Polymerizable isolation barriers with enhanced tissue adherence and methods for forming and using such barriers

Abstract

The polymerizable dental isolation barrier has a monomer and an initiator. The barrier composition has at least one additive including a polymer strength reducer, a wet tissue adherence accentuator, and a reflective material The polymer strength reducer is an organic compound that prevents complete polymerization. The tissue adherence accentuator enables the barrier to adhere to a dental substrate ever after polymerization. The reflective material lowers the reaction rate and lowers the production of excess heat to reduce patient discomfort and to avoid tissue damage.

Description

RELATED APPLICATIONSS

The present application is a divisional of Ser. No. 08/802,674, filed on Feb. 19, 1997 for POLYMERIZABLE ISOLATION BARRIERS AND METHODS FOR FORMING AND USING SUCH BARRIERS, by the following inventors: Steven D. Jensen and Dan E. Fischeralkylaminometliacrylates alkylaminomethacrylates and derivatives thereof. The alkylmethacrylates include triethylene glycol dimethacrylate, polyethylene glycol (PEG) dimethacrylate (all molecular weights), butane di-ol dimethacrylate, and equivalents. The alkylhydroxymethacrylates include 2-hydroxy ethyl methacrylate, glycerol dimethacrylate, bis-GMA, and equivalents. The alkylaminomethacrylates include urethane dimethacrylate and equivalents. The monomers of the present invention are provided in a concentration range from about 50 to about 99 percent, preferably from about 60 to about 95 percent, and most preferably from about 70 to about 90 percent by weight of the composition. The preferred methacrylates include alkylmethacrylates. The more preferred methacrylale methacrylate is triethylene glycol dimethacrylate. In addition to the above methacrylates, other monomers are within the contemplation of the present invention and can be found by routine experimentation by reading the disclosure and practicing the invention.

B. Curing Agents

Curing agents were found to be useful, and depending upon the specific dental procedure, were preferred with or without certain organic amine additives.

A curing agent is provided to induce the monomer to cross link upon exposure to adequate light radiant energy. The curing agent is preferably of substantially low toxicity to humans. Curing agents may also be selected to be complementary to other ingredients for a selected dental procedure. Curing agents include photoinitiators and amine additives as needed.

Examples of photoinitiators include camphorquinone; benzoin methyl ether; 2-hydroxy-2-methyl-1-phenyl-1-propanone; diphenyl 2,4,6-trimethylbenzoyl phosphine oxide; benzoin ethyl ether; benzophenone; 9,10-anthraquinone, and equivalents.

Optional additives such as amine additives are preferred in formulating curing agents to assist the curing agents depending upon the specific application of the polymerinzble isolation barrier. Examples of amine additives include dimethyl amino ethyl methacrylate; tri ethyl amine; 2-dimethylamino ethanol; diethyl amino ethyl methacrylate; trihexyl amine: N,N-dimethyl-p-toluidine; N-methylethanolamines and equivalents.

The curing agents of the present invention are provided in a concentration range from about 0.01 to about 2 percent, preferably from about 0.1 to about 1 percent, more preferably from about 0.2 to about 0.8 percent, and most preferably about 0.3 percent by weight of the composition. The preferred curing agent includes 2-hydroxy-2-methyl-1-phenyl-1-propanone and diphenyl 2,4,6-trimethylbenzoyl phosphine oxide. In addition to the above curing agents, other curing agents are within the contemplation of the present invention and can be found by routine experimentation by reading the disclosure and practicing the invention.

C. Polymerization Strength Reducers

During polymerization, there are several variables to consider. Heat is usually generated during polymerization due to the exothermic nature of polymerization. A significant increase in temperature during polymerization can cause discomfort to the patient or can be sufficient to also cause burning.

An organic compound is preferred that has the capability to substantially decrease or minimize the degree of polymerization of the isolation barrier material compared to a barrier material without such an organic compound. Thus, the total exothermic heat potential for a given amount of monomer will be reduced during polymerization.

In addition to preventing unwanted excess heat of reaction, it was found that certain organic compounds cause the isolation barrier material to become weakened. A weakened isolation barrier has the advantage of easy removal after completion of the dental procedure. The clinician can take hold of the polymerized isolation barrier by hand or with an instrument like tweezers and remove it in discrete segments or as integral unit. The size of the discrete segments is generally about one-half the area that the isolation barrier is isolating. For example, when the whole arch is being isolated, it is preferable that the discrete segments are at least about one-fourth the length of the arch, more preferable at least about one-half the length of the arch, and most preferably the isolation barrier will be removed as an integral unit. The advantage is that, where a hydrophobic isolation barrier is required for a given dental procedure, removal after the procedure takes only one or a few removal steps and any small portions that may crumble are easily rinsed away after being dislodged.

