Abstract: A dental resin composition is presented, comprising an ethoxylated bisphenol A dimethacrylate having the formulaCH.sub.2 .dbd.C(CH.sub.3)CO.sub.2 (C.sub.2 H.sub.4 O).sub.x C.sub.6 H.sub.4 C(CH.sub.3) .sub.2 C.sub.6 H.sub.4 (OC.sub.2 H.sub.4).sub.y O.sub.2 CC(CH.sub.3).dbd.CH.sub.2wherein x+y is an integer from 1 to 20, and preferably from 2 to 7, together with a methacrylate oligomer and an optional diluent monomer. The composition is suitable for use for dental fillers adhesives, and the like, and has improved water sorption and excellent wear resistance.

Abstract: A porcelain composition for dental restorations comprising a leucite crystallite phase and a glass matrix phase, wherein the leucite crystallites possess diameters not exceeding about 10 micron. Preferably, the porcelain composition has a maturing temperature from about 750.degree. to about 1050.degree. C. and a coefficient of thermal expansion from about 12.times.10.sup.-6 /.degree. C. to about 17.5.times.10.sup.-6 /.degree. C., and comprises:______________________________________ Component Amount (wt. %) ______________________________________ SiO.sub.2 57-66 Al.sub.2 O.sub.3 7-15 K.sub.2 O 7-15 Na.sub.2 O 7-12 Li.sub.2 O 0.5-3.

Abstract: A reinforced composite material for use in dental restorations such as dental bridges, splints, veneers, and laminate comprising a hybrid woven material formed of glass yarns and synthetic yarns. Suitable synthetic yarns comprise polyethylene, polypropylene, polyester, acrylic fibers, or a combination thereof. The hybrid woven material of the present invention does not fray upon cutting, which greatly enhances ease of preparation of the fiber-reinforced dental restorations.

Abstract: A dental impression composition for use in the preparation of the oral tissue models comprising a dimethicone-based polysiloxane polyester polymer having terminal fluorinated alkoxy substituents such that the fluorine content of the polysiloxane polyester is in the range from about 5% to about 30% by weight, and having the general formula A--?--B--C--!.sub.x --A, wherein x is an integer greater than 1; A is a fluorinated alkoxy group having the formula F.sub.3 C(CF.sub.2).sub.n (CH.sub.2).sub.m O-- wherein n is an integer from 3 to 17 and m is an integer from 2 to 4; B is a diacid; and C is a dimethicone-based polysiloxane copolyol having the formula:Me.sub.3 Si--?--OSiMeR.sup.1 --!--?--OSiMeR.sup.1 --!.sub.o --?--OSiMeR--!.sub.q --OSiMe.sub.3wherein Me is methyl, R is methyl or phenyl, o is an integer in the range from 1 to 19, q is an integer in the range from 0 to 200, and R.sup.1 is a polyoxyalkylene substituent having the formula--(--CH.sub.2).sub.3 --(DO).sub.a (EO).sub.b (FO--).sub.

Abstract: In a polymerizable dental restorative resin composition useful as a dental composite resin and/or a denture/denture base material comprising at least one binder resin, a diluent monomer, at least one filler, optionally, a photopolymerization system comprising an initiator for initiating polymerization of the composite resin upon exposure to visible light and an accelerator, and an initiator for initiating polymerization of the composite resin upon application of heat, the improvement imparting shelf stability and substantially eliminating discoloration is provided comprising the initiator for initiating polymerization upon application of heat having the general formula:R--N.dbd.N--R'wherein R and R' can be the same or different, and are selected from the group consisting of oxygen-free aliphatic, cycloaliphatic, aromatic, and heterocyclic moieties.

