Consultants’ Comments
- “Thin discs allow good access to embrasures.”
- “Some visibility of the tooth is possible through the translucent discs.”
- “The center hub sometimes separates from the disc during removal from the mandrel.”
- “The mandrel is too long.”
- “The kit needs a more abrasive disc.”
- “Use brighter colors to differentiate the polishing side.”
- “Make the package spill-proof.”
Description
The OptiDisc Finishing and Polishing System consists of translucent polyester discs for polishing composite, glass ionomer, amalgam, and semiprecious and precious metal. The discs are flexible, color-coded by grit and have a green mark around the center hub to indicate the side with abrasive. The center hub is plastic and is raised slightly above the metal mandrel to avoid contact of the metal with the surface being polished. The discs are available in diameters of 15.9, 12.6 and 9.6 mm in three grits. Latch-head mandrels are recommended for use at speeds up to 10,000 rpm. Thirty discs each in coarse/medium, fine and extra-fine are included in the general kit. Twenty consultants evaluated OptiDisc during 254 procedures. This product received an 86% clinical rating.
Product Features
Consultants found the OptiDisc packaging was clearly labeled but was not spill-proof. The discs are easy to place on the mandrel and are held firmly in place by the plastic hub. The flexible discs retain their integrity during polishing and adapt well to the tooth with a light pressure. The coarse/medium discs produced a smooth surface, and the finer discs create a surface that is polished but not highly glossy. Some consultants noted that the green abrasive-side indicator was difficult to see and that the mandrel was too long for some areas of the mouth. Forty-six percent of consultants would switch to OptiDisc, while 68% would recommend them to a colleague.
Clinical Tips
- Hold the mandrels up to a dark background to see the abrasive indicator.
- The medium and large diameters are the appropriate size for most uses.
- Discs may be used wet or dry.
- Use water spray to prevent dust build-up on the disc.
