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Abstract

Means to decrease the effects of polymerization shrinkage, increase stiffness, decrease the coefficient of thermal expansion to a greater extent than previously possible, and improve the durability of composite restorations by use of improved microcrystalline glass inserts. Shaped pieces of assorted sizes within the range of one-half to 10 millimeters are heat treated to produce microcrystallinity in which the crystalline phases, such as for example stuffed beta quartz, beta-eucryptite, beta-spodumene solid solutions, and keatite and/or other phases, give the microcrystalline glass pieces exceptionally low coefficients of thermal expansion and other desirable properties. Compositions and heat treatment conditions are given to provide the insert pieces with the desired translucencies/opacities, colors, and shades, to match a range of those properties found in teeth. Treatment of the inserts with an organofunctional silane with or without an additional resin coating provides for chemical bonding with composite resins. Cavities in teeth are partially filled with unhardened composite material, and microcrystalline glass inserts of appropriate size, shape and appearance are pressed into the cavity so that the insert constitutes as much as possible of the finished restoration. The composite containing the insert is polymerized either by light, chemical, or combined cure mechanisms, and contoured and polished.

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First Claim