Abstract: A direct filling composite resin restorative featuring a CTE that is similar to dentin and an antimicrobial is disclosed. The exemplary anti-microbial compound is zinc oxide. The CTE of the direct filling composite resin restorative is in the range of 12-15 ppm/° C. The low CTE is achieved by high filler loading of a trimodal distribution of low CTE filler. By maintaining a CTE substantially similar to that of dentin, the “Marginal Percolation” phenomenon is minimized, which decreases the incidence of secondary caries.

Abstract: A direct filling composite resin restorative featuring a CTE that is similar to dentin and an antimicrobial is disclosed. The exemplary anti-microbial compound is zinc oxide. The CTE of the direct filling composite resin restorative is in the range of 12-15 ppm/° C. The low CTE is achieved by high filler loading of a trimodal distribution of low CTE filler. By maintaining a CTE substantially similar to that of dentin, the “Marginal Percolation” phenomenon is minimized, which decreases the incidence of secondary caries.

Abstract: A single and dual component dental composite restorative featuring anti-microbial and low Coefficient of Thermal Expansion (CTE) compounds is disclosed. The exemplary anti-microbial compound is zinc oxide. The CTE of the dental composite restorative is the same as, or substantially similar, to that of dentin. By maintaining a CTE substantially similar to that of dentin, the Margin Percolation phenomenon is minimized, which decreases the incidence of secondary caries.

Abstract: A hematofluorometer an excitation source configured to generate an excitation beam, a fluorescence detector configured to a fluorescence beam, and a housing configured to receive a reagent kit for detecting bilirubin in a fluid sample. The reagent kit includes a body defining at least one fluid receiving well and an optical window positioned over each at least one fluid receiving well and a light passage window opposite each optical window. Each window is formed of a material having a fluorescence intensity that is of a lower magnitude than the fluorescence to be detected from the bilirubin. A light sensor within the housing is configured to detect light passing through the reagent kit.

Abstract: A two-component whitening system has a de-sensitizing effect as well as re-mineralizing capability. The system may be an unfoamed, a foamed or a foamable composition. The system has a first component with at least one peroxide compound, at least one source of phosphate and at least one gelling agent; and a second component with at least one source of calcium, strontium and/or mixtures thereof. The second component may also contain at least one gelling agent, and the composition maybe present as a foam or is foamable. The composition may be packed in a two-compartment syringe.

Abstract: A reagent kit for detecting bilirubin in a fluid sample. The reagent kit includes a body defining at least one fluid receiving well and an optical window positioned over each at least one fluid receiving well. Each window is formed of a material having a fluorescence intensity that is of a lower magnitude than the fluorescence to be detected from the bilirubin. A hematofluorometer configured to utilize the reagent kit is also disclosed.

Abstract: A one-component prescription fluoride treatment composition having both fluoride efficacy and sensitivity relief is disclosed. The composition includes at least one metal fluoride and a nerve desensitizing agent such as potassium nitrate. The invention further includes a composition having at least one metal fluoride less than about 1.15% by weight of at least one metal fluoride; less than about 5 percent by weight of at least one alkali metal salt having desensitizing effect; at least one carrier; and at least one foaming agent that has thickening property. The composition may be formulated into a gel, a paste or any other convenient form, some of which contain abrasives.

Abstract: A one-component prescription fluoride treatment composition having both fluoride efficacy and sensitivity relief is disclosed. The composition includes at least one metal fluoride and a nerve desensitizing agent such as potassium nitrate. The invention further includes a composition having at least one metal fluoride less than about 1.15% by weight of at least one metal fluoride; less than about 5 percent by weight of at least one alkali metal salt having desensitizing effect; at least one carrier; and at least one foaming agent that has thickening property. The composition may be formulated into a gel, a paste or any other convenient form, some of which contain abrasives.

Abstract: This invention relates to a curing light device capable of curing dental composites with a means to blow air. The blown air is directed from the curing light onto the tooth that is exposed to the curing light.

Abstract: A two-component whitening system has a de-sensitizing effect as well as re-mineralizing capability. The system may be an unfoamed, a foamed or a foamable composition. The system has a first component with at least one peroxide compound, at least one source of phosphate and at least one gelling agent; and a second component with at least one source of calcium, strontium and/or mixtures thereof. The second component may also contain at least one gelling agent, and the composition maybe present as a foam or is foamable. The composition may be packed in a two-compartment syringe.

Abstract: A one-component prescription fluoride treatment composition having both fluoride efficacy and sensitivity relief is disclosed. The composition includes at least one metal fluoride and a nerve desensitizing agent such as potassium nitrate. The invention further includes a composition having at least one metal fluoride less than about 1.15% by weight of at least one metal fluoride; less than about 5 percent by weight of at least one alkali metal salt having desensitizing effect; at least one carrier; and at least one foaming agent that has thickening property. The composition may be formulated into a gel, a paste or any other convenient form, some of which contain abrasives.

