Abstract: Dental composite restorations reinforced with one or more fiber structures are disclosed. The fiber structures can have a wide array of shapes and sizes, including rods with circular cross sections, rods with “U” shaped cross sections, rods with “I” shaped cross sections, and fiber mesh structures. The reinforced dental composite restorations are created by incrementally layering and curing composite materials onto the fiber structures. The resulting restorations have significantly improved flexural strength as compared to conventionally prepared composite restoration materials.

Abstract: Dental composite compositions, restorative compositions, and methods for their use are provided. The compositions can contain (a) from about 1 to about 35 weight percent of a monomer portion containing at least one monomer having a functional group capable of undergoing polymerization; (b) from about 75 to about 95 weight percent of a filler portion, the filler portion containing at least a spherical filler portion having at least one spherical filler particle component; and (c) from about 0.01 to about 10 weight percent of a polymerization catalyst portion containing at least one catalyst capable of assisting in the polymerization of the functional group of the monomer portion and hardening of the composite after application of the composite to a tooth surface or other dental surface. The spherical filler portion is present in an amount sufficient to reduce shrinkage of the composite after polymerization to about 1.8 percent or less.

Abstract: Novel unsaturated esters for use in dentistry as bonding agents are produced by a reaction of a cyclic dianhydride with unsaturated alcohols. The novel unsaturated ester products have the formula: wherein R2 is H or CH3.

Abstract: Novel unsaturated esters for use in dentistry as bonding agents are produced by a stepwise reaction of a cyclic dianhydride with a) unsaturated alcohols, b) unsaturated glycidyl ethers, and c) unsaturated isocyanates. The products used as bonding agents have the formula: wherein R2 is H or CH3.

Abstract: A process for preparing dental restorations includes the steps of applying a composite restorative material onto a prepared tooth followed by the application of light to the composite of intensity sufficient to penetrate the composite to initiate polymerization. Light application is then suspended for a period of time sufficient to allow for the relaxation of internal stresses created by the initial polymerization of the composite. Light is subsequently applied to the composite to complete polymerization. A curing light is utilized which includes variably-adjustable, multiple power and timing settings.

Abstract: A storage and multi-positional display apparatus, particularly suited to dental equipment and materials, is disclosed. The apparatus includes a cover having individual rigid segments which are hinged together, with a storage tray secured to one of the segments. The apparatus can be transformed from a storage position wherein the segments are folded to form an enclosure surrounding the tray and protecting its contents, into one of many angled display positions wherein the tray is exposed. The angled positions mount the tray at an angular orientation best suited to the particular user performing a particular dental procedure, while the cover and tray provide for aseptic conditions and minimized cross-contamination of the dental equipment and material.

Abstract: A light probe and a method of using a light probe for curing dental resin in relatively small areas such as at the adhesive interface between a tooth and an orthodontic bracket are disclosed. The light probe is attachable to the curing gun and includes an optically transparent medium extending from a connection end to a discharge end. The medium is disposed at the discharge end such that only a thin ribbon of light is emitted. The cross-sectional area of the discharge end is substantially smaller than at the connection end, and the overall area of discharge is smaller than the input area. An edge of the discharge end of the light probe is placed against the surface of the tooth and light is emitted parallel to the surface of the tooth onto a plane of adhesive.

Abstract: A process for the fabrication of indirect dental restoratives includes the making of a first, pre-operative impression of a tooth to be restored using a first polyvinyl silicone (PVS) material disposed in a clear tray, followed by the preparation of the tooth. A second, final post-operative impression of the tooth is taken utilizing a second PVS material. A tooth model is then made by pouring a low viscosity and suitably rigid, third PVS material into the final impression. Prior to the complete setting of the low viscosity PVS material, a higher viscosity, fourth PVS material is applied onto the model PVS material to form a completed model with base. The model is then fitted into the pre-operative impression matrix made from the first PVS material. Layers of composite are packed onto the impression in the clear matrix.

Abstract: A photoinitiator composition that includes (a) 1-aryl-2-alkyl-1,2-ethanedione and (b) a rigid 1,2-dione in a weight ratio of (a):(b) in a range of about 1:20 to about 20:1 is disclosed. The photoinitiator composition can be used in a photocurable dental composition in an amount sufficient to achieve a degree of double-bond conversion of at least 50%. Methods for making the photocurable dental composition are also disclosed.

