Abstract: A dental composite having high filler loading and low shrinkage thereby providing good strength and marginal integrity. Through the use of prepolymerized filler particles in combination with a structural filler and a nanofiller, the composite exhibits very low shrinkage and is useful in stress bearing restorations and in cosmetic restorations. The structural filler used is ground to a mean particle size of less than 0.5 ?m and the nanofiller has discrete particles of a mean particle size less than 100 nm to improve handling and mechanical characteristics. The prepolymerized filler particles also allow for less viscosity and better handling characteristics of the composite.

Abstract: The present invention provides a dental composite which has the high strength required for load-bearing restorations, yet maintains a glossy appearance, even after substantial wear. Through the use of particles having a mean particle size between about 0.05 &mgr;m and about 0.50 &mgr;m, the composite is useful in stress bearing restorations and in cosmetic restorations. The structural filler used is typically ground to a mean particle size of less than 0.5 &mgr;m and also includes a nanofiller having discrete particles of a mean particle size less than 100 nm to improve handling and mechanical characteristics. The preferred dental composites maintain their surface finish even after substantial use and also have the strength properties of hybrid composite resins.

Abstract: A dental composite having high filler loading and low shrinkage thereby providing good strength and marginal integrity. Through the use of prepolymerized filler particles in combination with a structural filler and a nanofiller, the composite exhibits very low shrinkage and is useful in stress bearing restorations and in cosmetic restorations. The structural filler used is ground to a mean particle size of less than 0.5 &mgr;m and the nanofiller has discrete particles of a mean particle size less than 100 nm to improve handling and mechanical characteristics. The prepolymerized filler particles also allow for less viscosity and better handling characteristics of the composite.

Abstract: The present invention provides a dental composite which has the high strength required for load-bearing restorations, yet maintains a glossy appearance, even after substantial wear. Through the use of particles having a mean particle size between about 0.05 &mgr;m and about 0.50 &mgr;m, the composite is useful in stress bearing restorations and in cosmetic restorations. The structural filler used is typically ground to a mean particle size of less than 0.5 &mgr;m and also includes a nanofiller having discrete particles of a mean particle size less than 100 nm to improve handling and mechanical characteristics. The preferred dental composites maintain their surface finish even after substantial use and also have the strength properties of hybrid composite resins.

Abstract: In its broadest context, the present invention is a system which enables a minor receptacle to be positioned within a major receptacle. The system employs a pair of bag supports formed from a length of wire. Each of the bag supports has a pair of identical ends. Each end includes an anchor portion and a bag supporting portion. The bag supporting portion is defined by first and second angled extents which define first and second distances. The first distance is adapted to be positioned over the peripheral edge of the major receptacle while the second distance is adapted to receive the peripheral edge of the minor receptacle. In this fashion the minor receptacle is supported within the major receptacle.