Abstract: Provided herein are composite materials comprising a thiol-ene polymer resin in a continuous phase and a filler in a discontinuous phase, the filler comprising fluorapatite crystals and silica. Further provided are methods of using these composite materials as restoratives in dental applications. This dental composite is labeled as “smart” because, when the shrinkage stress of the composite is greater than a programmable or pre-selected threshold level, it will elicit visual clues for the dentist.

Abstract: Provided herein are composite materials comprising a thiol-ene polymer resin in a continuous phase and a filler in a discontinuous phase, the filler comprising fluorapatite crystals and silica. Further provided are methods of using these composite materials as restoratives in dental applications. This dental composite is labeled as “smart” because, when the shrinkage stress of the composite is greater than a programmable or pre-selected threshold level, it will elicit visual clues for the dentist.

Abstract: Compositions of fluorapatite derivative crystals are disclosed herein. Also disclosed are methods of using these compositions to treat tooth sensitivity, to use as an anticaries treatment, to use as a restorative material, to use as a tooth surface whitener, and to combat or lessen the side effects of tooth whitening.

Abstract: Compositions of apatite derivative crystals are disclosed herein. Also disclosed are methods of using these compositions to treat tooth sensitivity, to use as an anticaries treatment, to use as a restorative material, to use as a tooth surface whitener, and to combat or lessen the side effects of tooth whitening.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods directed toward the synthesis of ordered structures of hydroxyapatite and hydroxyapatite derivatives. More specifically, disclosed herein is a method of preparing ordered hydroxyapatite nanorod structures including the steps of suspending calcium and phosphate in a solvent, adjusting the pH to above 5, and heating to a temperature sufficient to support formation of the ordered hydroxyapatite nanorod structures. In some cases, the methods may include ethylenediamine tetraacetic acid or ethylenediamine tetraacetic acid derivatives. Also disclosed are methods that additionally involve a step of coating hydroxyapatite nanorods with a protein or an amphiphile such as a surfactant or polymer.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods directed toward the synthesis of ordered structures of hydroxyapatite and hydroxyapatite derivatives. More specifically, disclosed herein is a method of preparing ordered hydroxyapatite nanorod structures including the steps of suspending calcium and phosphate in a solvent, adjusting the pH to above 5, and heating to a temperature sufficient to support formation of the ordered hydroxyapatite nanorod structures. In some cases, the methods may include ethylenediamine tetraacetic acid or ethylenediamine tetraacetic acid derivatives. Also disclosed are methods that additionally involve a step of coating hydroxyapatite nanorods with a protein or an amphiphile such as a surfactant or polymer.