Dental prosthetics comprising curable acrylate polymer compositions and methods of their use

Abstract

Disclosed herein are acrylic and methacrylic acid ester-based polymeric materials containing as flexibilizing and brittleness reducing agents 1-60% of C4-C8 polyalkylene or polyalkyldiene compounds, preferably having a molecular weight of 300-2100, and the use of such materials in dentistry and medicine.

Description

RELATED APPLICATION INFORMATION[0001]This application is a divisional of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10 / 914,972, filed Aug. 10, 2004.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]1. Field of the Invention[0003]This invention relates to modified, acrylate polymer compositions featuring reduced brittleness, such polymers being particularly suitable as dental / medical cements and restorative materials and for manufacturing dental prosthetics.[0004]2. Description of the Related Art[0005]Polymeric materials based on the esters of methacrylic acid have found widespread industrial and medical applications. Their role is particularly prominent in dentistry where they have become a base for modern restorative materials, cements, varnishes, cavity liners and sealers. In medicine perhaps the most important uses of acrylic resins include contact lenses and cements used for hip restorations.[0006]Many of these applications require the material to meet a combination of requirements with respect to their c...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The resulting acrylate polymers exhibit improved flexural and mechanical properties, reduced exothermicity, and absence of the oxygen-inhibited layer, making them suitable for demanding medical and dental applications with enhanced durability and safety.

Problems solved by technology

While acrylic resins, due to a variety of available monomers, usually make it possible to compound a blend which, upon cure, will result in a polymer meeting the requirements of tissue biocompatibility, wear resistance, translucency, mechanical strength or hardness, they frequently fail or are less than satisfactory in applications requiring flexibility.

Especially vulnerable are thin areas of such objects.

Acrylic resins have unique features making them difficult to replace with other types of monomers, especially in particular or very demanding applications.