Abstract: Embodiments of the invention are directed to dental compositions comprising: (1) at least one cationically reactive compound; (2) at least one cationic photoinitiator; (3) at least one compound which is: an organic monomer, oligomer or polymer, said compound comprising at least one reactive oxirane, oxetane, or alkenyl ether, (4) at least one compound which is: an organic monomer, oligomer or polymer, said compound comprising at least one reactive acrylate that is capable of forming an interpenetrating network; (5) at least one free radical initiator; and (6) at least one compound which is: an organic monomer, oligomer or polymer, said compound comprising at least one reactive acrylate or methacrylate and at least one oxirane, oxetane, or alkenyl ether.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention are directed to dental compositions comprising: (1) at least one cationically reactive compound; (2) at least one cationic photoinitiator; (3) at least one compound which is: an organic monomer, oligomer or polymer, said compound comprising at least one reactive oxirane, oxetane, or alkenyl ether, (4) at least one compound which is: an organic monomer, oligomer or polymer, said compound comprising at least one reactive acrylate that is capable of forming an interpenetrating network; (5) at least one free radical initiator; and (6) at least one compound which is: an organic monomer, oligomer or polymer, said compound comprising at least one reactive acrylate or methacrylate and at least one oxirane, oxetane, or alkenyl ether.

Abstract: Methods of forming antimicrobial polymeric materials comprising metallic nanoparticles are disclosed. Such methods generally comprise: combining a metal-containing material with a resin in situ; and curing the resin in the presence of a metal-containing material. Antimicrobial polymeric materials formed by said methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: Various embodiments of the present invention generally relate to a light-cure and dual-cure resin that have low color and is color stable over conventional light, self and dual-cured resins. Additionally, the light-cure resin has enhanced degree of cure over conventional light-cure resins. Finally, due to the low color and enhanced color stability of the dual-cure resins, their inherent property of having lower shrinkage stress as compared to light-cure resins can now be utilized in various dental applications and other resin applications.

Abstract: Methods of forming antimicrobial polymeric materials comprising metallic nanoparticles are disclosed. Such methods generally comprise: combining a metal-containing material with a resin in situ; and curing the resin in the presence of a metal-containing material. Antimicrobial polymeric materials formed by said methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: Various embodiments of the present invention generally relate to a light-cure and dual-cure resin that have low color and is color stable over conventional light, self and dual-cured resins. Additionally, the light-cure resin has enhanced degree of cure over conventional light-cure resins. Finally, due to the low color and enhanced color stability of the dual-cure resins, their inherent property of having lower shrinkage stress as compared to light-cure resins can now be utilized in various dental applications and other resin applications.

Abstract: Methods of forming antimicrobial polymeric materials comprising metallic nanoparticles are disclosed. Such methods generally comprise: combining a metal-containing material with a resin in situ; and curing the resin in the presence of a metal-containing material. Antimicrobial polymeric materials formed by said methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: Various embodiments of the present invention generally relate to a light-cure and dual-cure resin that have low color and is color stable over conventional light, self and dual-cured resins. Additionally, the light-cure resin has enhanced degree of cure over conventional light-cure resins. Finally, due to the low color and enhanced color stability of the dual-cure resins, their inherent property of having lower shrinkage stress as compared to light-cure resins can now be utilized in various dental applications and other resin applications.

Abstract: Methods of forming antimicrobial polymeric materials comprising metallic nanoparticles are disclosed. Such methods generally comprise: combining a metal-containing material with a resin in situ; and curing the resin in the presence of a metal-containing material. Antimicrobial polymeric materials formed by said methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: Various embodiments of the present invention generally relate to a light-cure and dual-cure resin that have low color and is color stable over conventional light, self and dual-cured resins. Additionally, the light-cure resin has enhanced degree of cure over conventional light-cure resins. Finally, due to the low color and enhanced color stability of the dual-cure resins, their inherent property of having lower shrinkage stress as compared to light-cure resins can now be utilized in various dental applications and other resin applications.

Abstract: Nanocomposite compositions and methods of synthesis of the compositions are described. In particular, liquid crystal-functionalized nanoparticles, liquid crystal-templated nanoparticles, nanocomposite compositions including the nanoparticles, and composite compositions including the nanocomposites are detailed.

