Abstract: The invention provides a kit and method for the preparation of dental products. First, second and third materials are provided in labeled containers. Preferably the first, second and third materials are pastes or powders. The first material has a lightness value (L.sub.1) when formed into a least opaque layer. The second material has a lightness value (L.sub.2) when formed into a less opaque layer. The third material has a lightness value (L.sub.3) when formed into a most opaque layer. The third lightness value is greater than the second lightness value, which is greater than the first lightness value. The lightness value differences between the third lightness value (L.sub.3) and the first lightness value (L.sub.1) are less than 10 CIE L*a*b units.

Abstract: A low-fusing temperature porcelain compositions, methods of use thereof on metal or porcelain substrates to form dental prostheses and kits therefor. Compositions of the invention have a fusing temperature of less than 800.degree. C. and a coefficient of thermal expansion compatible with a substrate of metal or ceramic. Each composition includes, in weight percent of the composition, from 40 to 65 percent by weight SiO.sub.2, from 6 to 12 percent by weight Al.sub.2 O.sub.3, from 6 to 12 percent by weight Na.sub.2 O, from 5.5 to 10.50 percent by weight K.sub.2 O, from 1 to 3 percent by weight Li.sub.2 O, from 0.8 to 2.5 percent by weight CaO, from 0.8 to 4.0 percent by weight B.sub.2 O.sub.3 and from 0.1 to 0.8 percent by weight CeO.sub.2.

Abstract: The invention provides a kit, system and method for the preparation of porcelain dental restorations. First, second and third powders are provided in labeled containers. The first powder has a lightness value (L.sub.1) when formed into a least opaque porcelain layer. The second powder has a lightness value (L.sub.2) when formed into a less opaque ceramic layer. The third powder has a lightness value (L.sub.3) when formed into a most opaque ceramic layer. The .third lightness value is greater than the second lightness value, which is greater than the first lightness value. The lightness value differences between the third lightness value (L.sub.3) and the first lightness value (L.sub.1) are less than 2.5 CIE L*a*b units. Preferably, the first powder has a first hue (H.sub.1) when formed into the least opaque porcelain layer, the second powder has a second hue (H.sub.2) when formed into the less opaque ceramic layer, and the third powder has a third hue (H.sub.3) when formed into the most opaque ceramic layer.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for the preparation of porcelain dental restorations. First, second and third powders are provided in labeled containers. The first powder has a lightness value (L.sub.1) when formed into a least porcelain layer. The second powder has lightness value (L.sub.2) when formed into a less opaque ceramic layer. The third powder has a lightness value (L.sub.3) when formed into most opaque ceramic layer. The third lightness value is greater than the second lightness value, which is greater than the first lightness value. The lightness value lightness value (L.sub.1) are less than 2.5 CIE L*a*b units.

Abstract: A process for forming a razor blade includes the steps of providing a polycrystalline ceramic substrate of less than two micrometer grain size, mechanically abrading an edge of the polycrystalline ceramic substrate to form a sharpened edge thereon that has an included angle of less than twenty degrees; and sputter-etching the sharpened edge to reduce the tip radius to less than 300 Angstroms and form a cutting edge. The resulting blades exhibit excellent shaving properties.

Abstract: A process for forming a razor blade includes the steps of providing a polycrystalline ceramic substrate of less than two micrometer grain size, mechanically abrading an edge of the polycrystalline ceramic substrate to form a sharpened edge thereon that has an included angle of less than twenty degrees; and sputter-etching the sharpened edge to reduce the tip radius to less than 300 Angstroms and form a cutting edge. The resulting blades exhibit excellent shaving properties.

Abstract: A fabric pressing device has a composite sole plate with a base component of metal or similar thermally conductive material that is coupled to the heat source of the pressing iron, and a layer of ceramic bonded to the base component. The ceramic layer has a planar fabric pressing surface that preferably has a smoothness of at least about a nominal two micrometers surface roughness. That ceramic surface is highly resistant to wear and to impact, is easy to clean, and has excellent dynamic and static frictional characteristics on textile fabrics.

Abstract: A fabric pressing device has a composite sole plate with a base component of metal or similar thermally conductive material that is coupled to the heat source of the pressing iron, and a layer of ceramic bonded to the base component. The ceramic layer has a planar fabric pressing surface that preferably has a smoothness of about a nominal two micrometers surface roughness or better. That ceramic surface is highly resistant to wear and to impact, is easy to clean, and has excellent dynamic and static frictional characteristics on textile fabrics.