Abstract: A system and method for tooth whitening are disclosed wherein at least one peroxide-containing gel and at least one transition metal compound- containing gel, particularly at least one lower atomic number transition metal compound, more particularly at least a ferrous compound including gluconate, sulfate, nitrate, acetate or mixtures thereof, are applied to a patient's mouth. Gelling agent is also included. The activation of the peroxide whitens the patient's teeth. The system may be used with or without the application of light. The system further provides an additional gel including a sensitivity reduction compound including potassium nitrate, sodium nitrate or mixtures thereof for possible sensitivity treatment if needed.

Abstract: A two-component whitening system has a de-sensitizing effect as well as re-mineralizing capability. The system may be an unfoamed, a foamed or a foamable composition. The system has a first component with at least one peroxide compound, at least one source of phosphate and at least one gelling agent; and a second component with at least one source of calcium, strontium and/or mixtures thereof. The second component may also contain at least one gelling agent, and the composition maybe present as a foam or is foamable. The composition may be packed in a two-compartment syringe.

Abstract: A whitening system has a de-sensitizing effect as well as re-mineralizing capability. The system may be a one-component or a two-component composition. The system may also be an unfoamed, a foamed or a foamable composition. For a one-component system, a sparingly soluble calcium phosphate salt may be in dry particle form with at least one gelling agent, wherein the salt is capable of sustained release of both calcium and phosphate ions into saliva upon exposure of the particle thereto and providing a hydroxyapatite remineralization. In a two component system, a first component has at least one peroxide compound, at least one source of phosphate and at least one gelling agent; and a second component has at least one source of calcium, strontium and/or mixtures thereof. The second component may also contain at least one gelling agent, and the composition maybe present as a foam or is foamable. The composition may be packed in a two-compartment syringe, or be present in a carrier or coated onto a substrate.

Abstract: The present invention provides a sensitivity relief gel preferably for use following a dental treatment such as a whitening session. The relief gel contains at least one desensitizing agent, at least one source of fluoride and at least one gelling agent. The relief gel has reduced gumminess and is easy to apply and remove. The gelling agent is, for example, a non-ionic surfactant, more for example, a block copolymer with hydrophobic and hydrophilic blocks. The present invention further provides for a method of using the sensitivity relief gel, for example, after a bleaching process.

Abstract: The invention relates to a surface plasmon resonance system method. The system has at least one light source operable to generate a source beam, a prism having a rear surface at least partially coated with a metallic coating and optionally a dielectric layer. At least one layer under test is positioned on the rear surface of the prism. The source beam is directed at the layer under test thereby defining an angle between the source beam and the rear surface of the prism. A detector is operable to detect light that is reflected or scattered by the layer under test. The source beam is directed towards the layer under test at a selected angle. The source beam is also shifted in at least one plane to illuminate a specific portion of the layer under test based on the selected relative angle and the position of the layer under test on the rear surface of the prism. The rear surface of the prism can be illuminated in one-dimensional or two-dimensional array like fashion.

Abstract: A whitening system has a de-sensitizing effect as well as re-mineralizing capability. The system may be a one-component or a two-component composition. The system may also be an unfoamed, a foamed or a foamable composition. For a one-component system, a sparingly soluble calcium phosphate salt may be in dry particle form with at least one gelling agent, wherein the salt is capable of sustained release of both calcium and phosphate ions into saliva upon exposure of the particle thereto and providing a hydroxyapatite remineralization. In a two component system, a first component has at least one peroxide compound, at least one source of phosphate and at least one gelling agent; and a second component has at least one source of calcium, strontium and/or mixtures thereof. The second component may also contain at least one gelling agent, and the composition maybe present as a foam or is foamable. The composition may be packed in a two-compartment syringe, or be present in a carrier or coated onto a substrate.

Abstract: A system and method for tooth whitening are disclosed wherein at least one peroxide-containing gel and at least one transition metal compound-containing gel, particularly at least one lower atomic number transition metal compound, more particularly at least a ferrous compound including gluconate, sulfate, nitrate, acetate or mixtures thereof, are applied to a patient's mouth. Gelling agent is also included. The activation of the peroxide whitens the patient's teeth. The system may be used with or without the application of light. The system further provides an additional gel including a sensitivity reduction compound including potassium nitrate, sodium nitrate or mixtures thereof for possible sensitivity treatment if needed.

Abstract: A two-component whitening system has a de-sensitizing effect as well as re-mineralizing capability. The system may be an unfoamed, a foamed or a foamable composition. The system has a first component with at least one peroxide compound, at least one source of phosphate and at least one gelling agent; and a second component with at least one source of calcium, strontium and/or mixtures thereof. The second component may also contain at least one gelling agent, and the composition maybe present as a foam or is foamable. The composition may be packed in a two-compartment syringe.

Abstract: A one-component prescription fluoride treatment composition having both fluoride efficacy and sensitivity relief is disclosed. The composition includes at least one metal fluoride and a nerve desensitizing agent such as potassium nitrate. The invention further includes a composition having at least one metal fluoride less than about 1.15% by weight of at least one metal fluoride; less than about 5 percent by weight of at least one alkali metal salt having desensitizing effect; at least one carrier; and at least one foaming agent that has thickening property. The composition may be formulated into a gel, a paste or any other convenient form, some of which contain abrasives.