Ellen Gambardella

	Ellen Gambardella, CDA, M.Ed., is an award-winning educator and professional speaker. She recently wrote a technique article for both 

 and Dental Lab Products, explaining how she has found a great product for pouring models. It's a skill all-too-easily missed in practices in labs all over the country, and it can make all the difference in an individual case. Read on as Ellen describes her 

 for ensuring perfect models, every time.

	Over the years, I have poured numerous models while continually striving to make this task as efficient and easy as possible. Therefore, I would like to share my experiences with different approaches for obtaining the perfect model.

	Most of us have spent valuable time at the model trimmer or have used lab burs to remove excess stone from a model. I have experimented with various techniques, such as using alginate, wax, wet paper towels, Play-Doh and 

 to fill the tongue area and voids in the impression in hopes of minimizing the finishing time. 

Related: How to save time and money on model techniques

	I have found that using alginate impression material to fill the tongue area is quite time-consuming. This requires mixing the alginate, inserting it in the tongue area and waiting for it to set. Once this is completed, additional time is needed to decontaminate work surfaces and equipment, such as bowls and spatulas.

	Another method uses wax that has been heated and manipulated to fill the area. I have noticed this procedure may not make a complete seal with the tray. Stone or plaster penetrates those unsealed areas, resulting in an uneven surface. Again, more wasted time is spent finishing the model.

	A different technique is to place wet paper towels in the tongue area. Oftentimes, this method produces an irregular stone surface, which requires additional time at the model trimmer to smooth the area.

	I have tried using Play-Doh as a filler. Although it filled the tongue area, it resulted in stained models, and the Play-Doh adhered to the stone, making it difficult to clean off the surface of the model. This unattractive appearance does not present well to patients and sends a negative message about the office.

FREE checklist: 5 things to look for in a void filler

	Undercuts also add to the demise of models. Patients with mandibular tori may produce large undercuts, which must be filled prior to pouring models. If this is not done, separation of the impression from the model becomes difficult and may result in a fractured model. If this happens, the model may have to be poured again. The results are too well known: Frustration escalates, productivity declines, materials are wasted and the entire process is delayed. 

	After experiencing these disappointing results, I asked myself: How can I save time and money without compromising the accuracy and professional appearance of my models? There is an answer: Use the product 

	Prior to pouring the models, I always verify that the impression has been properly disinfected. Confirm the disinfectant solution has remained on the impression as well as the tray for the amount of time recommended by the manufacturer. Because 

 is water-soluble, it is important to eliminate any excess disinfectant solution from the tray prior to filling the tongue area. This dryness will create a tight seal between the Wonderfill and the tray, which prevents plaster or stone from infiltrating the area.

 I remove the desired amount of Wonderfill from the tub and then manipulate the material with my fingers to form a domed bridge in the tongue area 

[Editor's note: Step-by-step images are availalbe in video above]

 Once this is completed, I start pouring the model by adding small amounts of stone to the most distal surface of one side of the impression and continue adding small increments to the same area. Next, I rotate the impression to guide the flow of the stone around the arch. Be sure to keep the stone moving through the anatomical depressions from one side, through the anterior and into the opposite side.

 When the impression is totally filled and the stone has completely set, I pop out the non-sticky Wonderfill.

 Because Wonderfill is water-soluble, non-sticky and won’t stain, it makes cleaning the model very easy. I just rinse the models under cool running water, and the surface looks pristine.

	I discovered that in one quick, simple step, I could fill the tongue area and voids in seconds by using Wonderfill. This water-soluble product is ready for placement and manipulates easily to conform to all locations, i.e. tongue area, missing teeth, undercuts caused by bubbles or voids created by tori.

Step-by-step: Saving time on implant fabrications 

	I like that this innovative tongue and void filler requires no mixing or preparation, no setup time and no cleaning time. Moreover, it is simple to use and quick to apply.

	Think about the effect on your practice if there was reduced time spent in the lab, a decreased repeat of procedures and less wasted products. To accomplish a positive impact on your practice, both clinically and financially, I recommend using Wonderfill as part of your pouring technique. In my opinion, when you add up Wonderfill’s time-saving results, convenience and ease of use, it equals satisfaction.

This article originally appeared in the 

Articles

Ellen Gambardella explains how she uses Wonderfill from Dental Creations to make perfect dental models.

Technique: Pouring better models with Wonderfill

	Over the years, I have poured numerous models while continually striving to make this task as efficient and easy as possible.

Therefore, I would like to share my experiences with different approaches for obtaining the perfect model.

Most of us have spent valuable time at the model trimmer or have used lab burs to remove excess stone from a model. I have experimented with various techniques such as using alginate, wax, wet paper towels, 

 to fill the tongue area and voids in the impression in hopes of minimizing the finishing time.

I have found that using alginate impression material to fill the tongue area is quite time-consuming. This requires mixing the alginate, inserting it in the tongue area and waiting for it to set. Once this is completed, additional time is needed to decontaminate work surfaces and equipment, such as bowls and spatulas.

Video: How to save time on model techniques

Another method uses wax that has been heated and manipulated to fill the area. I have noticed this procedure may not make a complete seal with the tray. Stone or plaster penetrates those unsealed areas, resulting in an uneven surface. Again, more wasted time is spent finishing the model. A different technique is to place wet paper towels in the tongue area.

Oftentimes, this method produces an irregular stone surface, which requires additional time at the model trimmer to smooth the area.

I have tried using Play-Doh as a filler. Although it filled the tongue area, it resulted in stained models, and the Play-Doh adhered to the stone, making it difficult to clean off the surface of the model. This unattractive appearance does not present well to patients and sends a negative message about the office.