Examples of suitable polymerization strength reducers include oils such as mineral oils. Other suitable examples include alcohols such as cetyl alcohol, steryl alcohol, derivatives thereof, and equivalents. Yet other suitable examples include polyols such as polyethylene glycols, polypropylene glycols, propylene glycol, derivatives thereof, and equivalents. The polymerization strength reducers of the present invention are provided in a concentration range, when included, from about 1 to about 30 percent, preferably from about 5 to about 20 percent, more preferably from about 10 to about 15 percent, and most preferably about 12 percent by weight of the composition. Of the polymerization strength reducers, the preferred includes cetyl alcohol.

D. Tissue Adherence Accentuators

During polymerization of the isolation barrier and during treatment, it is desirable that the isolation barrier adhere between an interior surface of the inventive isolation barrier and wetted tissue. As a feature of the present invention, it was found that when an adherence accentuator is added, the isolation barrier material will adhere better to tissue before, during, and after polymerization. An inner surface of the isolation barrier is one that interfaces with the dental substrate.

When the isolation barrier is utilized as part of a dental procedure involving teeth bleaching with a peroxide composition that would harm tissue, it is preferable to apply the isolation barrier composition and begin to polymerize with a dental light. After the barrier is positioned and polymerized, the dental light is used to activate the peroxide bleaching composition which also may cause continued polymerization of the isolation barrier. With preferred tissue adherence accentuators, the isolation barrier composition continues to gently adhere to wetted tissue even when the monomer becomes substantially polymerized. An advantage of this feature of the invention is that a substantially conformal isolation barrier can be laid up against the tooth to isolate it and it will adhere adequately to tissues during a time period for standard isolation treatment procedures.

Examples of tissue adherence accentuators include gums such as xanthan gum, guar gum, tragacanth gum, their derivatives, and equivalents. Other examples include cellulose materials such as ethyl cellulose, hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose, their derivatives, and equivalents. Yet other examples include polymers such as carboxy poly methylene, polysiloxanes, water-soluble polyethylene oxide polymers, derivatives and equivalents. The water-soluble polyethylene oxides preferably have molecular weights of around 100,000 or more even up to several million. The preferred water-soluble polyethylene oxide polymer is sold as Polyox® by Union Carbide. Additionally, high molecular weight polyols can function as tissue adherence accentuators such as polypropylene glycols and polyethylene glycols having a molecular weight of at least 600. The tissue adherence accentuators of the present invention, when used, are supplied to the inventive composition in a concentration range from about 0.01% to about 9%, preferably from about 0.03% to about 5%, more preferably from about 0.05% to about 3%, and most preferably about 0.1% by weight of the composition. The preferred tissue adherence accentuator is xanthan gum.

E. Reflective Materials.

Another method of lowering harmful amounts of excess heat released during polymerization is to reflect some of the light radiant energy of the dental light away from the isolation barrier composition. Dental curing lights and laser treatment lights typically come with only intense light radiation settings, which is desirable in certain applications such as peroxide teeth bleaching. It was found that the addition of reflective materials causes a portion of the dental light to be reflected thereby reducing heating of the isolation barrier during polymerization, particularly when polymerized with a light at an intense light radiation setting, and during a subsequent dental procedure such as bleaching. Thus, the composition absorbs less light radiant energy, the isolation barrier is less energized than would be otherwise, the underlying gum tissue is not subjected to undue heating during a dental procedure that uses a curing or laser light and light is even reflected away from the underlying gums or other protected tissue.

Examples of reflective materials include metals such as gold flake, aluminum flake, titanium flake, and equivalents. Other examples include metal oxides such as aluminum oxide, titanium dioxide, precipitated silica, ceria, thoria and equivalents. Yet other examples include micas and equivalents. The reflective materials of the present invention, when included, are provided in a concentration range from about 1 to about 50 percent, preferably from about 2 to about 30 percent, more preferably from about 3 to about 20 percent, and most preferably about 15 percent. The preferred reflective material comprises micas.

F. General Properties.

It is advantageous to combine various aspects of the present invention for preferred applications. For example, a peroxide gel may be the treatment composition and light radiant energy will be used both during polymerization of the compositions of the present invention and later during peroxide bleaching material. In such a case, the clinician may select a composition that includes polymerization strength reducers, tissue adherence accentuators, and reflecting materials. Thus, such a composition will achieve a weakened isolation barrier for easy removal and for resistance to incidental touching during the dental procedure, it will assure that the isolation barrier sufficiently remains in place to adequately seal off the soft tissue while the bleachant is on the tooth, and reflects intense light energy during a treatment procedure to protect the underlying gums from undue heating.

