Abstract: A method of preparing an impression of dentition in the oral cavity is provided that overcomes a problem of transfer of inhibitors left by latex gloves that interfere with platinum catalyzed hydrosilation reactions. The method involves applying a surfactant, preferably with peroxide, to the area that is to have its impression taken substantially immediately before applying the impression taking material, rinsing the composition from the area and proceeding with the taking of the dental impression. Preferably the decontaminating composition consists essentially of surfactant, especially polyoxyethylene surfactants, hydrogen peroxide and water.

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: A dental impression tray having a rough textured surface which provides a multiplicity of pits made up of valleys and peaks, holes that don't penetrate through the tray, cavities, craters, crevices, ledges and/or undercuts which retain and/or stabilize the impression material. The rough textured surface of the handle provides a non-slip surface for a gloved hand.

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: A method for the making of a tooth mold which includes the steps of scanning the surface of a model of a tooth to obtain data on the three-dimensional surface locations of the model, processing the data in a CAD/CAM computer, and using the processed data to fabricate a tooth mold. The scanning step involves subjecting a rotating tooth model to radiant energy from a laser beam, receiving and translating reflections of the radiant energy into electronic signals, and digitizing the signals into data of the three-dimensional surface locations of the tooth model. The processing step involves translating the data, editing the data, creating a three-dimensional surface pattern of the tooth model, evaluating the surface pattern by visual analysis and comparison to known geometric values of the tooth model, and creating a tooth path program.

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: An ultrasonic handpiece wherein the entire assembled handpiece may be sterilized with an ingress of the sterilizing fluid into the interior of the handpiece. The handpiece is formed with an elongated housing sleeve and a coil unit for establishing an alternating magnetic field located therein. The housing sleeve and coil unit is assembled such that crevices are formed between the ends of the housing sleeve and coil unit, thus allowing steam, chemicals and heat to pass in and out of the interior of the handpiece for more rapid and thorough sterilizing of the handpiece. Further, the coil unit is not potted to the housing sleeve in order to allow for different thermal coefficients of expansion between materials without the buildup of undue stress.

Abstract: Disclosed in the present application is a method of curing a dental impression material by passing actinic light through a tray while the tray is in contact with the impression making composition, a new dental impression composition that is polymerizable by having an initiator activated by actinic light within the visible light range of 360 to 600 nanometers, a new composition of matter that is a compound having at least two terminal acrylate unsaturations and an organosilicone containing backbone and a new method of forming dental prosthetics by directly forming against the soft tissue of the oral cavity and then setting with visible light curing.

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: A low profile dental torque ratchet system is provided having a disposable breakaway color coded insert for holding a tool to be driven by a torsional ratchet wrench. Incorporated within the ratchet wrench is a driver that drives the tool until a preset torsional force shears the insert.

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: A light-curing apparatus for curing polymerizable material in the mouth is provided. In one embodiment the apparatus comprises a wand which is substantially the same size as a quadrant or a full dental arch; in a second embodiment, the apparatus is in the shape of a dental tray and is adapted to fit over the outside of a dental tray; and in a third embodiment the light source comprises a portion (substantially the frame) of a double arch impression tray, and has a slide mechanism by which the mesh of a double arch impression tray can be removed from the light source so the light source can be reused. The invention also comprises a method for curing a dental material in the mouth using the apparatus of the invention.

Abstract: One component, visible light-cured dental restorative compositions having fluoride release properties for the purpose of reducing the chances of secondary caries are provided. The compositions include inorganic particulate fluoride leachable glass.

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: A viewer system and method for evaluation of fluorescence of a test sample in comparison with a standard is provided. The system includes a viewer and test sample. The viewer has a fluorescence standard, a platform, a shield and an ultraviolet light source. The platform is positioned below the standard, the shield is adapted to enclose the viewing area and the ultraviolet light source is adapted to substantially simultaneously and equally illuminate the sample while the sample is supported in the viewing area by the platform. The sample is positioned for evaluating the fluorescence of the sample in comparison to the standard in the viewing area while the sample and the standard are substantially equally illuminated by the ultraviolet light source.

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.