Related reading: Tom Zaleske on Dental Creations' Wonderfill, other lab products

Undercuts also add to the demise of models. Patients with mandibular tori may produce large undercuts, which must be filled prior to pouring models. If this is not done, separation of the impression from the model becomes difficult and may result in a fractured model. If this happens, the model may have to be poured again. The results are too well known: Frustration escalates, productivity declines, materials are wasted and the entire process is delayed.

After experiencing these disappointing results, I asked myself: How can I save time and money without compromising the accuracy and professional appearance of my models? There is an answer: Use the product Wonderfill.

Prior to pouring the models, I always verify that the impression has been properly disinfected. Confirm the disinfectant solution has remained on the impression as well as the tray for the amount of time recommended by the manufacturer. Because Wonderfill is water-soluble, it is important to eliminate any excess disinfectant solution from the tray prior to filling the tongue area. This dryness will create a tight seal between the Wonderfill and the tray, which prevents plaster or stone from infiltrating the area.
	 

Check out the following video to view the step-by-step case:

Related reading: The simple and effective way to produce models in the lab

Continue to Page 2 to read about the procedure ...

Remove the desired amount of Wonderfill from the tub and then manipulate the material with my fingers to form a domed bridge in the tongue area.
	
	

Once this is completed, I start pouring the model by adding small amounts of stone to the most distal surface of one side of the impression and continue adding small increments to the same area. Next, I rotate the impression to guide the flow of the stone around the arch. Be sure to keep the stone moving through the anatomical depressions from one side, through the anterior and into the opposite side.
	
	

When the impression is totally filled and the stone has completely set, I pop out the non-sticky Wonderfill.
	
	

Because Wonderfill is water-soluble, non-sticky and won’t stain, it makes cleaning the model very easy. I just rinse the models under cool running water, and the surface looks pristine.

Related reading: Dental Creations' Perfect Pegs said to improve furnace firing efficiency and stability

I discovered that in one quick, simple step, I could fill the tongue area and voids in seconds by using Wonderfill. This water-soluble product is ready for placement and manipulates easily to conform to all locations, i.e. tongue area, missing teeth, undercuts caused by bubbles or voids created by tori.
	I like that this innovative tongue and void filler requires no mixing or preparation, no set up time and no cleaning time. Moreover, it is simple to use and quick to apply.

Think about the effect on your practice if there was reduced time spent in the lab, a decreased repeat of procedures and less wasted products. To accomplish a positive impact on your practice, both clinically and financially, I recommend using Wonderfill as part of your pouring technique. In my opinion, when you add up Wonderfill’s time-saving results, convenience and ease of use, it equals satisfaction.

, CDA, M.Ed., is an award-winning educator and professional speaker. In a nationwide search, Ellen was selected as the “most effective dental assistant educator in the United States” and is the recipient of the “Teacher of the Year” award in Massachusetts. Ellen has lectured nationally and internationally. She may be reached at
	

Bench mastery: How to foresee the final outcome of a dental restoration case

 Over the years, I have poured numerous models while continually striving to make this task as efficient and easy as possible.

How to pour professional models using Wonderfill

Using Dental Creation’s Wondersoft Aloe Vera Lotion is a great way to protect your skin while keeping you and your patients safe from infection.

Your skin is an amazing organ that functions to defend you from infection. Because it plays such a vital role in keeping us healthy, we should protect and take care of our skin. Good skin care habits represent a proactive approach to maintaining health and wellness.

It’s no secret that dental professionals cleanse their hands many times over the course of the clinical workday. Hands are decontaminated before and after 

, before eating, after using the restroom, after sneezing, after contact with anything contaminated, and the list goes on. A conscientious hand hygiene routine keeps you and your patients safe.

So how could this important infection control protocol possibly interfere with our goal to reduce cross contamination? The constant cleansing of hands via handwashing, surgical scrubbing, or alcohol based hand rubs may damage the skin.

The exposure to detergents and chemicals increases the risk of dry, cracked, itchy, and painful skin. Once the skin becomes compromised, the broken skin provides an easy pathway for germs to enter the body, which could make you ill or spread disease.  

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Guidelines for Hand Hygiene in Health-Care Settings

, “factors that can contribute to dermatitis associated with frequent handwashing include using hot water for handwashing, low relative humidity (most common in winter months), failure to use supplementary hand lotion or cream, and the quality of paper towels (254,255).”

Always wet hands with cool to lukewarm water to prevent dryness. Never use hot water to wash and rinse your hands. Hot water can open the skin pores and hasten the removal of natural oils faster than tepid water and it increases the risk of dermatitis.

 Use a humidifier during dry winter months to add moisture to the air.

 Apply a non-petroleum based hand lotion like 

Wondersoft Aloe Vera Lotion from Dental Creations  Ltd.

 frequently to maintain the dermal integrity of your hands. It is compatible with all gloves and its non-greasy formula distinguishes this product from others.

Dry hands thoroughly (all surface backs, palms and between fingers) after washing with an absorbent, single-use, disposable paper towel.
	
	


	
	Health care professionals can manage the skin’s integrity and keep it soft and pliable by applying hand lotion regularly throughout the day. This can be accomplished with Wondersoft Lotion. Its main ingredient, “aloe,” is known for its soothing qualities and its ability to moisturize and relieve dry skin disorders like dermatitis.
	
	Preventing occupationally related contact dermatitis is key to protecting yourself and the patients you serve. Healthy, intact skin is the body’s natural barrier against infection. Don’t put yourself at risk. Taking care of your skin, particularly your hands with lotions like Wondersoft, is one of the primary ways to protect yourself from infection.

Ellen Gambardella, CDA, M.Ed., is an award-winning educator and speaker. She was selected as the “Most Effective Dental Assistant Educator in the United States” and won the “Teacher of the Year” Award in Massachusetts. Reach her at ellengambardella@gmail.com.