Abstract: Polymerizable compositions and methods are provided that include an ethylenically unsaturated compound and an arylsulfinate salt. The polymerizable compositions are useful as hardenable dental compositions.

Abstract: The invention features a photopolymerizable composition that comprises a cationically polymerizable resin, and a photoinitiator system comprising an iodonium salt, a visible light sensitizer, and one or more anthracene-based compounds as electron donors. Electron donor combinations used in the invention include multiple substituted anthracene compounds or a combination of at least one substituted anthracene compound with unsubstituted anthracene.

Abstract: Thermally responsive compositions that include a thermally responsive viscosity modifier, a polymerizable component, and water are provided. The compositions, which optionally may be hardened, are useful for application to a surface of a body.

Abstract: A dental impression tray includes a body having a channel for receiving a quantity of curable thermoset dental impression material and an electrically resistive heating element provided within the channel, in order to use heat to accelerate the curing of the dental impression material. In some embodiments, the tray includes a liner positioned on the heating element in the channel, where the liner has low thermal conductivity. A system for forming a dental impression includes a quantity of thermoset dental impression material, and the tray. A method for using the tray includes the step of turning on the heating element after the tray is positioned within a patient's mouth, to accelerate the curing of the dental impression material.

Abstract: Hardenable and hardened dental compositions that include thermally responsive additives, and articles including such hardenable and hardened compositions, are provided. Upon heating, the hardened compositions are useful for reducing the bond strengths of orthodontic appliances adhered to tooth structures with the hardened compositions.

Abstract: Hardenable and hardened dental compositions that include radiation-to-heat converters, and articles including such hardenable and hardened compositions, are provided. Upon irradiating, the hardened compositions increase in temperature, which can be useful for reducing the bond strengths of orthodontic appliances adhered to tooth structures with the hardened compositions.

Abstract: Processes for forming dental materials that include applying a first hardenable dental composition (e.g., a dental adhesive) to a surface followed by applying a second hardenable dental composition (e.g., a dental composite) to the first hardenable dental composition on the surface. The first and second hardenable dental compositions are hardened such that the second hardenable composition is substantially completely hardened prior to complete hardening of the first hardenable composition.

Abstract: The present invention features ionomer compositions containing nanofillers. The compositions can be used in a variety of dental and orthodontic applications, for example, as adhesives, cements, restoratives, coatings and sealants.

Abstract: A free-radical initiator system that includes a combination of an oxidase enzyme, a peroxidase coenzyme, an oxidase substrate, and a reductant (i.e., reducing agent). This system can be used with a resin system that includes a polymerizable component.

Abstract: The present invention features ionomer compositions containing nanozirconia fillers. The compositions can be used in a variety of dental and orthodontic applications, for example, as adhesives, cements, restoratives, coatings and sealants.

Abstract: The present invention features ionomer compositions containing nanofillers. The compositions can be used in a variety of dental and orthodontic applications, for example, as adhesives, cements, restoratives, coatings and sealants.

Abstract: The present invention features ionomer compositions containing nanofillers that provide the composition with desirable aesthetic properties (e.g., optical translucency). The compositions can be used in a variety of dental and orthodontic applications, for example, as adhesives, cements, restoratives, coatings and sealants.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to dental compositions that can be used as adhesives for bonding a dental material to a dental structure surface and/or as a dental restorative material. The dental composition is preferably applied to a dental structure surface under conditions effective to etch the dental structure surface.

Abstract: The invention features a photopolymerizable composition that comprises a cationically polymerizable resin, and a photoinitiator system comprising an iodonium salt, a visible light sensitizer, and one or more anthracene-based compounds as electron donors. Electron donor combinations used in the invention include multiple substituted anthracene compounds or a combination of at least one substituted anthracene compound with unsubstituted anthracene.

Abstract: Polymerizable compositions and methods are provided that include an ethylenically unsaturated compound and an arylsulfinate salt. The polymerizable compositions are useful as hardenable dental compositions.

Abstract: Compositions, particularly for forming dental article forms, having a self-supporting structure with sufficient malleability to be subsequently customized into a second shape and then optionally cured, and methods.