Contemporary Product Solutions

	Modern dental practices are equipped to perform various treatments and procedures. These procedures consist of fillings, inlays, onlays, veneers, crowns, bridges, implants, post and core, endodontics, provisionals and various removable appliances. All of these procedures require dental tools or burs that can consist of hundreds of sizes, shapes and grits. 

	Every dental professional has his or her favorite burs according to the procedure, but the dental assistant is required to sterilize, separate, replenish and store in an appropriate area until the next procedure is preformed. 

	Burs are a significant expense to dental offices, and such inefficient management of burs increases this expense. A large amount of unnecessary time is spent in dental practices every day on handling burs and files. The need exists for a unique bur block that aids in the process of storing, sterilizing and restocking, but easy to identify by using a color coordinated system. 

More on Shofu: Shofu debuts new system for finishing of anterior restorations

 is a silicone bur block that holds all burs securely in place without dumping or spilling out of the block. The unique patented hole design with reverse fluting allows the burs to stay in place while disinfecting or autoclaving. The high temperature resistant silicone base material makes for easy insertion and removal of the burs. Available in a variety of colors to help organize for practice efficiency.

More on Shofu: Shofu launches new orthodontic attachment removal system

	What types of burs can be placed in the BurButler?

	The Bur Butler by Shofu is available in all shanks including FG, CA and short shank. The BurButler also allows the dental assistant to mix and match up to 10 burs in one secure bur block. Burs are very easy to place and remove with long-lasting and durable plugs that do not move. The blocks are available in five assorted colors for the dental assistant to sort according to various procedures. The BurButler has a removable clear lid that can be used as base during procedures to discard used rotary instruments, or placed to the side during procedures. Each block and lid is fully autoclavable and secure for easy viewing.

Continue to page two for the CPS evaluation...

	A recent evaluation conducted by Contemporary Product Solutions solicited the opinions of 24 dental assistants on a new designed bur block by Shofu Dental called the Bur Butler. 

	Almost all of the evaluators (i.e., 99 percent) found the block to be excellent. The compact and easy-to-store size was appreciated by all evaluators, while 92 percent of the evaluators commented that the BurButler was better than the bur blocks they are currently using. Several assistants said it was a great feeling knowing after placing the burs in the silicone holder, none of the burs would fall out. With just one push into the silicone, they were secure, and the removal was just as easy,

More on Shofu: How Shofu's Veracia SA denture teeth can be placed in a snap

When asked if the distance between the bur holes were further apart or closer compared to their other bur blocks, almost all commented they felt it was further away which allowed someone who may have larger hands to remove the burs easier without hitting or knocking out the other surrounding burs from the block. Several assistants also commented the unique shape and weight of the block made it easier to pick up and carried to the operatory or sterilization 

	Several evaluators wanted to see if the lid stood up to sterilization temperatures in the autoclave and if the clear lid would change over time. They noted after over 436 BurButler blocks were heat sterilized, there was no significant change in the lids of each block documented nor change in the silicone base. Several commented that the drain holes on the bottom of the bur block helped to prevent rusting on the burs. All of the dental assistants commented they wanted the bur butler to have more options of size and color for smaller procedures and laboratory burs for provisionals, nightguards and removables. 

	The evaluation team gave the BurButler by Shofu a 5 Diamond Rating. 

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Burs are a significant expense to dental offices, and such inefficient management of burs increases this expense. A large amount of unnecessary time is spent in dental practices every day on handling burs and files. The need exists for a unique bur block that aids in the process of storing, sterilizing and restocking, but easy to identify by using a color coordinated system.

An in-depth look at the BurButler from Shofu Dental

Contemporary Product Solutions presents its review on Safe-Vac’s non-latex single disposable HVE suction tip.

The CPS Evaluation Team combined product reviews for the entire team consisting of dentists, assistants, hygienists, patient coordinators and the dental laboratory to review this product. 

CPS produced the following comments and reviews following its evaluation of  Safe-Vac’s non-latex single disposable HVE suction tip

“Safe-Vac has really cut down on maintenance issues with our traps and hoses getting clogged.”		“Finally a truly helpful improvement to something we so often take for granted.”

“A very nice product which prevents clogging of the chair’s inline suction. Very comfortable tip preventing tissue damage during use.”		“This is a great product especially for 

"The blue-built-in internal screen is fantastic when you are sectioning off a crown, delivering a crown.  The green-standard is softer, more comfortable, and less invasive to a patient’s cheek tissue and buccal mucosa."
	
