Abstract: The invention provides processes for making low viscosity condensates, condensates per se, and processes for making polymers from these condensates. The invention also encompasses the polymer products of these processes, especially articles for dental use. The condensates per se of the invention are of hydrolyzable silanes. The condensates can contain one or more elements selected from the group consisting of B, AI, P, Sn, Pb, the transition metals, the lanthanides and the actinides. Processes of the invention for making polymers from the condensates optionally include use of compounds that can be polymerized ionically or by radical reactions in addition to the hydrolyzable silanes. Curing of the polymers is optionally performed by photochemical, thermal or by redox-induction methods.