The effective retraction of the lips and cheeks from the teeth is highly desirable during dental treatments.
In adhesive bonding procedures, for example, clear visibility of the tooth is essential. Furthermore, the treatment field has to be properly isolated to keep it free from blood and saliva.
Find out how Optragate can help you to control moisture effectively and give you an unobstructed view of the oral cavity, so that you can focus on the details.
Even though the adhesive technique has been considerably simplified over the years, it still holds a few challenges, which are nevertheless easy to overcome in routine clinical practice.
The risk of contaminating the tooth surfaces during the bonding procedure is one of them. It is a well-known fact that blood and saliva have a negative effect on the adhesive bond.
Therefore, standard practice calls for appropriate isolation of the operative site during the bonding procedure. There are certain basic factors that need to be taken into account when selecting a suitable isolation technique:
- Patient compliance
- Treatment site location and accessibility
- Adhesive system (etch-and-rinse, self-etch)
- Easy and appropriate handling
- Optimum efficiency in clinical practice
Cotton rolls, Drytips, saliva ejectors, mirrors, matrix bands, absorbent pads: these are just a few of the materials and instruments used during the procedure.
Because the oral cavity is small, it can become quite cluttered with all these auxiliary materials, making it difficult for the clinician to see the operative site clearly and reach it easily. This scenario can hardly be described as efficient. Nonetheless, an alternative solution is available.
Special devices that easily and gently retract both the lips and cheeks (eg Optragate) also enhance the visibility of the treatment site and effectively isolate it from moisture.
Isolation as the foundation for a strong bond
It is generally accepted that adequate isolation of the tooth/teeth is necessary for adhesive bonding to be carried out successfully. When choosing a suitable isolation method, the primary goal is to make sure that it will prevent any contamination with blood and/or saliva.
Often, the placement of a rubber dam is described as the most effective technique. However, in many cases, it is not possible or too time-consuming and complicated to work with a dental dam. Relative isolation offers an excellent alternative, if it is appropriate for the adhesive system and the operative site in question.
It is absolutely necessary to prevent the risk of contamination (blood/saliva) during adhesive bonding procedures.
Relative isolation offers a convenient way of establishing a dry working field when working with self-etching adhesive systems, such as Adhese Universal, for example, in the placement of all-ceramic restorations.
Isolate. Bond. Next. Relative isolation made easy
Optragate allows you to isolate the working field quickly and easily. The lip and cheek retractor enhances the accessibility and visibility of the procedure area. The device evenly retracts the lips and cheeks and ensures effective moisture control.
Whether you are placing direct composite resin fillings or indirect ceramic restorations, Optragate helps to establish ideal working conditions to ensure the long-term clinical success of the adhesive bond.
Optragate and Adhese Universal work together effectively. The self-etch adhesive comes in the innovative pen-like VivaPen delivery form with a bendable tip. The pen allows the adhesive to be applied quickly and in controlled amounts directly in the mouth.
Optragate helps to give access to all areas of the mouth, even those that are hard to reach, so that the teeth can be swiftly conditioned. The device allows the treatment site to be closely monitored for saliva, which can be evacuated when needed.
This further reduces the risk of contamination during the adhesive procedure.
Versatile uses in the clinical practice
The Optragate lip and cheek retractor can be used in clinical situations that go well beyond the placement of restorations: for example, in intraoral scanning, prophylactic measures, paediatric dentistry, orthodontics and dental photography.
Optragate allows you to expose the treatment site, without causing the patient discomfort. Since the device effectively retracts the lips and cheeks from the treatment field, dental mirrors do not have to be used for this purpose.
Patients find Optragate much more comfortable to wear compared with other isolation devices. Furthermore, the lip and cheek retractor assists them in keeping their mouth wide open during the dental procedure.
All kinds of jaw movements are possible while the device is in place due to its three-dimensional elasticity. As a result, Optragate can remain in place throughout the entire treatment. Moreover, since the lips are completely covered, they are also protected.
Optragate will considerably streamline your clinical workflow. The lip and cheek retractor is certain to become an indispensable component of your adhesive armamentarium, because it offers convenient and comfortable relative isolation for everyone involved.