Abstract: A two-phase porcelain composition for dental restorations comprising a leucite crystallite phase dispersed in a feldspathic glass matrix, a maturing temperature of from about 750.degree. to about 1050.degree. C. and a coefficient of thermal expansion of from about 12.times.10.sup.-6 /.degree.C. to about 17.5.times.10.sup.-6 /.degree.C., said porcelain composition comprising:______________________________________ Component Amount (wt. %) ______________________________________ SiO.sub.2 57-66 Al.sub.2 O.sub.3 7-15 K.sub.2 O 7-15 Na.sub.2 O 7-12 Li.sub.2 O 0.5-3 CaO 0-3 MgO 0-7 F 0-4 CeO.sub.2 0-1 ______________________________________wherein the leucite crystallites possess diameters not exceeding about 10 microns and represent from about 5 to about 65 weight percent of the two-phase porcelain composition.

Abstract: A dental alloy is provided which is compatible with a wide variety of composites and porcelain compositions. The alloy has a melting range of between about 870.degree. C. and 1230.degree. C. and a coefficient of thermal expansion of between 15.5.times.10.sup.-6 and 17.5.times.10.sup.-6 in/in/.degree. C. when heated from room temperature to 500.degree. C. The alloy contains between one and 85 percent by weight gold, between two and 65 percent by weight of a thermal expansion adjuster, between 0.25 and 34 percent by weight of a strengthener and oxide former, up to about one percent by weight grain refiner, and up to about 0.25 percent by weight deoxidizer.

Abstract: A gum-colored dental composite is provided which may be used in class V dental restorations or as a cosmetic coating for the gingival portion of a tooth. A kit is also provided which enables a gum-colored dental composite to be formulated which closely resembles the natural gum coloration of any patient's gums. The dental composite may be used to counter the illusion of long teeth which occurs when a gum line recedes. The dental composite may also be used on other composite resins, porcelains and metals.

Abstract: A dental alloy is provided which is free of palladium, gallium and copper and which is compatible with a wide variety of composites and porcelain compositions. The alloy has a melting range of between about 870.degree. C. and 1230.degree. C. and a coefficient of thermal expansion of between 15.5.times.10.sup.-6 and 17.5.times.10.sup.-6 in/in/.degree. C. when heated from room temperature to 500.degree. C. The alloy contains between about 40 and 80 percent by weight gold, between 5 and 50 percent by weight of thermal expansion adjuster, between two and 15 percent by weight strengthener and oxide former, up to about 1.5 percent by weight grain refiner, and up to about 0.25 percent by weight deoxidizer.

Abstract: Porcelain compositions suitable for layers on metal base dental restorations have fusion temperatures of about 800.degree. C. and lower. The compositions may be employed as coatings on titanium and titanium alloy bases since the compositions have thermal expansion values close to those of titanium and its alloys. A bond layer is also provided to improve bonding between the porcelain layers and the restoration base. A method is also provided for forming dental restorations with relatively inexpensive and biocompatible metal bases and low fusing dental porcelains.

Abstract: Porcelain compositions suitable for use as porcelain layers on metal base dental restorations have fusion temperatures of about 800.degree. C. and lower. The compositions may be employed as coatings on titanium and titanium alloy bases since the compositions have thermal expansion values close to those of titanium and its alloys. A method is also provided for forming dental restorations with relatively inexpensive and biocompatible metal bases and low fusing dental porcelains.

Abstract: An apparatus for applying a dentin conditioning system to a dentin surface of a tooth comprises a deformable container having a sealed ampule disposed therein, which ampule contains a dentin conditioner. The deformable container is deformed to crush the sealed ampule so that the dentin conditioner may be delivered from the deformable container through a dropper tip. Methods of applying a dentin conditioner are also provided as is a dental restoration kit. Methods and apparatus for simultaneously applying dentin conditioners are also provided.

Abstract: The bottom of a solid metal charge melts to fill a form below the charge. During melting, usually, the metal that enters the form remains continuous with an unused solid part of the charge. After cooling, the formed metal is removed together with the unused part of the charge--and usually with the form too. They are separated later or in a different operation, and another charge is positioned immediately for melting into another form, so the useful duty cycle is very high. A preferred form of the invention uses an upper melting chamber and a lower forming chamber, separated by a horizontal wall but communicating by an aperture through the wall. The charge and form are placed against the wall from below to block the aperture. The charge preferably extends up through the aperture into or toward the melting chamber, where an arc electrode or other heater melts the top of the charge, particularly near its center.