Alternatively, an application might be required where the tooth is to be isolated for dryness purposes. In such a case, the clinician may select a composition that includes polymerization strength reducers and tissue adherence accentuators. Thus, such a composition will achieve a weakened isolation barrier for easy removal yet adequate resistance to incidental touching during the dental procedure, and the composition will remain sufficiently in place against tissue during the procedure.

The method of making the polymerizable isolation barrier is carried out by providing at least one monomer; providing at least one curing agent for curing the at least one monomer; and by providing at least one of three preferred additives that include the organic polymerization strength reducer, the tissue adherence accentuator, or the reflective material. The ingredients are blended in a container until homogeneous, and the homogenous mixture is placed in a container that is resistant to light energy. The inventive polymerizable isolation barrier material is preferably stored at or below room temperature. The inventive polymerizable isolation barrier material is stable enough to be stored under normal conditions at the operatory until activated by suitable light radiant energy.

G. Methods of Use.

The inventive polymerizable isolation barrier material is made in a paste or gel form that is rheologically able to be expressed from a dental syringe. The components of the isolation barrier material form either an emulsion or a solution depending upon selection of a preferred application. The inventive polymerizable isolation barrier material is also preferably made in a roll or tape form of a curable putty that is rolled onto the gums, pressed into place, for example with finger pressure, carved to isolate hard tissue, and then cured with light radiant energy. The components of this isolation barrier material form either an emulsion, dispersion, suspension, solution, etc. depending upon selection of a preferred application.

The inventive polymerizable isolation barrier material is applied by any of several methods. FIG. 3 is an elevational oblique view of a patient during installation of the inventive isolation barrier 28, in which isolation barrier 28 is being expressed through a syringe 30 substantially conformably to the tooth-gum interface 32 in preparation for polymerization by light radiant energy. A preferred method of use is to dry the tooth or teeth that are to be treated, retract the labia, and apply the isolation barrier material 28 with syringe conformably at the base of the tooth upon the tissue such as the gums 34. The width W of isolation barrier 28 as it extends across tissue may be selected by the clinician according to the application. For example, where a gel is being used and running of the gel is not likely, the clinician may apply a substantially conformal isolation barrier that touches the teeth and extends onto the gums 34 from about three to about 10 mm from the area to be treated. Larger or smaller isolation barriers may be applied depending upon the specific dental procedure.

Removal of isolation barrier 28 after the dental treatment is accomplished as illustrated in FIG. 4. A tweezers-like instrument 36 may be used to remove isolation barrier 28 by taking hold of isolation barrier 28 and removing it in discrete segments. It can be seen that isolation barrier 28 is lifting away from gums 34 at the area near where instrument 36 has fastened onto isolation barrier 28. The clinician can take hold of polymerized isolation barrier 28 with instrument 36 and remove it in discrete segments. The size of the discrete segments is generally about one-half the area that isolation barrier 28 is isolating. For example, when the whole arch is being isolated, it is preferable that the discrete segments are about one-fourth the length of the arch, more preferably about one-half the length of the arch, and most preferably, as illustrated in FIG. 4, isolation barrier 28 will be removed as an integral unit.

EXAMPLES OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Several examples of the present invention are presented as merely illustrative of some embodiments of the present invention. These examples are not to be construed as limiting the spirit and scope of the invention. The following nine hypothetical examples were produced in furtherance of reducing the present invention to practice. All amounts are given in weight percent.

EXAMPLE 1

                                 Percent by Weight
Component                        of the Mixture


mica                             2.0
xanthan gum                      0.1
curing agents                    0.3
cetyl alcohol                    12.5
precipitated silica              13.0
triethylene glycol dimethacrylate 72.1

The foregoing example produces an isolation barrier material composition that, upon application to the dental substrate and polymerization, is sufficiently weakened to facilitate its removal in discrete, tooth-sized segments or larger with a tweezers-like instrument from the dental substrate after use in a dental procedure. The barrier material also is resistant to deformation at the external surface of the barrier due to incidental touching but remains adherent to the dental substrate at the internal surface of the barrier. The barrier material also is configured to decrease the polymerization reaction rate and to reflect excessive light radiant energy to thereby resist thermal tissue damage due to substantial heat production during polymerization.

EXAMPLE 2

                         Percent by Weight
Component                of the Mixture


mica                     3.0
xanthan gum              0.3
curing agents            0.5
PEG dimethacrylate (300) 96.2

The foregoing example produces an isolation barrier material composition that, upon application to the dental substrate and polymerization, is resistant to deformation at the external surface of the barrier due to incidental touching but remains adherent to the dental substrate at the internal surface of the barrier. The barrier material also reflects excessive light radiant energy in order to resist thermal tissue damage due to substantial heat production during polymerization.

