Consultants’ Comments

• “Great product for young kids.”
• “Much less rinsing is required compared to prophy paste.”
• “Good to use before sealant placement.”
• “I would keep some of these in my office as an option for select cases.”
• “Did not remove stain as well as traditional prophy paste.”
• “I would like a softer cup for better flexibility and access into interproximal areas.”
• “Add different grits and flavor options.”
• “Incorporate a more abrasive pumice in the cup for stain removal.”

Description

Butler Paste-Free Prophy is a gluten- and latex-free, disposable, paste-free prophy angle with non-fluoridated, polishing agent incorporated into the cup. The elimination of prophy paste reportedly reduces splatter, saves time, is less abrasive on enamel and restorations, as well as increases visualization. Butler Paste-Free Prophy is designed to fit all standard straight (nose-cone), Doriot-style handpieces. The manufacturer highly recommends starting polishing in an upper quadrant where moisture from the saliva duct will soften the cup for better adaptation. Butler Paste-Free Prophy is available unflavored in individually wrapped in 200-count boxes. Twenty-nine consultants evaluated Butler Paste-Free Prophy in 480 clinical applications. This product received an 81% clinical rating.

Product Features

Butler Paste-Free Prophy angles attach easily to Doriot-style handpieces and come with clear instructions for use. The low amount of splatter and time savings were rated as good and were well received by consultants. Many hygienists found the size and shape of the cup too small and too stiff, reporting some difficulty cleaning near the gingiva and accessing the interproximal areas. The ability to clean teeth was not highly rated because the pumice incorporated into the cup was not abrasive enough to remove all plaque and stain; however, the product was more than adequate for polishing restorations and unstained teeth. Some patients commented that their teeth did not feel as clean, and stated they prefer the grittiness of traditional prophy paste. No comments were reported from patients about taste or lack of flavor. Butler Paste-Free Prophy did not meet the expectations of consultants and patients for use in all polishing procedures; however, they recommended its use in select cases such as geriatric patients, due to the need to rinse less; young children, due to the lack of paste; and on restorations where a gentler polishing agent is required. Consultants agreed that these prophy angles are innovative and that there is a definite place for its use in dental offices. Hygienists found Butler Paste-Free Prophy extremely useful for patients who do not like flavored paste or grit on their teeth and for patients who have a hard time sitting still.

Editors’ Note:

Since the completion of the clinical evaluation of Butler Paste-Free Prophy, Sunstar Americas, Inc., has begun developing a stain removal version with a mint flavor.