Abstract: The use of polymerizable monomeric conditioning agents for treating the enamel and dentin of a tooth prior to application of a primer and subsequent application of a bonding resin, or a combination of a primer/bonding resin has been found to provide good shear bond strength on both moist and dry dentin. In addition, the contact angles provided by water on dentin conditioned with the polymerizable conditioners as compared to the non-polymerizable phosphoric acid are much lower, reflecting improved spreading over the surface of the tooth.

Abstract: This invention involves new compositions and methods of use and delivery of amorphous calcium compounds such as: amorphous calcium phosphate (ACP), amorphous calcium phosphate fluoride (ACPF), amorphous calcium carbonate phosphate (ACCP), amorphous calcium carbonate phosphate fluoride (ACCPF), and amorphous calcium fluoride (ACF) for use in remineralizing and fluoridating teeth. These amorphous compounds or solutions which form the amorphous compounds or calcium phosphate jelly which forms the amorphous compounds, when applied either onto or into dental tissue to prevent and/or repair dental weaknesses such as dental caries, exposed roots and dentin sensitivity. The compounds have the highest solubilities, fastest formation rates and fastest conversion rates (to apatite) among all the calcium phosphates under physiological conditions. Moreover, in the presence to fluoride the amorphous compound convert rapidly to fluoride containing apatite.

Abstract: The invention includes methods and compositions relating to calcium phosphate cements, which self-harden substantially to hydroxyapatite at ambient temperature when in contact with an aqueous medium. More specifically the cements comprise a combination of one or more sparingly soluble calcium phosphates other than tetracalcium phosphate with an aqueous solution adjusted with a base to maintain a pH of about 12.5 or above and having sufficient dissolved phosphate salt to yield a solution mixture with phosphate concentration equal to or greater than about 0.2 mol/L.

Abstract: The invention relates to anticarious delivery vehicles, specifically chewing gums, candies, confectioneries, toothpastes, dentifrices and gels. The invention specifically provides chewing gums, candies, confectioneries, toothpastes, dentifrices and gels containing non-toxic sparingly soluble calcium and phosphate compounds as additives, causing the release of calcium and phosphate ions into the oral cavity gradually and persistently for a period no less than 5 minutes. The invention provides released calcium phosphate ions that diffuse into partially demineralized tooth enamel or dentin, leading to remineralization and repair of caries lesions, dental plaque, open dentinal tubules and exposed dentin. The invention thus provides agents and methods for remineralization of teeth and for reducing or eradicating cariogenic challenge in plaque following sucrose intake. The formulations of the invention can thereby produce effective anticaries actions without the use of fluoride.

Abstract: The invention includes methods and compositions relating to calcium phosphate cements, which self-harden substantially to hydroxyapatite at ambient temperature when in contact with an aqueous medium. More specifically the cements comprise a combination of one or more sparingly soluble calcium phosphates other than tetracalcium phosphate with an aqueous solution adjusted with a base to maintain a pH of about 12.5 or above and having sufficient dissolved phosphate salt to yield a solution mixture with phosphate concentration equal to or greater than about 0.2 mol/L.

Abstract: A library of diverse molecular configurations containing many combinations and permutations of polymerizable cyclodextrin derivatives (PCDs) is disclosed for use in dental bonding formulations and other applications. Each PCD molecule in the library contains numerous (at least one or more) covalently attached polymerizable groups, and may also contain covalently attached ligand groups, such as free carboxyl groups, tertiary amino groups, or both, which substituents are attached in statistically predetermined proportions by ether or ester linkages. The PCDs may also contain molecularly encapsulated comonomers, polymerization inhibitors (stabilizers), polymerization initiators, and other desirable molecules. The molecular members of the PCD libraries may have quasi-random molecular configurations in the numbers and locations of their various substituents.

Abstract: A method for preparing polymerized libraries of polymerizable cyclodextrin derivatives (PCDs) for use in dental and other applications is disclosed. This is done by first preparing PCDs that are mixtures of reaction products resulting from reacting a cyclodextrin with a sufficient number of moles of reagents that will, with high probability, covalently attach one or more polymerizable groups on substantially every cyclodextrin molecule. These reactions are carried out in the presence of solvents and catalysts, and the reaction products are formulated with compatible comonomers to the desired viscosity. The resulting formulations(s) is (are) combined with one or more polyemerization initiators, and the polymerization initiators are activated to form one or more polymerized cyclodextrin libraries.

Abstract: Specific compositions and methods are disclosed employing calcium fluoride inhibitors in two-component fluoride delivery systems to produce an initial delay in calcium fluoride formation and to control the rate of reactions that precipitate calcium fluoride in order to achieve enhanced fluoride deposition in the oral environment. In the two-component fluoride delivery system, one component contains a source of calcium ions and the other a source of fluoride ions. An inhibitor of calcium fluoride formation is present in one or both phases such that when one or both components are mixed the formation of calcium fluoride precipitate does not occur until at least about five seconds after mixing. The system may be employed in the form of mouth rinses, dentifrices, or chewable tablets.

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: The invention relates to anticarious delivery vehicles, specifically chewing gums, candies, confectioneries, toothpastes, dentifrices and gels. The invention specifically provides chewing gums, candies, confectioneries, toothpastes, dentifrices and gels containing non-toxic sparingly soluble calcium and phosphate compounds as additives, causing the release of calcium and phosphate ions into the oral cavity gradually and persistently for a period no less than 5 minutes. The invention provides released calcium phosphate ions that diffuse into partially demineralized tooth enamel or dentin, leading to remineralization and repair of caries lesions, dental plaque, open dentinal tubules and exposed dentin. The invention thus provides agents and methods for remineralization of teeth and for reducing or eradicating cariogenic challenge in plaque following sucrose intake. The formulations of the invention can thereby produce effective anticaries actions without the use of fluoride.

