The BlueView™ VariStrip™ by Garrison Dental Solutions are contoured 0.002″ anterior matrix bands that taper from one side to the other. They are intended to be slid interproximally until the band matches the height of the restoration. Their blue tint allows them to contrast with the tooth structure without compromising polymerization.
The variation in size lets you get just the right height
Initial Insights
These are my new go-to bands for anteriors.
There’s a little bit of a learning curve but after that, these are great!
I like that you can easily see it on the tray.
Keep an eye out for this product in an upcoming issue of DENTAL ADVISOR!
The HVE Air Protect Series from Air Techniques is designed to capture ambient aerosol. Available in two models, a swivel-head HVE and a combination retractor-HVE. An adapter is available to utilize hands-free with a saliva ejector during hygiene procedures (see photos below). HVE Air Protect is reusable and autoclavable.
Swiveling the shield on the HVE Air Protect
Using the adapter to combine the HVE Air Protect and a saliva ejector
Hands-free suction and aerosol capture
Initial Insights
I love the retraction feature!
This HVE feels lighter and has a better angle than a straight, disposable HVE tip.
The extra HVE didn’t feel heavy hanging on my face.
The 360º swivel head can be positioned horizontally or vertically depending on the amount of aerosol being generated.
Keep an eye out for this product in an upcoming 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 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 the DryShield (Dryshield) isolation system. What makes this product unique? It is an all in one system! Firstly, it has an attachment that connects to your high-volume suction line. Secondly, the mouthpieces are a combination of high-volume suction, saliva ejector, tongue shield and airway protection. Finally, it contains a bite block to keep the patient open while isolating.
Placing DryShield
Adjusting DryShield around molars
Patient isolated with DryShield
Initial Insights
What were the thoughts of Dental Advisor’s Initial Insights Team?
There are a multitude of options for sizes, both disposable and autoclavable.
It is important to read instructions on installing the device to the HVE for the first time.
Having a sizing tool that is autoclavable would be nice so mouthpieces are not wasted trying different sizes.
Look for more information about this product in an upcoming issue of Dental Advisor!