EXAMPLE 3

                             Percent by Weight
Component                    of the Mixture


titanium dioxide             1.0
guar gum                     0.1
steryl alcohol               17.0
precipitated silica          12.0
2-hydroxy ethyl methacrylate 69.0
curing agents                0.9

The foregoing example produces an isolation barrier material composition that, upon application to the dental substrate and polymerization, is sufficiently weakened to facilitate its removal in discrete, tooth-sized segments or larger with a tweezers-like instrument from the dental substrate after use in a dental procedure The barrier material also is resistant lo deformation at the external surface of the barrier due to incidental touching but remains adherent to the dental substrate at the internal surface of the barrier. The barrier material also is configured to decrease the polymerization reaction rate and reflect excessive light radiant energy to thereby resist thermal tissue damage due to substantial heat production during polymerization.

EXAMPLE 4

                         Percent by Weight
Component                of the Mixture


xanthan gum              1.0
PEG dimethacrylate (600) 98.5
curing agents            0.5

The foregoing example produces an isolation barrier material composition that, upon application to the dental substrate and polymerization, is resistant to deformation at the external surface of the barrier due to incidental touching but remains adherent to the dental substrate at the internal surface of the barrier.

EXAMPLE 5

                                 Percent by Weight
Component                        of the Mixture


cetyl alcohol                    20.0
tri ethylene glycol dimethacrylate 79.0
curing agents                    1.0

The foregoing example produces an isolation barrier material composition that, upon application to the dental substrate and polymerization, is sufficiently weakened to facilitate its removal in discrete, tooth-sized segments or larger with a tweezers-like instrument from the dental substrate after use in a dental procedure.

EXAMPLE 6

                        Percent by Weight
Component               of the Mixture


titanium dioxide        1.0
mica                    5.0
urethane dimethacrylate 93.8
curing agents           0.2

The foregoing example produces an isolation barrier material composition that, upon application to the dental substrate and polymerization, reflects excessive light radiant energy in order to resist thermal tissue damage due to substantial heat production during polymerization.

EXAMPLE 7

                                 Percent by Weight
Component                        of the Mixture


xanthan gum                      0.2
cetyl alcohol                    12.0
curing agents                    0.5
tri ethylene glycol dimethacrylate 87.3

The foregoing example produces an isolation barrier material composition that, upon application to the dental substrate and polymerization, is sufficiently weakened to facilitate its removal in discrete, tooth-sized segments or larger with a tweezers-like instrument from the dental substrate after use in a dental procedure. The barrier material also is resistant to deformation at the external surface of the barrier due to incidental touching but remains adherent to the dental substrate at the internal surface of the barrier. The barrier material is also configured to decrease the polymerization reaction rate and thereby resist thermal tissue damage due to substantial heat production during polymerization.

EXAMPLE 8

                        Percent by Weight
Component               of the Mixture


aluminum oxide          1.0
xanthan gum             2.0
curing agents           0.5
glycerol dimethacrylate 96.5

The foregoing example produces an isolation barrier material composition that, upon application to the dental substrate and polymerization, remains adherent to the dental substrate at the internal surface of the barrier. The barrier material also is configured to decrease the polymerization reaction rate and thereby resist thermal tissue damage due to substantial heat production during polymerization.

EXAMPLE 9

                            Percent by Weight
Component                   of the Mixture


cetyl alcohol               12.0
aluminum flake              3.0
butane di-ol dimethacrylate 84.5
curing agents               0.5

The foregoing example produces an isolation barrier material composition that, upon application to the dental substrate and polymerization, is sufficiently weakened to facilitate its removal in discrete, tooth-sized segments or larger with a tweezers-like instrument from the dental substrate after use in a dental procedure. The barrier material also is configured to decrease the polymerization reaction rate and reflect excessive light radiant energy to thereby resist thermal tissue damage due to substantial heat production during polymerization.

The present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from its spirit or essential characteristics. The described embodiments are to be considered in all respects only as illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the invention is, therefore, indicated by the appended claims and their combination in whole or in part rather than by the foregoing description. All changes that come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are to be embraced within their scope.

Claims

1. A polymerizable isolation barrier for isolating a dental substrate to confine a dental treatment composition to an area defined by the isolation barrier, the polymerizable isolation barrier comprising the mixture products of:

at least one monomer;

at least one curing agent for curing the at least one monomer; and

at least one tissue adherence accentuator different than the at least one monomer.

