by Abigail | Jun 11, 2020
Consultants’ Comments
- “Very smooth injection of gutta percha.”
- “I have a traditional elements™ obturation system, and the new elements™ IC is cordless and more ergonomic!”
- “The gutta percha slightly backed up after extruding, which was nice.”
- “I liked the speed that the system heated to my desired temperature.”
- “I would prefer it if the time it takes for the plunger to travel through the hand piece to engage the cartridges was faster.”
- “The unit would ‘time-out’ and automatically shut-off quicker than I would like.”
- “The gutta percha cartridge tips were was to bend and insert into the canals.”
Clinical Tips
- The unit has an automatic shut-off timer, so do not start warming the units too early or they may shut-off before you are ready to use them.
- Do not overlook the included cartridge tip bender. It is very effective at obtaining the desired angulation of the gutta percha cartridge tips prior to obturating.
- The smaller tips bend very easily. Be cautious when placing into the canals, as to not bend them out of shape.
Evaluation Key Features
The elements IC Obturation System:
- Was evaluated by 9 consultants
- Had an average of 17 uses per consultant
- Received a 96% clinical rating
Description
The elements™ IC Obturation system:
- Cordless
- Downpack heat source and backfill gutta percha extruding unit in one system
- Inductive charging and extended battery life compared to previous versions
- Backfill unit contains precise digital temperature control with rapid heating and adjustable heating range
- Downpack unit features aerogel insulation for a high level of protection against heat
by Abigail | May 7, 2019
Evaluators’ Comments
- “This is probably the best dental dam I have ever used. I was very pleased with it.”
- “It is extremely flexible and doesn’t tear when stretching it.”
- “Easy to place and floss it through without the need for lubrication of the dam.”
- “A darker color would provide more contrast to the teeth.” *
* Since the evaluation, a new, darker color has been introduced
Unique Features
- The tear resistance of ISODAM was very good, and consultants found it performed at least as well as latex dams. Holes can be placed close together, as the material readily stretches. The surface smoothness allowed easy placement between teeth. The light blue color was neutral and easy on the eyes. The few instances of tearing that occurred were during hole punching or initial placement. Once in place, ISODAM was durable. The lightly powdered surface and smooth texture were reported to be comfortable to patients.
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Description
ISODAM is a non-latex dental dam formulated from synthetic polyisoprene (similar to natural rubber). According to the manufacturer, it is pre-cut and formulated to provide exceptional stretch, strength and tear-resistance while eliminating the potential for allergic reactions associated with latex products. ISODAM is light blue in color and is supplied in 5”x5” and 6”x6” square sheets, in both medium and heavy gauges. It is appropriate for all operative dentistry procedures. ISODAM was evaluated by 25 consultants in 468 uses. This non-latex dental dam received a 96% clinical rating.
by Dental Advisor | Jul 10, 2018
Consultants’ Comments
- “Great for pediatric dentistry, geriatric dentistry, or when you need a band fast.”
- “Easy adjustment with a very safe and consistent tightening mechanism.”
- “Beautiful proximal contours that are not possible with a conventional matrix.”
- “These matrix bands are pre-assembled. They save time and are very convenient.”
- “Great for smaller preps and pediatric restorations.”
- “I’m excited to phase out our standard Tofflemire setups.”
- “In some instances, it was difficult to achieve an anatomical proximal contact.”
- “It wasn’t contoured as well as sectional matrices, and I couldn’t use it for deep preparations.”
- “Easier to adjust than traditional metal matrix retainers.”
- “The bands were too thick, making it hard to burnish them for great interproximal contacts, and it was sometimes difficult to place them in tight spaces.”
Clinical Tips
- Burnish the band well to obtain interproximal contacts.
- Wedge the tooth before placing the matrix band to help obtain good contacts.
- They have the ability to open up a little larger than their opening straight from the package.
- Remember to switch the positioner for different sites, and if necessary custom contour the matrix before placement.
