Abstract: The invention provides a polymerizable composition formed by mixing a liquid and a powder composition. The liquid composition includes a peroxide, which decomposes by at most fifty percent by weight of the peroxide within 10 hours at a temperature of at least 75.degree. C., and a polymerizable monomer. The powder composition comprising a proton donor, and a metal containing compound. The polymerizable composition has from 0.2 to 5 percent by weight of the peroxide, from 5 to 99 percent by weight of the polymerizable monomer, and from 0.1 to 3 percent by weight of the proton donor, and from 0.02 to 3 percent by weight of the metal containing compound. The polymerizable composition has an initial setting time and a storage setting time after storage of the first (liquid) composition for at least 12 months at a temperature of at least 23.degree. C. The initial setting time is within 2 minutes of the storage setting time.

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 system for identification of hue and lightness of dental products formed from dental material within enclosures comprises an alpha series of at least three caps (A) having an alpha cap hue and supported by enclosures enclosing dental materials which are polymerizable to form an alpha series of dental products having an alpha product hue. The system includes a beta series of at least three caps (B) having a beta cap hue supported by enclosures enclosing dental materials which are polymerizable to form dental products having a beta product hue. The system includes a first series of at least three caps (1) having a first cap lightness and each of said first caps being supported by an enclosure enclosing a dental material which is polymerizable to form a dental product having a first product lightness.

Abstract: A method is provided for clinical retention of restorative material by a natural tooth. A first portion of photopolymerizable liquid primer/adhesive dental composition is applied to a tooth surface. After leaving the first portion of the liquid composition on the tooth surface undisturbed for at least 15 seconds on the tooth surface air is conveyed against the first portion of the liquid. The light is impinged on the first portion of the liquid composition whereby at least a portion of the first portion of the liquid composition polymerizes to form a first coating on the tooth. A second portion of the liquid composition is applied to the first coating, and air is substantially immediately conveyed to the second portion of the liquid composition.

Abstract: A root canal sealing dental filling composition, includes liquid polymerizable organic monomers and filler. The polymerizable organic monomers include an diepoxide monomer and a primary monoamine and/or a disecondary amine monomer. The filler includes 40 to 85 percent by weight of the composition and provides a radiopacity of at least 3 mm/mm Al. A method of sealing a tooth canal, includes providing a canal in a tooth sealing the canal with this root canal sealing dental filling composition.

Abstract: A transducer activated tool for contacting workpiece surfaces and directing fluid adjacent to the surfaces is disclosed. The tool may be ultrasonically activated by attachment to an insert that includes a magnetostrictive element. The tip includes distal surfaces shaped to contact the workpiece and additionally includes a fluid passageway internal to the tip that is bored generally along the centerline of the tip but is offset from the tip axis such that a discharge orifice is formed in the tip displaced from the distal tip end. The passageway is preferably angularly offset so that the discharge orifice is formed in the distal end of the tip about 2-8 mm from the distal end of the tip. The tip when shaped to conform to dental or tooth surfaces is particularly useful as a dental tool. In another embodiment the fluid passageway is eccentrically offset from the tip axis wherein the passageway is substantially parallel to the center axis but displaced therefrom preferably by about 0.1 to 0.5 mm.

Abstract: A bonding dental ceramic material and method of use thereof is provided. The bonding dental ceramic material includes at least one network former and between about 8 and 17 percent by weight B.sub.2 O.sub.3. The bonding dental ceramic material does not contain more than 5% by weight of opacifier and/or pigment, and is adapted to bond to titanium or titanium alloy with a bond strength of at least 20 MPa. Preferably the bonding dental ceramic material has a melting point less than 800.degree. C. and includes a fluxing agent. This bonding dental ceramic material is used to make dental crowns and bridges. The bonding dental ceramic material is applied to titanium or titanium alloy and fired at less than 800.degree. C. Then an opaque dental ceramic material including at least one network former and more than 5% by weight of opacifier and/or pigment but less than 5% by weight B.sub.2 O.sub.3 is applied to the bonding dental ceramic material and fired at less than 800.degree. C.

Abstract: A method of forming dental products, such as dentures, denture relines, dental crowns, dental bridges and dental restorative materials, temporary crown, temporary bridge, provisional crown or provisional bridge, from two polymerizable paste compositions each having a complimentary component of a free radical catalyst system and a polymerizable acrylic compound. One of these paste compositions includes an oxidizing agent and a stabilizer and the other includes a reducing agent as components of a redox catalyst system for free radical polymerization. These paste compositions are mixed in a static mixer to form a polymerizing paste composition, which is then shaped into a dental prosthesis. A handheld mixing dispenser useful in carrying out this method, includes a static mixing conduit, and two containers enclosing the polymerizable paste compositions. The static mixing conduit encloses a static mixing member. The containers are adapted to be connected in fluid flow communication with the static mixing conduit.