2. A polymerizable isolation barrier according to claim 1, wherein the at least one monomer is selected from the group consisting of triethylene glycol dimethacrylate, polyethylene glycol dimethacrylate, butane di-ol dimethacrylate, 2-hydroxy ethyl methacrylate, glycerol dimethacrylate, bis-GMA, and urethane dimethacrylate.

3. A polymerizable isolation barrier according to claim 1, wherein the at least one monomer is in a concentration range from about 50 to about 99 percent by weight of the polymerizable isolation barrier.

4. A polymerizable isolation barrier according to claim 1, wherein the at least one monomer is selected from the group consisting of alkylmethacrylates, alkylhydroxymethacrylates, and alkylaminomethacrylates.

5. A polymerizable isolation barrier according to claim 1, wherein the at least one tissue adherence accentuator is a gum.

6. A polymerizable isolation barrier according to claim 1, wherein the at least one tissue adherence accentuator is a gum selected from the group consisting of xanthan gum, guar gum, and tragacanth gum.

7. A polymerizable isolation barrier according to claim 1, wherein the at least on tissue adherence accentuator is a cellulose material.

8. A polymerizable isolation barrier according to claim 1, wherein the at least one tissue adherence accentuator is a cellulose material selected from the group consisting of ethyl cellulose, and hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose.

9. A polymerizable isolation barrier according to claim 1, wherein the at least one tissue adherence accentuator is a high molecular weight polyol.

10. A polymerizable isolation barrier according to claim 1, wherein the at least one tissue adherence accentuator is a polyol having high molecular weight of at least about 600 and wherein the polyol is selected from the group consisting of polyethylene glycol and polypropylene glycol.

11. A polymerizable isolation barrier according to claim 1, wherein the at least one tissue adherence accentuator is a polymer selected from the group consisting of polysiloxanes, carboxy poly methylene and water-soluble polyethylene oxides.

12. A polymerizable isolation barrier according to claim 1, wherein the at least one tissue adherence accentuator is in a concentration range from about 0.01 percent to about 9 percent by weight of the polymerizable isolation barrier.

13. A polymerizable isolation barrier according to claim 1, wherein the at least one tissue adherence accentuator is in sufficient concentration to adhere to the a dental substrate at a surface of the isolation barrier interfacing with the dental substrate during a dental procedure.

14. A polymerizable isolation barrier according to claim 1, further comprising an organic polymerization strength reducer.

15. A polymerizable isolation barrier according to claim 14, wherein the organic polymerization strength reducer is an alcohol.

16. A polymerizable isolation barrier according to claim 14, wherein the organic polymerization strength reducer is cetyl alcohol.

17. A polymerizable isolation barrier according to claim 14, wherein the organic polymerization strength reducer is steryl alcohol.

18. A polymerizable isolation barrier according to claim 14, wherein the organic polymerization strength reducer is a polyol.

19. A polymerizable isolation barrier according to claim 14, wherein the organic polymerization strength reducer is a polyol selected from the group consisting of polyethylene glycols, polypropylene glycols, and propylene glycol.

20. A polymerizable isolation barrier according to claim 14, wherein the organic polymerization strength reducer is an oil.

21. A polymerizable isolation barrier according to claim 14, wherein the organic polymerization strength reducer is a mineral oil.

22. A polymerizable isolation barrier according to claim 14, wherein the organic polymerization strength reducer is in a concentration range from about 1 to about 30 percent by weight of the polymerizable isolation barrier.

23. A polymerizable isolation barrier according to claim 14, wherein the organic polymerization strength reducer is in sufficient concentration to lower the an ability of the monomer to polymerize.

24. A polymerizable isolation barrier according to claim 14, wherein the at least one organic polymerization strength reducer is in sufficient concentration to facilitate removal of the a polymerized isolation barrier from the a dental substrate by hand or by a dental tool.

25. A polymerizable isolation barrier according to claim 1, further comprising at least one reflective material for reflecting light radiant energy, the at least one reflective material comprising at least one component selected from the group consisting of metals, metal oxides, silica, and mica.

26. A polymerizable isolation barrier according to claim 25, wherein the at least one reflective material is a metal.

27. A polymerizable isolation barrier according to claim 25, wherein the at least one reflective material is a metal selected from the group consisting of gold flake, aluminum flake and titanium flake.

28. A polymerizable isolation barrier according to claim 25, wherein the at least one reflective material is a metal oxide.

29. A polymerizable isolation barrier according to claim 25, wherein the at least one reflective material is a metal oxide selected from the group consisting of aluminum oxide, titanium dioxide, precipitated silica, ceria, and thoria.

