Consultants’ Comments

• “Love the integrated frame!”
• “Easy to bend out of the way when taking a radiograph.”
• “Very easy to place – stretches without tearing.”
• “A smaller frame would be nice in some situations, especially with children.>”
• “Not as much soft tissue retraction as with a rigid frame, especially in the 2nd molar area.”
• “More comfortable than a dam with a metal frame.”
• “No odor or bad taste compared to other (latex) dams.”

Description

Hygenic Framed Non-Latex Flexi Dam is a pre-framed dental dam for use with any rubber dam clamp. Produced with a non-latex, odorless material, this dam is designed for maximum patient comfort and for patients with sensitivity to latex and is indicated for endodontic and operative procedures. The dam is an opaque purple material that is lightly textured. A flat, flexible plastic frame is bonded to the perimeter of the dam. The package contains 20 framed 100-mm X 105-mm dams and a template to aid in hole placement. Twenty-six consultants evaluated Framed Flexi Dam in over 330 clinical cases. This product received a 91% clinical rating.

Product Features

Hygenic Framed Non-Latex Flexi Dam is easy to place because the frame holds the dam material taught. Patients commented that the flexible plastic frame material was more comfortable than a hard plastic or metal frame. Consultants reported that because of the flexibility of the framed dam, they were less concerned about abrasion of a patient’s skin or trauma to their eyes than with a rigid frame. This flexibility is extremely valuable during endodontic procedures as it allows placement of an x-ray film or sensor without removal of the frame or dam. In quadrant cases, the flexible frame material offers less lip and cheek retraction compared to a traditional frame. There were some requests that the dam come in more than one size, as it was difficult to trim it without destroying the built-in frame. Some consultants also requested a translucent dam for use during endodontic procedures. Eighty-four percent of the consultants rated Framed Flexi Dam equivalent to or better than the dam material they were currently using. Eighty-one percent would switch to Framed Flexi Dam and recommend it to a colleague.

Clinical Tips

• Apply a water-soluble lubricant to the inside of the dam to help it slip on easier.
• Standard hole punches may not reach past the integrated frame. Use an elongated hole punch available from the manufacturer.
• It is recommended that when punching the hole, use one size smaller than you would with latex dental dam.