Abstract: A photoinitiator composition that includes (a) 1-aryl-2-alkyl-1,2-ethanedione and (b) a rigid 1,2-dione in a weight ratio of (a):(b) in a range of about 1:20 to about 20:1 is disclosed. The photoinitiator composition can be used in a photocurable dental composition in an amount sufficient to achieve a degree of double-bond conversion of at least 50%. Methods for making the photocurable dental composition are also disclosed.

Abstract: This invention relates to an improved polyvinylidene fluoride-based composition useful for forming a flexible, tack-free, nonflammable, substantially fluid resistant barrier film with substantially improved durability and skin-adhesion properties. The composition providing a long-lasting protective barrier film capable of disinfecting the skin surface of normally present microorganisms upon initial application, and said film imparting continuous and prolonged antimicrobial properties to the skin surface through sustained release of an encapsulated antimicrobial agent. The barrier film is further capable of remaining substantially adherent to the skin surface after prolonged exposure to biological fluids. A kit and methods of use for the composition are disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention involves a surface having a coating consisting essentially of a polymer that is soluble in or hydrolyzable by water. When the surface is immersed in an aqueous medium, the coating slowly dissipates such that biological fouling of the surface is prevented or inhibited. Substances adhering to the surface of the slowly dissipating polymer are removed as the polymer dissipates. This dissipation may result from slow hydrolysis of the polymer, particularly if the polymer is a polyester or polyanhydride. Preferred polyesters include polylactide and polyglycolide. Polymers soluble in water include polyvinyl alcohol and polyethylene glycol. Such solubility must be sufficiently slow such that the surfaces may be coated and the water-soluble polymer remains for a long period of time and is slowly dissipated into solution. Such dissipation from the surface removes adherent substances. The adherent substances may be bacteria, fungi, biomolecules or multicellular organisms.

Abstract: A one-piece dental wedge comprised of a rigid core and an elastic outer component. Both the core and the outer component are comprised of biocompatible materials. The core may be comprised of a plastic, like a polymethyl methacrylate resin, wood, metal, or the like. The elastic outer component is comprised of an elastomer of either the gel or non-gel type.

Abstract: Novel radiopaqaue materials comprise heavy metal salts, such as bismuth and uraniuim salts complexed with a polymer. The metallic complexes which are permanent, nonleachable and have radiopacities at least equivalent to that of aluminum do not adversely affect the mechanical and physical properties of compositions. They are useful as medical and dental resins, in fabricating medical and dental appliances, prosthetic devices, radiation shielding devices and radiopaque polyester fabrics for clothing.

Abstract: Novel radiopaque materials comprise heavy metal salts, such as bismuth and uranium salts complexed with a polymer. The metallic complexes which are permanent, nonleachable and have radiopacities at least equivalent to that of aluminum do not adversely affect the mechanical and physical properties of compositions. They are useful as medical and dental resins, in fabricating medical and dental appliances, prosthetic devices, radiation shielding devices and radiopaque polyester fabrics for clothing.

Abstract: Radiopaque polymeric materials comprising halogenated barium salts, homogeneously distributed at the molecular level, provide permanent, nonleachable radiopacities at least equivalent to pure aluminum without adversely affecting mechanical or physical properties of compositions in which they are employed.

Abstract: The invention provides a denture liner composition for a composite denture based on a phosphonitrilic fluoroelastomer (poly(fluoroalkoxy)phosphazene) curable at atmospheric pressure at temperatures of 100.degree. C. or less, conveniently by immersing the packed denture flask in a water bath at the appropriate temperature. The composition includes filler materials for increasing the hardness of the cured liner, interpenetrating polymers for increasing firmness and bond strength, and cross-linking agents for increasing the tensile strength and bond strength of the cured liner. The composite denture is preferably prepared in a one-step process wherein the liner composition material of a single firmness is cured in situ with the denture base material.

Abstract: The invention provides a denture liner composition for a composite denture based on a phosphonitrilic fluoroelastomer (poly(fluoroalkoxy)phosphazene) curable at atmospheric pressure at temperatures of 100.degree. C. or less, conveniently by immersing the packed denture flask in a water bath at the appropriate temperature. The composition includes filler materials for increasing the hardness of the cured liner, interpenetrating polymers for increasing firmness and bond strength, and cross-linking agents for increasing the tensile strength and bond strength of the cured liner. The composite denture is preferably prepared in a one-step process wherein the liner composition material of a single firmness is cured in situ with the denture base material.