30. A polymerizable isolation barrier according to claim 25, wherein the at least one reflective material is a mica.

31. A polymerizable isolation barrier according to claim 25, wherein the at least one reflective material is provided in a concentration range from about 1 to about 50 percent by weight of the polymerizable isolation barrier.

32. A polymerizable isolation barrier according to claim 25, wherein the at least one reflective material is in sufficient concentration to decrease a polymerization reaction rate compared to a polymerization reaction rate of the isolation barrier material without a reflective material.

33. A polymerizable isolation barrier according to claim 25, wherein the at least one reflective material is in sufficient concentration to prevent substantial thermal tissue damage during a polymerization of the isolation barrier.

34. A polymerizable isolation barrier for isolating a dental substrate to confine a dental treatment composition to an area defined by the isolation barrier, the polymerizable isolation barrier comprising the mixture products of:

at least one monomer;

at least one curing agent for curing the at least one monomer; and

at least one tissue adherence accentuator, different than the at least one monomer, selected from the group consisting of a gum, a cellulose material, a high molecular weight polyol and a polymer.

35. A polymerizable isolation barrier according to claim 34, wherein the at least one monomer is selected from the group consisting of alkylmethacrylates, alkylhydroxymethacrylates, and alkylmethacrylates.

36. A polymerizable isolation barrier according to claim 34, wherein the at least one tissue adherence accentuator comprises a gum is selected from the group consisting of xanthan gun, guar gum, and tragacanth gum.

37. A polymerizable isolation barrier according to claim 34, wherein the at least one tissue adherence accentuator comprises a cellulose material is selected from the group consisting of ethyl cellulose, and hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose.

38. A polymerizable isolation barrier according to claim 34, wherein the at least one tissue adherence accentuator comprises a polyol has having a molecular weight of at least about 600 and is selected from group consisting of polyethylene glycol and polypropylene glycol.

39. A polymerizable isolation barrier according to claim 34, wherein the at least one tissue adherence accentuator comprises a polymer is selected from the group consisting of polysiloxanes, carboxy poly methylene and water-soluble polyethylene oxides.

40. A polymerizable isolation barrier according to claim 34, wherein the at least one tissue adherence accentuator is in a concentration range from about 0.01 percent to about 9 percent by weight of the polymerizable isolation barrier.

41. A polymerizable isolation barrier according to claim 34, wherein the at least one tissue adherence accentuator is in sufficient concentration to adhere to the a dental substrate at a surface of the isolation barrier interfacing with the dental substrate during a dental procedure.

42. A polymerizable isolation barrier according to claim 34, further comprising an organic polymerization strength reducer.

43. A polymerizable isolation barrier according to claim 34, further comprising at least one reflective material for reflecting light radiant energy.

44. A polymerizable isolation barrier for isolating a dental substrate to confine a dental treatment composition to an area defined by the isolation barrier, the polymerizable isolation barrier comprising the mixture products of:

at least one monomer;

at least one curing agent for curing the at least one monomer; and

at least one tissue adherence accentuator, different than the at least one monomer, selected from the group consisting of xanthan gum, guar gum, tragacanth gum, ethyl cellulose, hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose, polyethylene glycol with a molecular weight of at least about 600, polypropylene glycol with a molecular weight of at least about 600, polysiloxanes, carboxy poly methylene and water-soluble polyethylene oxides.

45. A polymerizable isolation barrier according to claim 44, wherein the at least one monomer is selected from the group consisting of alkylmethacrylales, alkylhydroxymethacrylates, and alkylaminomethlcrylates.

46. A polymerizable isolation barrier according to claim 44, wherein the at least one tissue adherence accentuator is in a concentration range from about 0.01 percent to about 9 percent by weight of the polymerizable isolation barrier.

47. A polymerizable isolation barrier according to claim 44, wherein the at least one tissue adherence accentuator is in sufficient concentration to adhere to the a dental substrate at a surface of the isolation barrier interfacing with the dental substrate during a dental procedure.

48. A polymerizable isolation barrier according to claim 44, further comprising an organic polymerization strength reducer.

49. A polymerizable isolation barrier according to claim 44, further comprising at least one reflective material for reflecting light radiant energy.

50. A method of making a polymerizable isolation barrier for isolating a dental substrate to confine a dental treatment composition to an area defined by the isolation barrier, the polymerizable isolation barrier method comprising mixing together at least one monomer, at least one curing agent for curing the at least one monomer, and at least one tissue adherence accentuator different than the at least one monomer.

51. A polymerizable isolation barrier for isolating a dental substrate to confine a dental treatment composition to an area defined by the isolation barrier, the polymerizable isolation barrier comprising:

at least one polymerizable material;

at least one curing agent for curing the at least one polymerizable material; and

at least one tissue adherence accentuator different than the at least one polymerizable material.

