Ellen Gambardella

How can we make the workplace more efficient, maneuver as quickly as possible without compromising quality, have successful outcomes, and reduce stress and all at the same time? Impossible? … Wrong.

To achieve positive outcomes, you must be organized. Planning and using the right products to accomplish your goals is essential.

I have found that using Sassy Flexible Mixing Bowls, Sassy Spatulas, Wonderfill and Wonderadmix products from Dental Creations can significantly impact your workplace in a positive way. Here is why …

We are seeing more individuals presenting with mild, moderate, or severe latex sensitivities. This should be an area of concern for clinicians. After reviewing the health history, health care providers cannot be 100% certain that the patient will not have an adverse reaction if exposed to latex. To address this issue, some practitioners have advertised their offices as “Latex Free”, thus eliminating all products with latex to create a safer dental environment for everyone.

Taking alginate impressions and pouring up models are skills that require the use of bowls, and all mixing bowls are not created equal.

Most practices use rubber bowls to mix alginate impression materials. Here’s why I suggest you choose a non-latex bowl. Why? The alginate technique requires mixing the impression material in a bowl while forcefully smearing it along the sides of the bowl to ensure a homogeneous mix without air bubbles. If a latex bowl is used, the alginate has come in direct contact with latex. It is then placed in a tray and transported to the oral cavity. I would rather remove any concerns by selecting the Sassy Latex Free Flexible Mixing bowls. By eliminating the latex, you have eliminated a potential risk factor and can proceed with confidence. A real plus for the office and the patient. Remember, safety first – don’t take chances.

The flexible design allows the bowl to fit comfortably in your hand without the need to forcefully press on the bowl to have it conform to your hand. The flexibility of the Sassy Bowl diminishes strain on wrists, thumbs and fingers thus reducing inflammation to those already overused hands.

Cleaning the Sassy Mixing Bowls via the flex, wipe, and disinfect method is easy. An autoclavable option is available for those offices wanting to elevate their infection control protocols. Moreover, these bowls are compatible with most automatic alginate mixers.

Bowls are also required when mixing plaster, stone, and investment materials. I would recommend you use 1 set of bowls for mixing gypsum and a separate set used exclusively for alginate impressions.

Are you using a mixing spatula designed with a stainless-steel blade and a wooden handle? These may not be autoclaved without compromising the wood. In fact, I had a steak knife run through the dishwasher once too many times. The wooden handle broke away from the blade and I was appalled at what I saw under the wood.

I equated this to the spatulas we use in dentistry and immediately transitioned from the stainless-steel wooden handle spatula to the Sassy Spatulas.

These are designed as 1 piece (no rivets or crevices for germs to collect), are made of high-grade polypropylene and are autoclavable to 270° F which eliminates cross contamination of pathogens.

The Sassy Spatulas are manufactured in a deep pink or blue color, resist stain, and always look clean to patients … perception is everything.

When choosing a spatula, take the color into consideration. White spatulas discolor when autoclaved, look dirty, and do not present well to patients. The Sassy Spatulas are manufactured in a deep pink or blue color, resist stain, and always look clean to patients … perception is everything!

Many dental professionals experience hand and wrist pain and will try different treatments to alleviate the discomfort. One approach to relieving aching hands is to select the correct type of mixing spatula. Sassy Spatulas are lightweight and ergonomically designed with thumb and finger rests that reduce strain to your hands and wrists. This Sassy product is great for helping achieve happy hands.

Pouring Dental Models Just Got A Whole Lot Easier

Effective planning is essential to the pouring process. Don the appropriate personal protective equipment. Inspect the impression for accuracy and verify that it has been properly disinfected. Once this has been accomplished, proceed to mix the stone or plaster.

Taking ideal impressions and pouring perfect models are important skills that relate to the accuracy of the finished case. Creating a detailed reproduction that captures an exact replica of a patient’s teeth and adjacent tissues is essential for well-fitting prosthesis. The poured dental model acts as the foundation to the case. Like any structure (house or commercial building), if the foundation is defective the structure will have problems. This is also true for dental models. If the model [foundation] is flawed the end-product will be substandard. We must pour accurate models to avoid potential problems.