Abstract: A light shield for a dental composite curing gun which can be easily snapped on and off of a probe of the gun is provided. The shield includes a tinted, transparent main body which absorbs certain components of light reflected from a tooth surface being restored, thereby enabling the operator to have a complete field of vision, while protecting the operator from harmful and distracting reflections. The snap-on attachment mechanism includes first and second deformable legs having a receiving notch formed therebetween, such that the shield can be pushed on to and pulled from the probe by deforming the legs. The entire shield and snap-on connection mechanism are manufactured from a unitary piece of material which can be completely sterilized.

Abstract: Flexible dental composite compositions and restorative compositions are provided comprising (a) about 2 to 15 weight percent of a flexible monomer portion comprising one or more flexible comonomers of the general formula R.sup.1 --O--?(CH--R.sup.2).sub.n --O--!.sub.z --R.sup.3 wherein R.sup.1 and R.sup.3 are acrylate or methacrylate functional groups, R.sup.2 is selected from the group of hydrogen, methyl and ethyl, n is from 3 to 5 and z is from about 3 to about 20 and the monomers have average molecular weights from at least about 300 or higher, (b) about 30 to about 80 weight percent of a filler portion, (c) about 18 to 60 weight percent of a comonomer portion comprising one or more comonomers capable of polymerizing with the flexible monomer portion, and (d) a polymerization catalyst system for polymerizing and hardening the composition. Compositions according to the invention are useful in Class V and other types of dental restorations.

Abstract: A one package, shelf-stable, light-curing orthodontic band cement is disclosed. That cement comprises about 35 to about 80 weight percent finely divided inorganic filler, about 15 to about 45 weight percent of one or more dimethacrylate esters, zero to about 30 weight percent of one or more diluent mono- or trimethacrylate esters, about 5 to about 25 weight percent of one or more dimethacrylate esters containing two carboxylic acid groups and a photo-curing system present in an amount sufficient to effect cure within about two minutes or less upon direct irradiation of the cement with light. The cement's weight ratio of the dimethacrylate ester portion plus diluent mono- or trimethacrylate ester portion to the two carboxylic acid-containing dimethacrylate ester portion is about 3:1 to about 1.5:1. All of the methacrylates present constitute about 20 to about 65 weight percent of the cement. A process for using the cement to affix an orthodontic band to a tooth is also disclosed.

Abstract: Primer/bonding-resin compositions include certain hydrophilic monomers, reactive diluent monomers, high viscosity adhesive resins and photo-initiator systems, all provided in a one-component solution containing ethanol or acetone or other suitable solvents. Methods of use of such compositions include a single step application for priming and imparting enhanced adhesion between dental substrates and dental restoratives or components.

Abstract: Primer/bonding-resin compositions include certain hydrophilic monomers, reactive diluent monomers, high viscosity adhesive resins and photo-initiator systems, all provided in a one-component solution containing ethanol or acetone or other suitable solvents. Methods of use of such compositions include a single step application for priming and imparting enhanced adhesion between dental substrates and dental restoratives or components.

Abstract: Novel unsaturated carboxy esters for use in dentistry as bonding agents are produced by a reaction of unsaturated alcohols with cyclic acid dianhydrides. The dianhydrides which can be used in the invention are in general symmetrical compounds having an aromatic nucleus substituted with four carboxylic acid groups from which two moles of water have been removed to form two cyclic anhydride groupings. The unsaturated alcohols used for making the unsaturated carboxy esters have the formula ##STR1## wherein R is H or CH.sub.3, R.sub.1 is H, CH.sub.3, or .dbd.CH.sub.2,n is an integer from 1 to 4 inclusive, andx is 0 or 1.

Abstract: Hypersensitive dentin or cementum is treated by applying thereto two copolymerizable monomers which are polymerized in place and function to desensitize the hypersensitive areas. The first copolymerizable monomer used in the invention is the reaction product of N-phenylglycine or N- (p-tolyl)glycine and glycidyl methacrylate (NPG-GMA or NTG-GMA). The second copolymerizable monomer is selected from certain compounds produced by the reaction of an acid anhydride with excess hydroxyethyl methacrylate, e.g., biphenyl dimethacrylate. In a preferred embodiment, the mixture of monomers also contains a photosensitizer, such as camphoroquinone, which makes the mixture photocurable in addition to self-curable.

Abstract: Morpholinoethyl methacrylate hydrofluoride is used as a fluoride-releasing component in a dental composite including a copolymer or interpolymer of an acrylic or methacrylic monomer.