Abstract: Remineralizing dental cements contain source(s) of calcium and phosphate ions, adhesive resin monomers, reinforcing base resin monomers, and catalysts able to initiate the polymerization of the adhesive and reinforcing base resin monomers. Such dental cements can be used as orthodontic cements, crown and bridge cements, adhesives, sealants, cavity liners, and protective coatings. The release of calcium and phosphate ions and, optionally, fluoride ions, protects tooth structure from demineralization, a precursor of tooth decay.

Abstract: A bone replacement material and therapy comprises the combination of calcium phosphate compounds and two or more soluble fillers in the form of fibers, mesh or other materials which have the dual functions of reinforcing an in vivo implant while dissolving at a programmed rate to form macropores capable of receiving natural bone ingrowth.

Abstract: A bone replacement material and therapy comprises the combination of calcium phosphate compounds and two or more soluble fillers in the form of fibers, mesh or other materials which have the dual functions of reinforcing an in vivo implant while dissolving at a programmed rate to form macropores capable of receiving natural bone ingrowth.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for measuring the characteristics of curing polymers. The apparatus and method utilize cantilever beam technology to determine characteristics of polymers during the curing process, including but not limited to, stress-related forces that develop during the polymer curing process. The apparatus and method also provide for controlling and monitoring environmental conditions during the curing process.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for measuring the characteristics of curing polymers. The apparatus and method utilize cantilever beam technology to determine characteristics of polymers during the curing process, including but not limited to, stress-related forces that develop during the polymer curing process. The apparatus and method also provide for controlling and monitoring environmental conditions during the curing process.

Abstract: A bone replacement material and therapy comprises the combination of calcium phosphate compounds and two or more soluble fillers in the form of fibers, mesh or other materials which have the dual functions of reinforcing an in vivo implant while dissolving at a programmed rate to form macropores capable of receiving natural bone ingrowth.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an etchant/primer composition, an etchant/primer/adhesive monomer composition, kits using the same and methods using the same for improved bonding to dental structures. The etchant/primer composition comprises a compound having the formula: RN(CH2YCO2M)2 wherein R=R1 or R2; R1=an aromatic group; R2=a conjugated unsaturated aliphatic group; Y=a single bond, CH2, CHCH3 or C═CH2; and each M is independently H, an alkali metal, an alkaline earth metal, aluminum, a transition or redox metal or an alkyl group having 1 to 18 carbon atoms, with the proviso that when both M groups are alkyl groups, said compound is capable of being easily hydrolyzed, displaced, or exchanged with other reagents present in the etchant/primer composition, a polar solvent system, and nitric acid.

Abstract: A metallic composite solid, containing alloys and/or intermetallics, is formed by compacting at moderate pressure a mixture of powder particles, foils or sheets at a temperature close to room temperature, well below the melting temperature of the constituent components and without the addition of low melting metals such as mercury, indium or gallium acting as a sintering agent. This low temperature consolidation of the powder mixture is enhanced by having the surface oxide of the powder particles removed, prior to consolidation, and/or by coating the particles with an oxide-replacing metal such as silver or gold. The coating process may be replacement reactions, autocatalytic reduction or electrolytic reduction. The composite formation is assisted by the addition of a liquid acid such as fluoroboric acid, sulfuric acid, fluoric acid, adipic acid, ascorbic acid, or nitric acid.

Abstract: A metallic composite solid, containing alloys and/or intermetallics, is formed by compacting at moderate pressure a mixture of powder particles, foils or sheets at a temperature close to room temperature, well below the melting temperature of the constituent components and without the addition of low melting metals such as mercury, indium or gallium acting as a sintering agent. This low temperature consolidation of the powder mixture is enhanced by having the surface oxide of the powder particles removed, prior to consolidation, and/or by coating the particles with an oxide-replacing metal such as silver or gold. The coating process may be replacement reactions, autocatalytic reduction or electrolytic reduction. The composite formation is assisted by the addition of a liquid acid such as fluoroboric acid, sulfuric acid, fluoric acid, adipic acid, ascorbic acid, or nitric acid.

Abstract: Continuous fibers, resin-fiber pastes, or continuous fiber-reinforced preforms are inserted into tooth cavities to form high-strength dental restorations. The fibers may be mixed or coated with a resin monomer and may be used with fillers such as fluoride-releasing fillers and colorants. The resin-fiber mixture may be hardened into preforms suitable for inserting into tooth cavities. Conventional filling materials such as composite resins and glass ionomers may be used to complete the restoration. Other applications include endodontic posts, retention pins, provisional restorations, and indirect restorations. Fiber reinforcement results in strength, toughness and elastic modulus (stiffness) several times greater than those of currently available direct-filling composite resins. The fiber performs are easily handled and placed into tooth cavities; the restorations are aesthetic and wear compatible, and release fluoride.

Abstract: A metallic composite solid, containing alloys and/or intermetallics, is formed by compacting at moderate pressure a mixture of powder particles, foils or sheets at a temperature close to room temperature, well below the melting temperature of the constituent components and without the addition of low melting metals such as mercury, indium or gallium acting as a sintering agent. This low temperature consolidation of the powder mixture is enhanced by having the surface oxide of the powder particles removed, prior to consolidation, and/or by coating the particles with an oxide-replacing metal such as silver or gold. The coating process may be replacement reactions, autocatalytic reduction or electrolytic reduction. The composite formation is assisted by the addition of a liquid acid such as fluoroboric acid, sulfuric acid, fluoric acid, adipic acid, ascorbic acid, or nitric acid.

Abstract: A composition useful as a restorative material includes a curable matrix with whiskers which preferably have a silicon dioxide containing coating thereon that are then silanized and may also include optional particulate filler of the type which may release fluorides. The polymeric matrix bonds more tightly to the whiskers due to the coating of silicon dioxide on the surface of the whiskers and the coaction between said silicon dioxide and the silane compound. Particles adhered to the whisker also enhance the mechanical properties by virtue of the whisker's surface being thereby roughened. A method of manufacture is also disclosed.

Abstract: A metallic composite solid, containing alloys and/or intermetallics, is formed by compacting at moderate pressure a mixture of powder particles, foils or sheets at a temperature close to room temperature, well below the melting temperature of the constituent components and without the addition of low melting metals such as mercury, indium or gallium acting as a sintering agent. This low temperature consolidation of the powder mixture is enhanced by having the surface oxide of the powder particles removed, prior to consolidation, and/or by coating the particles with an oxide-replacing metal such as silver or gold. The coating process may be replacement reactions, autocatalytic reduction or electrolytic reduction. The composite formation is assisted by the addition of a liquid acid such as fluoroboric acid, sulfuric acid, fluoric acid, adipic acid, ascorbic acid, or nitric acid.

Abstract: This invention relates to dental restorative materials and adhesives, and particularly relates to the control of chemical reactions in chemically initiated dental restorative materials. The invention includes a method for controllably affecting the reaction of a chemiclly initiated liquid dental adhesive, resin or restorative material comprising mixing the adhesive, resin or retorative material with an instrument, or in a mixing container, at least a portion of which instrument or container has been impregnated with a reaction affecting compound of predetermined amount to accomplish the intended reaction effect. Devices and kits for use in the inventive methods are also disclosed. The present invention affords both efficiency and greater control in applying dental adhesives, resins or restorative materials, reduces the time necessary for mixing and dispensing solutions and allows the components of the dental adhesive, resin or retorative material to be stored in a more stable form.