New Spatulas from Dental Creations Designed for Easy Mixing of Dental Materials 

So, what contributes to pouring predictable and accurate dental models? What is the most efficient way to fill the tongue area and voids? How is model trimming time reduced? By what method is a surfactant applied to the impression to ensure the most critical areas are reached?

Wonderfill … Fulfilling All Your Expectations

In preparation to pouring models, attention must be given to the tongue area, voids, and undercuts. If the tongue area is not filled, stone will flow into the space, set up and lock the impression to the model. Separation of the impression from the model becomes challenging and oftentimes results in fracture. There are various methods for filling the tongue area. Wet paper towels may be used however, this approach creates an irregular stone surface which requires additional time at the model trimmer to smoothen the uneven area. Another time-consuming technique includes using alginate to fill the tongue area. This requires mixing more alginate, placing it in the tongue area, and waiting for it to set. Some clinicians use heated wax. This procedure may not make a complete seal with the tray causing gypsum to penetrate those unsealed areas resulting in irregular surfaces. Others use Play Doh as a filler. This technique may stain the model, is difficult to clean off the model’s surface and becomes unusable as it turns dry and hard.

All these methods require additional time. Remember “Time is Money.”

The Wonderadmix system comes with syringes containing a concentrated solution and an empty bottle.

After evaluating these methods and experiencing 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 Wonderfill.

The simplicity of Wonderfill makes it an excellent choice of product. In just 1 quick step you can fill the tongue area, voids, and undercuts. This water-soluble material requires no mixing or preparation. Its perfect consistency allows for easy manipulation that conforms to any area or shape. Wonderfill is reusable – easily remove any residual stone, return it to the container and cover. It eliminates the need to mix alginate filler or use wax and saves precious time at the model trimmer.

Wonderfill’s time saving results and ease of use make it a winner. I refer to this product as Wonderful Wonderfill. Try it, and I believe you will too.

We want our patients to walk out of the office feeling like you exceeded their expectations. Choosing the right products to make the treatment run seamlessly will accomplish that goal. The use of Wonderadmix will also help to achieve satisfied and happy patients. No more delays, repours, or starting over. Pouring meticulous dental models is your insurance policy to achieving well-fitting dental appliances.

What else can be done to perfect model pouring? Use surfactants. Surfactants, also called surface-active agents, reduce surface tension thus increasing spreading and wetting properties.

Surfactants are routinely used to spray impressions before pouring models. This spray technique may produce a haphazard, uneven application which contributes to unwanted voids/bubbles. Moreover, a pooling of excess fluid on the surface of the impression may lead to chalky spots on the model. Most importantly, this method oftentimes misses the most critical areas of the impression such as the detail on and around the prepared teeth. Say goodbye to spray surfactants, hit or miss applications, and unpredictable outcomes.

An innovative approach to correcting these problems is to use Wonderadmix from Dental Creations. It is an effective bubble buster. When pouring models, it replaces the manufacturer’s recommended amount of water with a powerful and concentrated surfactant solution. This product distributes the surfactant via the stone mix, thereby ensuring an equal distribution of surfactant to the entire impression including, the most critical and detailed areas on and around the prepared teeth. Wonderadmix breaks the surface tension and allows plaster or stone to glide effortlessly over the surface of the impression. In addition, models will exhibit a smooth, strong surface thus resistant to chipping and fracturing.

The Wonderadmix system comes with syringes containing a concentrated solution and an empty bottle. Simply dispense the Wonderadmix syringe liquid into the provided bottle, fill the bottle with water and shake before each use. Use this powerful mixture instead of plain water and experience the pristine results. It is that easy.

Do it right the first time rather than doing it over. Choose Sassy Flexible Mixing Bowls, Sassy Spatulas, Wonderfill, and Wonderadmix.

Articles

Sassy Flexible Mixing Bowls, Sassy Spatulas, Wonderfill and Wonderadmix can help practitioners do it right the first time rather than having to do it over.

How One CDA Uses a Variety of Dental Creations’ Products to Improve Her Workflow

	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 Wonderfill 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 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.

 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 April 2015 issue of Dental Lab Products.

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.