1. Improving the life-time of dental composites
(Thiourethanes oligomers improve properties of methacrylate-based dental restorative materials)
Carmem Pfeifer, DDS, PhD
Michelle Gunness, PhD, CLP
© 2015 Carmem Pfeifer/OHSU – ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
Slide 1

2. Executive Overview
We, at the Biomaterials and Biomechanics Division at OHSU, have developed a simple additive that will improve the life-time of tooth-colored restorations. This additive provides better resistance to fracture and more reliable adhesion to tooth structure, without the need to change the techniques dentists are currently using to restore teeth, which makes the ROI (return on investment) potentially very short.
Ultimately, improving current esthetic materials will make them last as long as amalgam restorations, without the mercury exposure to patients.
© 2015 Carmem Pfeifer/OHSU – ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
Slide 2

3. Unmet Need
Tooth-colored restorations made with dental composites have become more common as they replace amalgam metal fillings
Unfortunately, composite restorations last only about 5-10 years, forcing their replacement. Not only is this costly for the patient, but it also increases discomfort and makes the original cavity larger.
Reasons for failure:
Fracture
Debonding (stress)
© 2015 Carmem Pfeifer/OHSU – ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
Slide 3

4. The Science
Additives synthesized through a simple method in our lab have shown to increase fracture toughness and decrease the stress at the interface of such restorations
Potential for improving the life-time of dental composites in the clinic
Potential applications in coatings industry (reduced interfacial stress)
© 2015 Carmem Pfeifer/OHSU – ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
Slide 4a

5. The Science
Toughness and crosslinking density define the probability of a material resisting crack propagation and fracture when in service.
The materials modified by these additives (only 6% of the total mass of composite) present significantly higher toughness and crosslinking density, as well as other improvements in mechanical properties.
© 2015 Carmem Pfeifer/OHSU – ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
Slide 4b

6. The Science
Stress decreases of up to 60% are observed in spite of the maintenance/increase in conversion.
Clinically, this means that the interface tooth-restoration is not as challenged as in current materials - increases in bond strength have also been observed.
© 2015 Carmem Pfeifer/OHSU – ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
Slide 4c

7. The Science
No need to change the current operatory technique – potentially short return on investment
For selected compositions, lower stress is achieved at the same time mechanical properties increase – unparalleled in the current market
High molecular weight – ODORLESS
High refractive index – optical clarity
Thio-urethane bonds are more stable than ester bonds in terms of hydrolitic degradation – more biocompatible
Platform for other applications?
© 2015 Carmem Pfeifer/OHSU – ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
Slide 4d

8. Project Management TECHNOLOGY/IP
Protected under PCT/US15/21016 (PIs: Pfeifer and Ferracane) for dental application PI
Carmem Pfeifer, DDS, PhD – background in polymer chemistry and dental materials (fully equipped lab for chemical synthesis and mechanical testing)
Other faculty
Jack Ferracane, PhD – background in mechanical testing and biofilm formation/biocompatibility testing
Fully committed personnel to related projects in the lab
2 post-doctoral associates (chemist/PhD; DDS/PhD)
2 senior research assistants (chemist; biologist)
2 research assistants (chemist; chemical engineer)
7 graduate students (working towards PhD in Dental Materials)
© 2015 Carmem Pfeifer/OHSU – ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
Slide 5

9. Need longer lasting restorations
Momentum
Need longer lasting restorations
These will benefit millions of patients whose restorations are replaced every year, halting disease progression and preventing more costly interventions.
Market Opportunity & Competition
US market for dental materials: over $1 billion as of 2013 (with direct sales).
Growth by 2020 to $1.5 billion.
Dental composites are a significant part of this market – no product currently can achieve high conversion/mechanical properties and low interfacial stress at the same time.
This can be achieved by this technology without disruption to current dental technique/infra-structure – short ROI
© 2015 Carmem Pfeifer/OHSU – ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
Slide 6a

10. Momentum
Can potentially be used in other polymer applications where stress management is important
UV Coatings
3D printing
Molded parts
Ink/paints
Others?
At least two fundamental fields of use
© 2015 Carmem Pfeifer/OHSU – ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
Slide 6b

11. The Ask Viability NO NEED TO REINVENT THE WHEEL – SHORT ROI
Create a company
Too premature at this stage?
Licensing partnership
Currently having discussions
Open to new business partners
R&D partnership
For clinical trials
For non-dental related application
© 2015 Carmem Pfeifer/OHSU – ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
Slide 7

12. Contact information
Carmem Pfeifer, DDS, PhD
OHSU School of Dentistry
2730 SW Moody Ave, Portland, OR, 97201
CLSB room 6N036
© 2015 Carmem Pfeifer/OHSU – ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
Slide 7

13. Contact information
Courtesy of Dr. Tom Hilton, Dr. Walter G. Miranda Jr and Dr. Carlos Francci
© 2015 Carmem Pfeifer/OHSU – ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
Slide 7