Abstract: Microcellular ceramic material comprises a plurality of elongated vitreous micro sized ceramic rods which are placed in side-by-side touching relation and define elongated lines of contact therebetween. The rods also define interstices therebetween which may be void or may be filled or substantially filled with vitreous fibers, polymer materials, acid soluble or insoluble vitreous fibers and other suitable fibers. The rod mass either so filled or unfilled is first fused at the lines of rod contact by elevated temperature and is then annealed to cause the ceramic fibers to crystallize and form an elongated porous crystalline log. The log is then sectioned transversely or linearly to form thin wafers which in turn are built up in layers which are fused to form useful integral composite cellular objects. Through use of selectively arranged colored fibers the transversely sectioned wafers will have controlled microdots of color to provide the object with controlled color characteristics.

Abstract: A composite laminate dental veneer is provided for attachment to the labial enamel surface of a human tooth. In one form of the invention the dental veneer comprises an outer lamination composed of stain-resistant, chemical-resistant and erosion-resistant material and an inner lamination composed of a material having the capability of efficient bonding to the labial enamel surface of the tooth and having the capability of permanent attachment to the outer lamination in such manner as to define an integral veneer mass. The outer lamination may be composed of dense, stain-resistant materials such as cross-linked polymer and various vitreous materials such as ceramic material, glass and the like. The inner lamination may be composed of a noncross-linked polymer or a porous and cellular ceramic, glass or vitreous substance.