Abstract: Polymerizable cyclodextrin derivatives (PCDs) are disclosed, wherein each molecule contains at least one covalently attached polymerizable group, may also contain one or more other covalently attached functional ligand group(s), such as free carboxyl group(s), may also contain molecularly encapsulated comonomers, polymerization inhibitors (stabilizers), and polymerization initiators. The groups are attached covalently as ether or ester derivatives in statistically predetermined proportions, in a homogeneous solution, to form a "combinatorial" library having quasi-random molecular configurations of free carboxyl or other ligand groups. In the resulting PCD library, appropriate comonomers and polymerization initiators can be added that will enable timely polymerization to form unique structural adhesives and resins. The adhesive resins can be utilized in preventative and restorative dentistry.

Abstract: Materials and methods for preparing the surface of dentin, enamel, or other natural or industrial substrates containing or capable of binding metallic ions, for adhesion of composite materials or resins, are disclosed. Preferably, the substrate is treated with an aqueous solution comprising at least one acid, acidic salt, or chelating or sequestering agent.

Abstract: Calcium phosphate compositions that are particularly useful and unique as orthopedic and dental cements and remineralizers, as well as methods and kits for their use, and the resulting products are disclosed. The compositions comprise tetracalcium phosphate which has been prepared from a mixture with a calcium to phosphorous ratio of less than 2, or prepared and maintained under substantially anhydrous conditions prior to use or, preferably, both. The novel compositions are converted substantially to hydroxyapatite upon setting, are substantially gradually resorbable and replaced by bone when implanted in contact with living bony tissue, and offer distinct advantages in terms of cement strength, setting time and reliability and other properties.

Abstract: The invention involves new compositions and methods of use and delivery of amorphous calcium compounds such as: amorphous calcium phosphate (ACP), amorphous calcium phoshate fluoride (ACPF), amorphous calcium carbonate phosphate (ACCP), amorphous calcium carbonate phosphate fluoride (ACCPF), and amorphous calcium fluoride (ACF) for use in remineralizing and fluoridating teeth. These amorphous compounds or solutions which form the amorphous compounds, when applied either onto or into dental tissue prevent and/or repair dental weaknesses such as dental caries, exposed roots and dentin sensitivity. The compounds have the highest solubilities, fastest formation rates and fastest conversion rates (to apatite) among all the calcium phosphates under physiological conditions. Moreover, in the presence to fluoride the amorphous compound convert rapidly to fluoride containing apatite.

Abstract: Calcium phosphate compositions that are particularly useful and unique as orthopedic and dental cements and remineralizers, as well as methods and kits for their use, and the resulting products are disclosed. The compositions comprise tetracalcium phosphate which has been prepared from a mixture with a calcium to phosphorous ratio of less than 2, or prepared and maintained under substantially anhydrous conditions prior to use or, preferably, both. The novel compositions are converted substantially to hydroxyapatite upon setting, are substantially gradually resorbable and replaced by bone when implanted in contact with living bony tissue, and offer distinct advantages in terms of cement strength, setting time and reliability and other properties.

Abstract: Calcium phosphate compositions that are particularly useful and unique as orthopedic and dental cements and remineralizers, as well as methods and kits for their use, and the resulting products are disclosed. The compositions comprise tetracalcium phosphate which has been prepared from a mixture with a calcium to phosphorous ratio of less than 2, or prepared and maintained under substantially anhydrous conditions prior to use or, preferably, both. The novel compositions are converted substantially to hydroxyapatite upon setting, are substantially gradually resorbable and replaced by bone when implanted in contact with living bony tissue, and offer distinct advantages in terms of cement strength, setting time and reliability and other properties.

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.

Abstract: The invention includes methods and compositions relating to calcium phosphate cements, which self-harden substantially to hydroxyapatite at ambient temperature when in contact with an aqueous medium. More specifically the cements comprise a combination of one or more sparingly soluble calcium phosphates other than tetracalcium phosphate with an aqueous solution adjusted with a base to maintain a pH of about 12.5 or above and having sufficient dissolved phosphate salt to yield a solution mixture with phosphate concentration equal to or greater than about 0.2 mol/L.

Abstract: Calcium phosphate compositions that are particularly useful and unique as orthopedic and dental cements and remineralizers, as well as methods and kits for their use, and the resulting products are disclosed. The compositions comprise tetracalcium phosphate which has been prepared from a mixture with a calcium to phosphorous ratio of less than 2, or prepared and maintained under substantially anhydrous conditions prior to use or, preferably, both. The novel compositions are converted substantially to hydroxyapatite upon setting, are substantially gradually resorbable and replaced by bone when implanted in contact with living bony tissue, and offer distinct advantages in terms of cement strength, setting time and reliability and other properties.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions and methods for fluoridating teeth. More specifically, the invention is a reactive, multi-component composition consisting of an admixture of a stable, non-toxic soluble calcium salt and a soluble calcium complexing (chelating) agent, with a stable, non-toxic soluble fluoride compound, a buffer, and one or more non-interfering carriers. The components of this admixture are mixed in an aqueous environment, resulting in a controlled precipitation of calcium fluoride, and then promptly applied to the tooth surfaces. The invention contemplates mouth rinses, dentifrices, gels, and chewable tablets for application of these compositions and methods.