Abstract: Flexible dental composite compositions and restorative compositions are provided comprising (a) about 2 to 15 weight percent of a flexible monomer portion comprising one or more flexible comonomers of the general formula R.sup.1 --O--?(CH--R.sup.2).sub.n --O--!.sub.z --R.sup.3 wherein R.sup.1 and R.sup.3 are acrylate or methacrylate functional groups, R.sup.2 is selected from the group of hydrogen, methyl and ethyl, n is from 3 to 5 and z is from about 3 to about 20 and the monomers have average molecular weights from at least about 300 or higher, (b) about 30 to about 80 weight percent of a filler portion, (c) about 18 to 60 weight percent of a comonomer portion comprising one or more comonomers capable of polymerizing with the flexible monomer portion, and (d) a polymerization catalyst system for polymerizing and hardening the composition. Compositions according to the invention are useful in Class V and other types of dental restorations.

Abstract: A one package, shelf-stable, light-curing orthodontic band cement is disclosed. That cement comprises about 35 to about 80 weight percent finely divided inorganic filler, about 15 to about 45 weight percent of one or more dimethacrylate esters, zero to about 30 weight percent of one or more diluent mono- or trimethacrylate esters, about 5 to about 25 weight percent of one or more dimethacrylate esters containing two carboxylic acid groups and a photo-curing system present in an amount sufficient to effect cure within about two minutes or less upon direct irradiation of the cement with light. The cement's weight ratio of the dimethacrylate ester portion plus diluent mono- or trimethacrylate ester portion to the two carboxylic acid-containing dimethacrylate ester portion is about 3:1 to about 1.5:1. All of the methacrylates present constitute about 20 to about 65 weight percent of the cement. A process for using the cement to affix an orthodontic band to a tooth is also disclosed.

Abstract: Primer/bonding-resin compositions include certain hydrophilic monomers, reactive diluent monomers, high viscosity adhesive resins and photo-initiator systems, all provided in a one-component solution containing ethanol or acetone or other suitable solvents. Methods of use of such compositions include a single step application for priming and imparting enhanced adhesion between dental substrates and dental restoratives or components.

Abstract: Primer/bonding-resin compositions include certain hydrophilic monomers, reactive diluent monomers, high viscosity adhesive resins and photo-initiator systems, all provided in a one-component solution containing ethanol or acetone or other suitable solvents. Methods of use of such compositions include a single step application for priming and imparting enhanced adhesion between dental substrates and dental restoratives or components.

Abstract: Antimicrobial etchant compositions exhibiting good stability and antimicrobial and tooth decalcification are disclosed. The claimed compositions, kits and methods comprise use of antimicrobially effective amounts of benzalkonium chloride, preferably between about 0.1% to about 4.0% together with from about 5% to about 55% phosphoric acid or other concentration of other suitable etchants. The claimed compositions and methods provide concomitant tooth etching and impartation of antimicrobial activity, simplifying the tooth restorative process.

Abstract: Hypersensitive dentin or cementum is treated by applying thereto two copolymerizable monomers which are polymerized in place and function to desensitize the hypersensitive areas. The first copolymerizable monomer used in the invention is the reaction product of N-phenylglycine or N- (p-tolyl)glycine and glycidyl methacrylate (NPG-GMA or NTG-GMA). The second copolymerizable monomer is selected from certain compounds produced by the reaction of an acid anhydride with excess hydroxyethyl methacrylate, e.g., biphenyl dimethacrylate. In a preferred embodiment, the mixture of monomers also contains a photosensitizer, such as camphoroquinone, which makes the mixture photocurable in addition to self-curable.

Abstract: Morpholinoethyl methacrylate hydrofluoride is used as a fluoride-releasing component in a dental composite including a copolymer or interpolymer of an acrylic or methacrylic monomer.

Abstract: An inorganic filler component for use in resin-based direct dental filling materials comprises fumed or submicron silica which has been silane treated and coated with a thin coating of an active polymerizable monomer of the type used as the binder in making the composition. The use of such a submicron material permits the total filler loading of the composition to be increased substantially, thereby increasing both the compressive and diametrical tensile strength of the cured material as well as improving its polishability and resistance to wear, and reducing its susceptibility to water absorption.

Abstract: An improved filler for use with a polymerizable monomer in preparing direct dental filling materials is produced by treating a finely divided inorganic filler with a tetra (alkenyloxy) titanium di(dialkyl) phosphite.