Abstract: The present invention relates to an aesthetic dental restoration having a layered structure, which dental restoration has the appearance of a natural tooth. In addition, the present invention relates to a method for preparing such dental restorations. Particularly, the invention is based on the control of interaction between opalescence and fluorescence.

Abstract: A dental x-ray image media holder (10) includes an image media backing plate (11) adjustably affixed to a bite block (12). The backing plate (11) has at least one channel (31-33) for receiving a post (21) affixed to the bite block (12), such that the bite block (12) can be selectively moved within the channel (31-33) to orient the bite block (12) in a predetermined position relative to the backing plate (11).

Abstract: A container enclosing an applicator and a dental composition including a volatile organic solvent. The container is sealed. The volatile organic solvent is effectively retained within the container, even after storage at about 43° C. for one week. Preferably the container is made of a copolymer of a cycloolefin and an open chain olefin.

Abstract: A dental prophylaxis angle and handpiece assembly for cleaning and polishing teeth is provided. The dental prophylaxis angle is removably attached to the dental handpiece by an interlocking mechanism that includes extension locking tabs, a locking annular member, and an interlocking drive member in the handpiece. The prophy angle is securely snap-fitted onto the handpiece and locked in place so that it has minimal lateral movement. After the prophy angle has been used to treat a patient, it can be removed easily from the handpiece and disposed thereof.

Abstract: Methods for making dental crowns, bridges, inlays, onlays, veneers, fillings, and other restorations are provided. The methods involve using a two-phase light curing (TPLC) material. Preferably, the TPLC material used to form the dental restoration comprises a blend of polymerizable compounds; photopolymerization systems (a) and (b), and particulate filler materials (a) and (b). In a first light-curing step, curing light having a wavelength of greater than 420 nm is used to activate system (a). In a second light-curing step, curing light having a wavelength of less than 420 nm is used to activate system (b). The two step light-curing method is efficient and allows the dentist to make restorations having high mechanical strength and pleasing aesthetics.

Abstract: A white, substantially non-iron containing dental material formed from Portland cement. The material may be a dental cement, dental restorative or the like.

Abstract: A bone repair material is described that is of putty-like consistency, particularly useful for repairing dental bony defects such as those caused by bone loss resulting from moderate or severe periodontitis, augmenting of bony defects of the alveolar ridge, filling tooth extraction sites, or sinus elevation grafting. The repair material includes a porous, resorbable particulate that is bone-derived or derived from bone-like hydroxyapatite or synthetic hydroxyapatite; and, a resorbable carrier, such as high molecular weight polysaccharides, such as hyaluronic acid. A high concentration of particulate in the putty enhances bone repair and requires a high concentration of carrier to retain the putty at the defect site. For a particulate density of about 1.2 g/cc such as PEPGEN P-15® Bone Graft, a preferred formulation comprises about 55% percent by weight of the putty suspended in a hyaluronic acid gel of about 1.

Abstract: Improved compositions comprising a mixture of gutta-percha and a hydraulic material containing calcium silicate, calcium aluminate, calcium phosphate, and calcium sulfate compounds are provided. Preferably, the composition includes hydroxylapatite mineral. The composition is particularly suitable for obturating and sealing dental root canals. The composition should provide a stable barrier to bacterial and fluid leakage in the root canal system of a tooth. In addition, the composition should help promote the growth of new bone and tissue surrounding the root tip area.

Abstract: A dental device and method of making it, by shaping a first and a second wax-like polymerizable dental material to form a polymerizable dental device.

Abstract: The invention provides a method of forming dental restorations, particularly dental crowns. The method involves applying a flexible cement composition to a prepared tooth surface. The composition is polymerized so that it substantially hardens. A composite crown-forming material is dispensed into a substantially transparent plastic matrix. The matrix is placed in the mouth of the patient so that the composite material is molded over the tooth surface. Then, the material is irradiated with curing light, through the matrix, so that it hardens to form a dental crown. The crown has good mechanical strength and is resistant to fracturing and breaking.

Abstract: A dental device including an integrally connected artificial tooth and denture base. The artificial tooth is made by continuously conveying polymerizable material into tooth forming molds.

Abstract: A light control system and method for a film viewer (10). The viewer (10) includes an infrared emitter (50) with an infrared detector (52) in communication with a microprocessor (34). When a radiograph (40) is inserted within the film viewer (10), the radiograph (10) is interposed between the emitter (50) and detector (52). The microprocessor (34) detects a change in the emissions sensed by the detector (52) and illuminates the viewer (10). The invention also provides a film holder (16) that includes a plurality of rollers (60) interposed between the holder (16) and the screen (14).

Abstract: A foot switch device for activating a dental or medical treatment apparatus is provided. The foot switch device is particularly suitable for controlling an ultrasonic dental scaler. The foot switch device includes a base plate; a central housing attached to the base plate; an upper, moveable cover mounted on the housing; and a connecting collar attached to the upper cover for retaining the cover on the housing while allowing the cover to move upwardly and downwardly relative to the housing. The central housing contains a first electrical switch for transmitting a first signal to the apparatus, and a second electrical switch for transmitting a second signal to the apparatus. An operator depresses the upper cover with his or her foot to activate the switching mechanism and control the operation of the dental or medical apparatus.

Abstract: A dental construct according to the present invention includes a glass-ceramic coping having a resin composite material in the form of a veneer bonded or otherwise affixed to at least a portion of the coping. A method according to the invention of preparing the dental construct includes the step of bonding or otherwise affixing a resin composite material in the form of a veneer to at least a portion of a glass-ceramic substrate coping.

Abstract: A heating muffle for a muffle kiln for the production of a dental ceramic product containing titanium, which comprises a hollow unit, which is provided with at least one opening for the uptake of the ceramic product and has completely heatable inner walls, an which can form together with a pedestal a firing chamber in which the ceramic product is heated by the inner walls, wherein the hollow unit comprises at least one spirally bent tube containing a heat conductor for a uniform heat transfer to the product and in order to avoid temperature gradients.

Abstract: A composite material is provided which, while having an unusually high filler content may be extruded from a dental syringe and remains easily adaptable in the dental cavity. When materials of the present invention are cured, dental restorations are provided which have unusually high surface hardness and yield strength, as well as a low volume shrinkage on curing. This is achieved by use of a mixture of filler particles with a specific size, size range, and size relationship. Such a combination of properties makes the material of the present invention particularly useful for restoring cavities in posterior teeth.

Abstract: A dental composition comprising self-lubricating particles and formed into a dental tooth. The invention provides a dental tooth formed from a composition which includes polymeric matrix material and particles of ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene having a particle size less than 500 microns, and a weight average molecular weight greater than 1,000,000 g/mole chemically bonded to the matrix material and the composition formed into an aesthetic dental tooth. The tooth has an outer face, and at least one of the particles is smeared over the outer face.

Abstract: A dental adhesive composition for bonding dental restoratives to dentin and enamel provides a one-part self-etching, self-priming dental adhesive composition having hydrolysis stable polymerizable acidic adhesive monomers.