	- Dr. Arthur Kwan and Sally Hsu


	 
	“We were placing cotton gauze on the patients’ tongue and cheek in the aid to help catch any parts of our 

. Now all we need is the Safe-Vac to catch any of those pieces we were scared of losing.”
	
	“The Safe Vac HVS is a great suction. The comfort of knowing I will not bring any discomfort to the patient is great. However the vent could be eliminated.”
	“We were removing a full upper round house with PFMS. It was so great to have this product. I am switching!”

By using the Safe-Vac suction tip, there is no risk of damaging the tissue.


	
	Safe-Vac® is a non-latex single disposable HVE suction tip that incorporates an internal screen to prevent time consuming blockages and loss of certain dental restorative components and aides in many dental procedures.

It features a soft tip that prevents tissue trauma while maintaining the traditional HVE style. Suctions come in two styles-Screened Blue tip and Standard Green Tip.
	
	


	
	Each case contains 10 bags of 50 parts each, for a total of 500 HVE parts per case.

After rinsing the acid etch from the tooth, it allows you to catch the water and etch securely and safely.


	
	The CPS evaluation team consisted of 20 offices and 600 suctions performed. The Safe-Vac received a 4-diamond score from the CPS Team of Evaluators.
	
	When asked to rate Safe-Vac’s performance against other HVE tips, almost all said it was equally good and much softer on tissue.

When asked about the noise, almost all felt the suction with the vent was a little bit louder, but felt it was worth the noise to capture parts and pieces of amalgam and old crowns. When asked what they were using now, almost all said Patterson or Schein brands.
	
	When asked what they liked best about the suctions, the responses were almost all the same. Each evaluator liked the softness of the tip on both and the internal screen allowed removal of larger items without clogging the trap.
	
	The standard green suction tip with the softer end was great for patient comfort during use. One clinician commented, “The blue screened suction tip was great for rinsing restorations prior to cementation, while holding the restoration in my hand.”
	
	When asked what they liked least about the Safe-Vac all said they would like a non-vented version that would cut down on some of the noise. When asked if patients said anything about the suctions, it was noted that three 

 did notice the difference and said it was so much better than other suctions used before. 

"We loved the soft safe tips on both the green and blue HVE tips for patient comfort. We also like the blue ones for removing amalgam to catch the large pieces without clogging the tubing and main traps."

Safe-Vac® is almost identical in its dimensional specifications as the current standard HVE units in the market, but incorporates many beneficial features. These features enhance the functionality and safety of HVE. Safe-Vac is precision engineered, quality driven, made from FDA approved (non-latex) materials, and is manufactured in the U.S. The single disposable unit has a soft, yet rigid cushioned tip designed to prevent tissue trauma. Safe-Vac also incorporates an internal screen to prevent time consuming blockages and loss of certain dental restorative components.

Product Review: The benefits of Safe-Vac’s non-latex single disposable HVE suction tip [VIDEO]

 evacuation and isolation product.  Read on to find out what Dr. Talley and his team had to say about the device.

The CPS Evaluation Team combined product reviews for the entire team consisting of dentists, assistants, hygienists, patient coordinators and the dental laboratory to review this product.

CPS produced the following comments and reviews following its evaluation of Mr. Thirsty by Zirc Company:
	
	Dentist comments

		“A great alternative to Isolite, without the price”

		“I liked the isolation, and ease of use”

		“It frees the assistant up to not have to hold the tongue or cheek so much, and it keeps everything visible.”

		“It supplied excellent access with a dry field. Patient was comfortable. It was easy to place.”

		“Main suction on inside face of mouthpiece, which was less likely to get clogged. Hooked directly to high volume”

		“The best thing about Mr. Thirsty is no extra hoses to contend with.”

Description
	
	Zirc’s Mr. Thirsty provides evacuation, isolation and retraction in a single device. Mr. Thirsty provides patient with comfort, gives the clinician a clear working field, eliminates the constant interruption to use the saliva ejector, and allows the assistant to perform other duties.
	
	How it works

Mr. Thirsty attaches directly to the operatory’s existing HVE valve and retracts the tongue and cheek, preventing them from folding in or impinging on the working area while removing fluid and debris. It can be moved to any operatory or dental office. Two parts of Mr. Thirsty require sterilization (the other parts are disposable).

It is available in a number of kits, including the Try Me Kit, which comes with everything necessary to get started with Mr. Thirsty.

Zirc’s Mr. Thirsty provides evacuation, isolation and retraction in a single device.