Abstract: A transducer activated tool for contacting workpiece surfaces and directing fluid adjacent to said surfaces is disclosed. The tool may be ultrasonically activated by attachment to an insert that includes a magnetostrictive element. The tip includes distal surfaces shaped to contact the workpiece and additionally includes a fluid passageway internal to the tip that is bored generally along the centerline of the tip but is offset from the tip axis such that a discharge orifice is formed in the tip displaced from the distal tip end. The passageway is preferably angularly offset so that the discharge orifice is formed in the distal end of the tip about 2-8 mm from the distal end of the tip. The tip when shaped to conform to dental or tooth surfaces is particularly useful as a dental tool. In another embodiment the fluid passageway is eccentrically offset from the tip axis wherein the passageway is substantially parallel to the center axis but displaced therefrom preferably by about 0.1 to 0.5 mm.

Abstract: A dental prosthesis includes polymeric material formed by heat curing a polymerizable composition having at least 5 percent by weight of at least one polymerizable Monomer having at least one acrylic moiety and a gram molecular weight of at least 200. The polymeric material is preferably formed by heat curing and has an unnotched Izod impact strength of at least 2.5 and more preferably at least 3.0 ft.lb/in as measured by a Modified ASTM D256, and a flexural fatigue life of at least 20,000 flexes to failure at 0.1 inch deflection. Preferably the polymerizable monomer has a vapor pressure less than 5 mm Hg at 23.degree. C. A method of making a denture is provided which includes molding and polymerizing the polymerizable composition to form a denture.

Abstract: The invention provides a camera system including a handpiece having a lens, and a cable connector connected to opposite ends of a cable and a plurality of power source bases. The cable connector includes a video processor. Each power source base has a base connector and a light source. The cable connector is adapted to be connected to each base connector. The camera system is used by connecting the cable connector one at a time to each of the base connectors. The handpiece is enclosed by a disposable sleeve. The sleeve is held against the handpiece by an autoclavable rigid jacket. The portable dental camera is maintain sterile by enclosing at least the distal end of the handpiece with a first sleeve, and generating an image of first patient with the camera and a first power source base in a first dental operatory room. The first sleeve is then removed from the handpiece and replaced with a second sleeve.

Abstract: The invention provides a 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 porcelain layer. The second powder has 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 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 lightness value (L.sub.1) are less than 2.5 CIE L*a*b units.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for curing light curable material using unfiltered light. A vented housing encloses a single lamp filament light source which emits visible light. The light source is positioned above and to the side of the light curable material which is supported on a rotating table during light curing. Light incident to the surface of the light curable material is at least about 50 milliwatts per square centimeter. The light curable material has a surface temperature of at least 150.degree. F. (65.6.degree. C.) after 2 minutes.

Abstract: An insert for use in an apparatus for scaling of teeth and lavage of the gingival sulcus is provided. The insert comprises a tip for scaling and delivery of lavage fluids, retaining means for retaining the scaling tip in the insert, and a path means for delivering irrigant for scaling or for lavage through the insert and to the end of the scaling tip. The scaling tip is shaped and dimensioned for scaling and lavage below the gumline in periodontal pockets. When a magnetostrictive insert is used, an outlet means is provided to remove stack cooling water from the insert so that stack cooling water does not enter a patient's mouth.

Abstract: The invention relates to a polishing element for use in a system and apparatus and a method for finishing and polishing a dental composite restorative material in a tooth. The system of the invention uses an elastomeric polymer disc which is impregnated with an abrasive for reduction of the composite, and an element for polishing the composite as well as the dental materials. A method of using the above apparatus in a finishing/polishing system is also provided.

Abstract: The invention provides dental composite compositions formed by mixing a curable liquid composition with a powder in preselected proportions. The composite compositions formed are useful as cement, liner, base, restorative, pit and fissure sealants, and/or core build-up material, etc. having improved adhesion to dentin. These composite compositions include polyalkenoic acid, filler which provides elutable cations which are reactive with the polyalkenoic acid and fluoride ion, water to provide for elution of cations reactive with polyalkenoic acid, polymerizable monomer and/or prepolymer composition, unsaturated organic acid having 1 or more polymerizable groups and a catalyst system for polymerization. Optionally the composites include inert reinforcing filler for strength, aesthetics, and radiopacity.

Abstract: The invention provides dental cement compositions and methods of using them for binding hard tooth material, metal and ceramic. The cement compositions include polymerizable acid reactive ethylenically unsaturated monomers, and a source of cations reactive therewith, to further crosslink the resulting polymer. The cements have superior adhesion to tooth without separately acid etching dentin or enamel. Compositions of are useful as dental luting cements, liners, bases and restoratives.

Abstract: Dental cements and abrasives are provided which are polymerizable with visible light. Such adhesives. may be applied in thinner films than heretofore possible and demonstrate superior physical properties. Processes employing such materials are disclosed wherein the polymerizatioa of the adhesive is accomplished by transmmitting visible light through tooth or other structures to effect the sdhesion.