Abstract: The present invention is directed toward an adhesive for and a method for bonding artificial plastic teeth to a denture base. The adhesive employs a number of adhesion promoter monomers, dimers or oligomers and a cure package, as well as methyl acetate as a solvent. The method according to the invention includes exposing a plastic tooth to the adhesive and allowing the plastic to soften (not dissolve). The adhesion promoter chains infiltrate the plastic tooth matrix, such that upon curing a secure bond is formed.

Abstract: The present invention is directed toward an adhesive for and a method for bonding artificial plastic teeth to a denture base. The adhesive employs a number of adhesion promoter monomers, dimers or oligomers and a cure package, as well as methyl acetate as a solvent. The method according to the invention includes exposing a plastic tooth to the adhesive and allowing the plastic to soften (not dissolve). The adhesion promoter chains infiltrate the plastic tooth matrix, such that upon curing a secure bond is formed.

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: 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 sheet (10, 20) for use in a model vacuum thermoforming process, wherein the sheet (10, 20) has a thickened area (11) that may be in a preselected three-dimensional form such as arch-shape (12). The thickened area (11) or three-dimensional area (12) is placed over an area of the model (21) where the plastic sheet is to be stretched during the thermoforming process. This ensures a uniform or a preselected thickness in the stretched areas than would otherwise occur.

Abstract: A sensor holder (10) includes a frame member (20) that bounds a void area (21) and which is configured to receive a sensor (11). A retaining means (50, 51) is provided to hold the sensor (11) to the frame (20) such that a connecting cable (12) affixed to the sensor (11) is secured and positioned by the void area (21) for a subsequent imaging procedure.

Abstract: A self curing activator for chemical polymerization of the interface of a dental bonding agent and a self curing or dual curing dental cement or restorative, includes an aryl borate compound, a polymerizable monomer, an optional acidic compound, an amine compound which exhibits a catalytic action, an organic peroxide containing material, and a metal compound wherein said metal compound promotes the decomposition of the organic peroxide.

Abstract: A dispensing syringe for dispensing a multi-component dental composition, preferably a two component composition, is provided. The syringe includes a syringe body with multiple elongated barrels for storing the components of the composition; a threaded plunger rod assembly; and a rotatable, threaded connector knob. Preferably, the syringe body has a double-barrel structure and the plunger rod assembly includes two plunger rods that slide within the barrels. The threaded knob has a through-bore with a continuous internal thread for engaging the outer threads of the first and second plunger rods. A dental practitioner manually rotates the knob to displace the first and second plunger rods and discharge the components. The dispensing syringe may further include a dispensing tip containing a static mixing element for mixing the components and dispensing the mixed composition.

Abstract: One-component heat-curable sealant composition for the protection of exposed dental surfaces, comprising (a) a polymerisable monomer and/or oligomer which has at least two polymerizable double bonds per molecule, and (b) an initiator system comprising benzoylperoxide in an amount of at least 2 wt.-% based on the total composition.

Abstract: A sustained-release, dental fluoride varnish material includes about 5 percent by weight of NaF; up to about 10 percent by weight of glycerin; up to about 5 percent by weight of fumed silica; and optionally, an amount of varnish additives selected from the group consisting of flavorants, rosins, gums and alcohols.

Abstract: A method of balancing a set of rotating turbine elements includes measuring imbalance in the rotating elements; adding or removing material to or from at least two correction planes in the turbine set at an angular location measured during the imbalance measurement; and, if necessary, repeating said steps of measuring and removing until a predetermined balance is achieved.

Abstract: A dental apparatus provides a substantially uniform concentration of abrasive material entrained in a pressurized gas to a desired location substantially irrespective the amount of abrasive material in a pressurized container of the apparatus, and resists clogging by the abrasive material. The apparatus includes a control unit having a container that secures the abrasive material, the abrasive material in the container becoming entrained in pressurized gas received from a dental unit. The concentration of the mixture of entrained abrasive material in pressurized gas is maintained by upwardly directing the flow of the mixture in a first conduit against a cap, a portion of the entrained abrasive material returning to the container, with the regulated mixture of entrained abrasive material in pressurized gas being delivered through a hand piece to the desired location.

Abstract: A pontic (10) having a prefabricated notch, channel or slot (11) to physically engage and ensure a secure mechanical lock with the dental appliance (30). The invention also pertains to a method of fabricating a dental appliance (30) and a kit for facilitating the same. The invention has particular application to thermoformed, removable appliances.

Abstract: A syringe sleeve (10) receives a syringe (11) without the syringe (10) dispensing tip (12). After the syringe (11) is received within the sleeve (10), the dispensing tip (12) is affixed to the syringe (11). This causes the end (50) of the sleeve (10) to open and the end (50) to be physically impinged between the tip (12) and the syringe (11). The syringe (11) is thus protected from the operative environment.

Abstract: The present invention provides a plastic tray orthodontic device (11) which may have embedded activators (10) and which is provided with an over-shell (12). The over-shell (12) acts as a force module.

Abstract: The invention provides high strength dental polymeric dental products made from wax-like polymerizable dental material. These dental products have superior strength compared to products formed from prior wax-like polymerizable materials. Prior wax-like polymerizable materials do not form strong enough polymeric material for making dentures. High strength dentures are made by positioning artificial teeth in wax-like polymerizable dental material of the invention. This material is then shaped and polymerized to the form a denture base of high strength dental polymeric material. These dentures are completed without forming wax and without applying inorganic plaster to the artificial teeth.

Abstract: A dental composite material includes a hardenable resin matrix and a filler component. The filler component includes (a) a first plurality of preferably glass particles having an average particle size of from about 1 to about 10 micrometers; (b) a second plurality of preferably glass particles having an average particle size of from about 0.1 to about 1 micrometers; and, (c) a plurality of filler particles having an average particle size of from about 0.01 to about 0.04 micrometers. A method according to the invention includes compacting a dental composite material into a prepared tooth cavity, wherein the material has a packability index above about 300 g/mm2.

Abstract: The invention provides a high strength dental polymeric material formed from wax-like polymerizable dental material. A wax-like polymerizable dental material formed by a process comprising blending polymerizable compounds which polymerize to form high strength dental polymeric material. The invention provides a process for making a denture including: positioning artificial teeth in wax-like polymerizable dental material, and shaping the polyermizable material into the form of a denture base. The process is completed without forming wax and without applying inorganic plaster to the artificial teeth.

Abstract: A photopolymerizable material is exposed to light to effect curing. A portion of the material is exposed to light in a conventional manner, while at least one other portion of the material is masked from direct exposure to the light by use of a mask (10) having at least one mask segment (11) which either completely or at least partially blocks the light. In this manner, the polymerization stress associated with the cured materials is limited or minimized due to extended molecular relaxation promoted by this controlled or hybrid curing technique. Also according to the invention, different segments (30, 31) of a material to be cured (22) are exposed to different wavelengths of light energy (21) or one such segment (30, 31) is exposed to light energy while another such segment is not.

Abstract: A dental composite material includes a hardenable resin matrix and a filler component. The filler component includes (a) a first plurality of preferably glass particles having an average particle size of from about 1 to about 10 micrometers; (b) a second plurality of preferably glass particles having an average particle size of from about 0.1 to about 1 micrometers; and, (c) a plurality of filler particles having an average particle size of from about 0.01 to about 0.04 micrometers. A method according to the invention includes compacting a dental composite material into a prepared tooth cavity, wherein the material has a packability index above about 300 g/mm2.