The CPS evaluation team consisted of 12 offices  and used more than  200 patients to evaluate this product. Almost all the evaluation team members felt Mr. Thirsty was a great alternative to the Isolite. Seven of the 12 evaluators have the Isolite in their practice and commented for the price, Mr. Thirsty was a very close second in comparison.

Watch the video below for a Mr. Thirsty demonstration.

Several evaluators commented the best part about Mr. Thirsty was there were no extra hoses to contend with. Some commented they wished they had different sizes in the 

. One evaluator  said, “Would be great if it was thicker at the bend area to prevent tongue from getting underneath.” Most patients commented on how comfortable Mr. Thirsty was and that the suction was very good. One dentist commented he “would gladly pay more for a solid single piece of metal and wish you didn’t have to replace the bite block, just the tongue piece.”

Almost all the evaluators said they would recommend Mr. Thirsty to their colleagues. Several team member evaluators would love to see more cool colors to enhance the patient’s interest.

Mr. Thirsty™ attaches directly into the HVE and retracts the tongue and cheek from folding in or laying over the work area, while removing fluids and debris. When the device is in use, the assistant is able to perform other tasks in the operatory, such as seating patients or taking x-rays. Hygienists can reportedly work during prophies and root planings without interruption to use the saliva ejector. The device is portable and available in a variety of kits.
	800-328-3899 • 

With the combination of the world’s leaders in their field, Contemporary Product Solutions’ dexterous, knowledgeable and experienced leadership team maintains a sharp eye for emerging products in the field of general and restorative dentistry by providing a “Total Office” perspective of clinical information and application, incorporating photographs and videos to assist chairside procedures for better patient results. CPS (cpsmagazine.com) will continue to evaluate one product at a time with professionalism, integrity and a commitment to excellence.

Contemporary Products Solutions tapped Dr. Phillip Talley from Innovative Smiles at the Forum to offer his take on Zirc Dental's Mr. Thirsty evacuation and isolation product.  Read on to find out what Dr. Talley and his team had to say about the device.

REVIEW: Zirc's Mr. Thirsty offers affordability, ease of use, effective evacuation and more

 combined product reviews for the entire team consisting of dentists, assistants, hygienists, patient coordinators and the dental laboratory to review this product. 

CPS produced the following comments and reviews following its evaluation of  

		“Easy to use and comfortable for the patient.”

		“Didn’t smell like most reline materials.”

		“Our patient was so amazed at how much better the denture fit after this reline.”

		“Didn’t see the pull away like we do with other reline materials.”

 is an addition-cured silicone material for relining dentures on patients that require relief on upper or lower, partial or full dentures. With optimal stain resistance, excellent adhesion to the denture, and superior tear resistance, it ensures patient satisfaction for up to 24 months. The product features auto dispensing/no hand mixing, and is easy and quick to use. 

Each evaluator received the Sofreliner Tough Kit with a cartridge, primer bottle and accessories that included mixing tips, burs, spatula, drip cap for primer, plastic cup and brush. 

 is indicated for use with first time dentures, after surgery, teeth extraction, or implant procedures. Designed for patients experiencing pressure point problems, mucous atrophy, major undercuts, or improved suction, it is also well suited  for applications that require the optimal balance of longevity and comfort.

The CPS evaluation team consisting of 20 offices, placed more than  47 relines with the Sofreliner Tough material and this product received a score of 5 diamonds out of 5. 

All the evaluation teams said the Sofreliner Tough was better than the current material they use and that they would switch to this brand. Several reviewers said it was easy to extrude the material and they felt they had an even mix of the reline material. 

Three evaluators commented on how great  it was to not have to mix the material in a dappen dish and create a mess. Comments were made on the guide and YouTube video to help with application. When asked what the patient response was to the reline, their quotes included:  “Felt like a new set of dentures,” “I was worried after my extractions that my denture would be rough and feel loose,” and “I love this material and please put it in my chart for future use.”

One dentist said Sofreliner Tough was “hard to distinguish  from the denture it was such a wonderful blend.” 

Product Review: Tokuyama Dental America’s Sofreliner Tough

			Contemporary Product Solutions presents its review on this silicone material for relining dentures.			Written by: CONTEMPORARY PRODUCT SOLUTIONS			Sofreliner Tough			Date published: 07/15/2013			5 / 5 stars

The CPS Evaluation Team combined product reviews for the entire team consisting of dentists, assistants, hygienists, patient coordinators and the dental laboratory to review this product. 

Author | Contemporary Product Solutions

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