52. A polymerizable isolation barrier according to claim 51, wherein the polymerizable material comprises at least one component selected from the group consisting of alkylmethacrylates, alkylhydroxymethacrylates, alkylaminomethacrylates, and derivatives thereof.

53. A polymerizable isolation barrier according to claim 51, wherein the polymerizable material comprises at least one component selected from the group consisting of triethylene glycol dimethacrylate, polyethylene glycol dimethacrylate, butane di-ol dimethacrylate, 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate, glycerol dimethacrylate, bis-GMA, and derivatives thereof.

54. A polymerizable isolation barrier according to claim 51, wherein the polymerizable material comprises at least one component selected from the group consisting of urethane dimethacrylate and derivatives of urethane dimethacrylate.

55. A polymerizable isolation barrier according to claim 51, wherein the at least one polymerizable material comprises at least one monomer that includes a chain of nonreactive units and a reactive unit on each side of the chain.

56. A polymerizable isolation barrier according to claim 51, wherein the at least one polymerizable material comprises at least one monomer that has begun to polymerize and that is further polymerizable.

57. A polymerizable isolation barrier according to claim 56, wherein the at least one monomer that has begun to polymerize and that is further polymerizable comprises at least one component selected from the group consisting of alkylmethacrylates, alkylhydroxymethacrylates, alkylaminomethacrylates, and derivatives thereof.

58. A polymerizable isolation barrier according to claim 56, wherein the at least one monomer that has begun to polymerize and that is further polymerizable comprises at least one component selected from the group consisting of triethylene glycol dimethacrylate, polyethylene glycol dimethacrylate, butane di-ol dimethacrylate, 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate, glycerol dimethacrylate, bis-GMA, and derivatives thereof.

59. A polymerizable isolation barrier according to claim 56, wherein the at least one monomer that has begun to polymerize and that is further polymerizable comprises at least one component selected from the group consisting of urethane dimethacrylate and derivatives of urethane dimethacrylate.

60. A polymerizable isolation barrier according to claim 51, wherein the polymerizable material is included in a concentration from about 50% to about 99% by weight of the polymerizable isolation barrier.

61. A polymerizable isolation barrier according to claim 51, wherein the tissue adherence accentuator comprises at least one gum.

62. A polymerizable isolation barrier according to claim 61, wherein the gum comprises at least one of xanthan gum, guar gum, or tragacanth gum.

63. A polymerizable isolation barrier according to claim 51, wherein the tissue adherence accentuator comprises at least one cellulose material.

64. A polymerizable isolation barrier according to claim 63, wherein the cellulose material comprises at least one of ethyl cellulose of hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose.

65. A polymerizable isolation barrier according to claim 51, wherein the tissue adherence accentuator comprises at least one high molecular weight polyol having a molecular weight of at least about 600.

66. A polymerizable isolation barrier according to claim 65, wherein the high molecular weight polyol comprises at least one of polyethylene glycol or polypropylene glycol.

67. A polymerizable isolation barrier according to claim 51, wherein the tissue adherence accentuator comprises at least one of a polysiloxane, carboxy poly methylene, or a water-soluble polyethylene oxide.

68. A polymerizable isolation barrier according to claim 51, wherein the tissue adherence accentuator is included in a concentration from about 0.01% to about 9% by weight of the polymerizable isolation barrier.

69. A polymerizable isolation barrier according to claim 51, wherein the tissue adherence accentuator is in sufficient concentration to adhere to a dental substrate at a surface of the isolation barrier interfacing with the dental substrate during a dental procedure.

70. A polymerizable isolation barrier according to claim 51, further comprising at least one organic polymerization strength reducer.

71. A polymerizable isolation barrier according to claim 70, wherein the organic polymerization strength reducer comprises at least one component selected from the group consisting of cetyl alcohol, stearyl alcohol, alcohols, polyethylene glycols, polypropylene glycols, propylene glycol, polyols, mineral oil, and oils.

72. A polymerizable isolation barrier according to claim 70, wherein the organic polymerization strength reducer is included in a concentration from about 1% to about 30% by weight of the polymerizable isolation barrier.

73. A polymerizable isolation barrier according to claim 70, wherein the organic polymerization strength reducer is in sufficient concentration to lower an ability of the polymerizable material to polymerize.

74. A polymerizable isolation barrier according to claim 51, further comprising at least one reflective material for reflecting light radiant energy selected from the group consisting of metals, metal oxides, silica, and mica.

75. A polymerizable isolation barrier according to claim 74, wherein the reflective material comprises at least one component selected from the group consisting of gold flake, aluminum flake, titanium flake, metals, aluminum oxide, titanium dioxide, precipitated silica, ceria, thoria, metal oxides, and mica.

