing color to be distinguishable from the tooth when exposed to long wavelength light. The dental composition can be used in a method for performing a dental procedure by applying the dental composition to a tooth, and exposing the dental composition to long wavelength light. Accordingly, the dental composition can aid a dental professional in distinguishing between the location of the dental composition and the tooth.

Abstract: A dental composition capable of being used in dual dental diagnostics can include at least one polymerizable resin and at least two different types of color changing materials. Alternatively, a two-part composition can include at least one dental composition configured for placement onto a person's tooth, and at least two different types of color changing materials to be mixed into the at least one dental composition to form a dental composition capable of being used in dual dental diagnostics. The dental composition can be formulated to blend with a person's tooth, and also be capable of changing color to be distinguishable from the tooth. The dental composition can be used in a method for performing a dental procedure by applying the dental composition to a tooth, and exposing the dental composition to at least one color changing stimulus. Accordingly, the dual dental diagnostic capable composition can aid a dental professional in distinguishing between the location of the dental composition and the tooth.

Abstract: The syringes of the invention are configured with ergonomic features that include polygonal shaped flanges and textured barrels. The polygonal shaped flanges, which preferably have between five and ten sides, help reduce the ability of the syringes to undesirably roll when they are put down and reduce the material required to manufacture the flanges, yet are more comfortable than square and rectangular flanges. The textured barrels enable a user to grab and hold onto the barrels during delivery with syringes so as to increase the leverage and control over the syringe.