Standard HVE tips are effective and comfortable to use, but can sometimes cause discomfort to the patient. The hard plastic can create pressure in sensitive areas of the gums. Safe-Vac is an HVE tip that has a rigid but cushioned end, designed to cause less discomfort. It comes in two varieties: Standard or Screened. The Standard Safe-Vac is similar to normal HVE tips, with the addition of the soft green end. The Screened Safe-Vac comes with a small screen just inside the opening to catch debris such as fillings or tooth fragments.
Safe-Vac HVE tips are a comfortable size
The blue-tip Safe-Vac has a built-in screen
Initial Insights
I really like the idea of using the screened HVE tip during certain procedures to catch debris.
It genuinely feels softer in my mouth and doesn’t poke at all.
Looking forward to having cleaner traps!
Keep an eye out for this product in a future issue of DENTAL ADVISOR!
Controlling aerosols can seem like a difficult task for a dental professional; with one hand dedicated to suction, it can be difficult to both isolate and retract. Zirc Dental designed Mr. Thirsty One-Step to combine suction, isolation, and retraction in one disposable device. It comes in multiple trimmable sizes to create a unique fit to each mouth. The flexible material holds the tongue and opposite cheek away from the desired area, and can be flipped to either side of the mouth as needed.
Mr. Thirsty device
Placing Mr. Thirsty
Patient isolated with Mr. Thirsty
Initial Insights
It was easy to move during procedures and keeps the patient dry. It provides clear vision and holds back the tongue well.
Mr. Thirsty seems to reduce aerosol and splatter while working on a patient.
Having Mr. Thirsty kept my mouth very dry and comfortable during the procedure.
Keep watch for this product in an upcoming issue of Dental Advisor!
The Lotus Disposable Prophy Angle (DPA) has several features that make it unique. The first noticeable feature is the clear material; this allows the clinician to have a clear view of the mouth and of how much prophy paste is left in the cup. Below the flared paste cup is a spatter guard that catches paste and fluids with each rotation. Every outer surface of the angle is dimpled to help fluids and prophy paste stick to it.
Soft Lotus DPA on upper teeth
Firm Lotus DPA on lower teeth
Spatter caught on guard after using soft DPA
Initial Insights
Both firm and soft options kept polish from flying around, and I could actually see it collecting on the guard. I even used different textures of paste.
I was shocked that there was no spatter, even with very soft paste.
The guard doesn’t get in my way at all and feels really comfortable to use.
I definitely want to start using this on my patients in the future.
Keep an eye out for this product in an upcoming issue of Dental Advisor.
The Protection Pack (Zirc) is a sample package of isolation products. This pack has a variety of products including:
Pink Petal: attaches to your existing saliva ejector and when placed in the patient’s buccal vestibule, the Pink Petal holds the saliva ejector in place.
Insta-Dam: dental dams with a built in frame and a single pre-punched hole. Two non-latex versions included: the regular and relaxed fit.
Mr. Thirsty: one-step product that provides hands-free retraction, isolation, and high-volume suction all in one device.
SE Cushion: cushion that slides over existing saliva ejector for comfort, to prevent tissue grab by the suction, and to quiet noise.
Zirc Protection Pack
Pink Petal
Insta-Dams
Insta-Dam
SE Cushion
Mr. Thirsty
Initial Insights
A great way to try all of the Zirc isolation devices and decide which products might work best in your office.
The relaxed insta-dam is great for reaching posterior teeth but can be a little too relaxed depending on the size of the patient’s mouth.
It is nice how the pink petal sits in the cheek and holds the suction all in one.
Mr. Thirsty is an easy all-in-one suction, isolation, and retraction device great for working alone or as an adjunct to having an assistant, but can be a bit of a mouthful for the patient, especially a gagger.
Keep an eye out to see this device in a coming issue of The Dental Advisor!
We recently received Purple Tip (Purple Dental). This unique product connects to a standard high volume evacuation (HVE) line and provides suction while retracting the cheek and tongue.
Initial Insights
What were thoughts of the Dental Advisor Initial Insights team?
Innovative way to help retract the cheek and tongue while providing suction.
You either need to hold it yourself or have the patient hold it to help keep it in place while working.
Provides retraction for about three posterior teeth at a time.
Very rigid.
We liked the fact that it connects to an existing HVE line and does not require any special tubing.
Keep an eye out to see this device in a coming issue of Dental Advisor!
We recently received a variety of Barrier Sleeves from PacDent. According to the manufacturer, these sleeves are made of a specially formulated co-polymer plastic film that has passed rigid 3rd party tests, and they are the only kind of sleeves that satisfy FDA Class II requirements. These protective sleeves are available in over 40 different varieties.
Initial Insights
What were the thoughts of the Dental Advisor Initial Insights Team?
There are so many different options and the quality is great. You can feel the thickness.
We loved the full chair barrier, no worries on part of the chair being exposed.
What do our Clinical Evaluators and their patients think about this product? Look for more information about this product in an upcoming issue of Dental Advisor!