76. A polymerizable isolation barrier according to claim 74, wherein the reflective material is included in a concentration from about 1% to about 50% by weight of the polymerizable isolation barrier.

77. A polymerizable isolation barrier according to claim 74, wherein the reflective material is in sufficient concentration to decrease a polymerization reaction rate compared to a polymerization reaction rate of the isolation barrier without a reflective material.

78. A polymerizable isolation barrier according to claim 74, wherein the reflective material is in sufficient concentration to prevent substantial thermal tissue damage during polymerization of the isolation barrier.

79. A polymerizable isolation barrier according to claim 51, wherein the curing agent comprises at least one light curing agent that induces the polymerizable material to cross link upon exposure to light radiant energy.

80. A polymerizable isolation barrier according to claim 51, wherein the polymerizable isolation barrier comprises at least one of a paste or gel that is able to be expressed from a dental syringe.

81. A polymerizable isolation barrier according to claim 51, wherein the polymerizable isolation barrier comprises at least one of a roll or tape of a curable putty.

82. A polymerizable isolation barrier for isolating a dental substrate to confine a dental treatment composition to an area defined by the isolation barrier, the polymerizable isolation barrier comprising:

at least one polymerizable material comprising at least one of urethane dimethacrylate or a derivative of urethane dimethacrylate;

at least one curing agent for the at least one polymerizable material; and

at least one tissue adherence accentuator different than the at least one polymerizable material.

83. A polymerizable isolation barrier according to claim 82, wherein the tissue adherence accentuator comprises at least one component selected from the group consisting of gums, xanthan gum, guar gum, tragacanth gum, cellulose materials, ethyl cellulose, hydroxypropylmethyl cellulose, high molecular weight polyols, polyethylene glycol, polypropylene glycol, polysiloxanes, carboxypolymethylene, and water-soluble polyethylene oxides.

84. A polymerizable isolation barrier according to claim 82, further comprising at least one reflective material for reflecting light radiant energy selected from the group consisting of metals, gold flake, titanium flake, metal oxides, aluminum oxide, titanium dioxide, precipitated silica, ceria, thoria, and mica.

85. A method of making a polymerizable isolation barrier used in isolating a dental substrate to confine a dental treatment composition to an area defined by the isolation barrier, the method comprising:

mixing together at least one monomer, at least one curing agent for curing the at least one monomer, and at least one tissue adherence accentuator; and

partially polymerizing at least a portion of the at least one monomer to yield a polymerizable isolation barrier comprising at least one partially polymerized monomer.

86. A method of making a polymerizable isolation barrier according to claim 85, wherein the polymerizable isolation barrier is partially polymerized after being applied to oral tissue within a patient's mouth.

87. A method of making a polymerizable isolation barrier according to claim 85, wherein the monomer that is partially polymerized comprises at least one of an alkylmethacrylate, an alkylhydroxymethacrylate, or an alkylaminomethacrylate.

88. A method of making a polymerizable isolation barrier according to claim 85, wherein the monomer that is partially polymerized comprises at least one of triethylene glycol dimethacrylate, polyethylene glycol dimethacrylate, butane di-ol dimethacrylate, 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate, glycerol dimethacrylate, bis-GMA, or urethane dimethacrylate.

89. A method of making a polymerizable isolation barrier according to claim 85, wherein the tissue adherence accentuator comprises at least one component selected from the group consisting of gums, xanthan gum, guar gum, tragacanth gum, cellulose materials, ethyl cellulose, hydroxypropylmethyl cellulose, high molecular weight polyols, polyethylene glycol, polypropylene glycol, polysiloxanes, carboxypolymethylene, and water-soluble polyethylene oxides.

90. A method of making a polymerizable isolation barrier according to claim 85, wherein the polymerizable isolation barrier further comprises at least one of an organic polymerization strength reducer or a reflective material for reflecting light radiant energy.

91. A method of isolating hard dental tissue and to contain a dental treatment composition to a defined area comprising:

providing a polymerizable isolation barrier composition including at least one polymerizable material, at least one curing agent for curing the at least one polymerizable material, and at least one tissue adherence accentuator;

delivering the polymerizable isolation barrier composition onto an oral tissue surface to isolate hard dental tissue;

treating the polymerizable isolation barrier composition with light radiant energy to polymerize at least a portion of the at least one polymerizable material;

applying a dental treatment composition to the defined area; and

removing the isolation barrier from the dental substrate.

92. A method according to claim 91, wherein the isolation barrier is removed using a dental tool.

93. A method according to claim 91, wherein the isolation barrier is removed by hand.