Abstract: A radically curable polyurethane composite for dental restorations, including provisional restorations, includes polyurethane dimethacrylate prepolymers that have at least one flexible unit within a polyurethane dimethacrylate backbone, and one or more dimethacrylate monomers. Composite materials made with polyurethane dimethacrylate prepolymers of the invention exhibit superior and optimal properties of flexural strength and deflection-at-break relative to conventional dental resin composites. Composite materials of the invention also provide improved melt-resistance in response to the heat of grinding or finishing, thereby improving the fit of restorations made from the composite and preserving the finishing instruments. Methods of treating a tooth using the radically curable polyurethane composite and methods of making the polyurethane dimethacrylate prepolymers with flexible units is also provided. A kit including the radically curable polyurethane composite is also described.

Abstract: An oil-free aqueous lecithin composition is suitable as a release agent and lubricant for dental procedures. Layered between a first entity and a second entity during a dental procedure, the composition promotes ready separation of the first entity from the second entity as needed in the procedure.

Abstract: A radically curable polyurethane composite for dental restorations, including provisional restorations, includes polyurethane dimethacrylate prepolymers that have at least one flexible unit within a polyurethane dimethacrylate backbone, and one or more dimethacrylate monomers. Composite materials made with polyurethane dimethacrylate prepolymers of the invention exhibit superior and optimal properties of flexural strength and deflection-at-break relative to conventional dental resin composites. Composite materials of the invention also provide improved melt-resistance in response to the heat of grinding or finishing, thereby improving the fit of restorations made from the composite and preserving the finishing instruments. Methods of treating a tooth using the radically curable polyurethane composite and methods of making the polyurethane dimethacrylate prepolymers with flexible units is also provided. A kit including the radically curable polyurethane composite is also described.

Abstract: A radically curable polyurethane composite for dental restorations, including provisional restorations, includes polyurethane dimethacrylate prepolymers that have at least one flexible unit within a polyurethane dimethacrylate backbone, and one or more dimethacrylate monomers. Composite materials made with polyurethane dimethacrylate prepolymers of the invention exhibit superior and optimal properties of flexural strength and deflection-at-break relative to conventional dental resin composites. Composite materials of the invention also provide improved melt-resistance in response to the heat of grinding or finishing, thereby improving the fit of restorations made from the composite and preserving the finishing instruments. Methods of treating a tooth using the radically curable polyurethane composite and methods of making the polyurethane dimethacrylate prepolymers with flexible units is also provided. A kit including the radically curable polyurethane composite is also described.

Abstract: A radically curable polyurethane composite for dental restorations, including provisional restorations, includes polyurethane dimethacrylate prepolymers that have at least one flexible unit within a polyurethane dimethacrylate backbone, and one or more dimethacrylate monomers. Composite materials made with polyurethane dimethacrylate prepolymers of the invention exhibit superior and optimal properties of flexural strength and deflection-at-break relative to conventional dental resin composites. Composite materials of the invention also provide improved melt-resistance in response to the heat of grinding or finishing, thereby improving the fit of restorations made from the composite and preserving the finishing instruments. Methods of treating a tooth using the radically curable polyurethane composite and methods of making the polyurethane dimethacrylate prepolymers with flexible units is also provided. A kit including the radically curable polyurethane composite is also described.

Abstract: This invention relates to a polymerizable composite material and method of making same including at least one multifunctional acid containing monomer having a concentration ranging from about 10% to about 85%, a non-reactive filler having a concentration ranging from about 1% to about 80%, a polymerization system having a concentration ranging from about 1.5% to about 15%, and water having a concentration ranging from about 0.1% to about 25%.

Abstract: This invention relates to a polymerizable dental barrier material and method of making same including at least one high molecular weight polymer with reactive end groups having a concentration ranging from about 50 to about 99 percent by weight and a polymerization system.

Abstract: This invention relates to a polymerizable composite material and method of making at least one multifunctional acid containing monomer having a concentration ranging from about 10% to about 85%, a non-reactive filler having a concentration ranging from about 1% to about 80%, a polymerization system having a concentration ranging from about 1.5% to about 15%, and water having a concentration ranging from about 0.1% to about 25%.

Abstract: This invention relates to a polymerizable dental barrier material and method of making same including at least one high molecular weight polymer with reactive end groups having a concentration ranging from about 50 to about 99 percent by weight and a polymerization system.

Abstract: A dental mirror configured so that it is easier and more comfortable to manipulate than prior art mirrors. The dental mirror includes a handle which is attached to the mirror section with an s-shaped gooseneck so that the handle is offset upwardly. Additionally, grooves on the bottom and a finger rest on top at the distal end of the handle may be provided to further enhance it manipulatability.

Abstract: An improved amalgam or resin carrier, which has a plunger and lever mechanism similar to the well-known lever-actuated carrier and which has an easily replaceable sleeve or barrel for holding highly filled materials. The barrel may be easily removed for maintenance, cleaning, or replacement. In an alternate configuration, the barrel may be preloaded with a packable composite dental resin, thus allowing quick and easy clinical use. The preloaded barrel may be manufactured in the form of a disposable cartridge, and is especially suitable for use with light-activated materials.

Abstract: A disposable dental mirror and methods of making same. The mirror includes a long, thin, flat blade that provides both a handle and a mirror mount and has a reflective surface applied to one end thereof. The blade is made of a material which need not be sterilizable, such as wood or plastic. In a one embodiment, the reflective surface is made of a metallized film directly applied to one surface of the blade. In an alternate embodiment, a thin, flat piece of a rigid material is located between the blade and the reflective film to ensure flatness of the reflecting surface, thereby reducing distortion.

Abstract: An article of manufacture and a method of making same wherein a plurality of mixing wells is formed as a unitary sheet of individual mixing wells arranged in rows and columns. The boundary between each mixing well is scored, perforated, or otherwise made to allow individual pieces to be removed from the sheet. Preferably, the mixing wells may be pressure formed rather than being vacuum formed.

Abstract: A small object handling device composed of an elongated rod with a wax composition coated over one end thereof. The invention further comprises an assembly of small object handling devices, with each composed of an elongated rod having a pressure sensitive adhesive composition coated over one end, and with the opposite end connected to a common rack. A flexible strip may cover the common rack and rods to protect the pressure sensitive adhesive ends of said rods and to provide a matchbook-like appearance. In an alternate embodiment, the device has a tubular member filled with pressure sensitive adhesive, with a rod adjustably coupled to one end of the member for forcing the pressure sensitive adhesive out from the opposite end.