Evaluation Highlights
Pro-Matrix Curve Matrix Bands were evaluated by 27 consultants and used in total 759 times.
- Pre-assembled, single-use
- Contoured
- Easy, fast placement
- Narrow neck
- Available in wide and narrow sizes
Unique Features
- Contoured circumferential matrix bands for improved fit for both large and small restorations
- Narrow neck for access and visibility
- Smooth tightening mechanism
- Smooth edges for patient comfort
Indication
- Matrix bands for Class II direct composite restorations
Description
Pro-Matrix Curve Matrix Bands are single-use, contoured circumferential matrix bands. They are designed for large and small Class II composites. The bands are delivered pre-assembled, offering a fast and easy-to-use solution, and a smooth tightening mechanism is incorporated that allows the fit to be adjusted. A wedge may also be used for composite restorations to separate the teeth slightly during use. The contour of the bands is designed to make placement easier, improve the contact and anatomical shape of the restoration compared to straight matrix bands. Pro-Matrix Curve Matrix Bands are available in boxes containing 50 wide or narrow bands.
by Dental Advisor | Jan 10, 2018
Consultants’ Comments
Description
Venus White Pro is a take-home whitening kit for custom trays. The carbamide peroxide whitening gel in the kits is available in concentrations of 16%, 22% and 35%, and in various kit configurations, to meet patient needs. The viscous whitening gel is mint flavored and contains potassium nitrate. For best results, Venus White Pro should be used with custom whitening trays for up to 14 days. Depending on the gel concentration and the patient’s preference for time of day, whitening is achieved following the manufacturer’s recommendations for use or recommendation by a dental professional.
| Concentration | Daytime Use | Nighttime Use |
| 35% | 15 minutes, twice a day or 30 minutes once a day | – |
| 22% | 60 minutes once or twice per day | up to 8 hours |
| 16% | 4-6 hours per day | up to 8 hours |
Venus White Pro kits contain six syringes of whitening gel, paper shade guide, patient tray case, and instructions for use. Refill kits contain three syringes intended for touch-up applications. It is also available in 50 Syringe Packs, and a full line of patient marketing materials are available, including customizable pieces. Venus White Pro is just one offering within the complete family of Venus White teeth whitening and oral care products.
Venus White Pro was evaluated by five consultants in 14 patient uses. This take-home whitening kit received an 88% clinical rating.
Product Features
Venus White Pro is provided in an attractive, professional-looking kit for dispensing to patients. Dentists and patients found the highly viscous, mint-flavored gel remained in the tray for effective whitening during the time of use. Half of the patients used the 22% gel and one-quarter each used the 16% and 35% gels. Over 60% of patients preferred to follow the nighttime whitening regimen. The amount of gel in each kit is adequate to produce significant whitening, and patients reported they were pleased with the results. Seventy-three percent of patients reported tooth and gum sensitivity with their whitening, 75% of which was mild to moderate. Twenty percent of consultants rated Venus White Pro better than other take-home whitening systems they were using and 40% rated it equivalent. Sixty percent would switch to Venus White Pro and recommend it to a colleague. Ninety percent of patients would recommend Venus White Pro to friends and family.
Clinical Tips
- Refrigerate the product when not in use.
- Instruct patients not to overfill trays, and instead use only a small pearl sized dab of gel for each tooth.
- Heraeus offers Venus Comfort Gel, containing potassium nitrate and fluoride, for patients that may be prone to sensitivity.
by Dental Advisor | Jan 8, 2018
Consultant Comments
- “Cleans surfaces really well before disinfecting!”
- “Surface stays wet, and the wipes don’t dry out.”
- “I love the XL size wipes!”
Description
CaviWipes, a multi-purpose disinfectant/decontaminant wipe, can be used on hard, non-porous surfaces. CaviWipes contains durable, nonwoven, nonabrasive wipes saturated with CaviCide™. When used as directed, fragrance-free CaviWipes will effectively clean and disinfect surfaces and can help reduce the risk of cross-contamination.
