Abstract: Glass-ceramic compositions exhibiting high reliability and tensile strength are described. The compositions can include crystal phases including roedderite and/or potassium fluorrichterite. The glass-ceramic compositions are bioactive, and can be used as components of a wide variety of biomedical devices such as dental restorations.

Abstract: A bioactive and bioresorbable scaffold including a glass-ceramic material including fluoroapatite and hydroxyapatite doped with about 1-5 wt.% niobium oxide that is shaped into a scaffold is described. The glass-ceramic material has high crystallinity and a complex topography which provide it with greater structural strength and bioresorbability. Methods of preparing the bioactive and bioresorbable scaffold and methods of using the scaffold for musculoskeletal engineering are also provided.

Abstract: Glass-ceramic compositions exhibiting high reliability and tensile strength are described. The compositions can include crystal phases including roedderite and/or potassium fluorrichterite. The glass-ceramic compositions are bioactive, and can be used as components of a wide variety of biomedical devices such as dental restorations.

Abstract: A feldspathic porcelain composition is provided which comprises a continuous glassy matrix phase and a discontinuous, substantially uniformly dispersed cubic leucite crystalline phase, said composition possessing a fusion temperature of from about 800.degree. to about 1200.degree. C. Methods of making the feldspathic porcelain composition are also provided, said methods comprising the steps of forming an alkali aluminosilicate powder comprising SiO.sub.2, Al.sub.2 O.sub.3, K.sub.2 O and Na.sub.2 O and at least one metal salt of rubidium, cesium, calcium, strontium, barium or thallium; heating the powder to effect an exchange of alkali cations with metal cations derived from said metal salt to provide a feldspathic porcelain composition which comprises a continuous glassy matrix phase and a discontinuous crystalline phase comprising cubic leucite.

Abstract: A method for strengthening and increasing the thickness of the strengthened surface layer of a dental ceramic restorative material where the ceramic material is heat treated with a salt composition containing a lithium ion and a metal ion larger than the lithium ion first at a temperature above the strain temperature followed by a second heat treatment with the salt composition at a temperature below the strain temperature. The treatment is especially effective for all-ceramic, high-leucite feldspathic porcelain restorations.