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Choosing the Best Hygiene Products for Your Practice

Written by

Jess Cilenti

Written On

April 5, 2022

When it comes to dental hygiene treatment, the products you use are extremely important. It is important to ensure that you are using products that enhance treatment efficacy and patient experience as a whole. Here are some tips for choosing the best dental hygiene products for your practice.

Choosing a Dental Hygiene Handpiece

The hygiene handpiece is one of the most important tools that are used during hygienic dental treatment. When it comes time to choose a new handpiece, there are a few things to keep in mind:

  • The type of handpiece you desire (air propulsion vs electric propulsion)
  • The importance of an integrated LED light
  • The type (and intensity) of cleaning and maintenance that is needed on a regular basis

Air Propulsion vs Electric Propulsion

As the name suggests, air propulsion handpieces are powered by compressed air. This type of system typically reaches a maximum of 25.000 revolutions per minute (rpm).

 

Electric propulsion handpieces are powered by electricity rather than compressed air. This system typically provides a maximum speed of 40.000 revolutions per minute (rpm), and provides a constant cutting speed, regardless of workload; the process is not hindered or slowed down at any point.

Integrated LED Light

A built-in LED light provides high visibility in the working area without the use of a reflector, simplifying the process and providing a clear and concise view for the dental professional who is administering hygienic treatment.

 

The integrated LED light burns cool and produces a bright and natural light, preventing color distortion. They are designed to run for extended periods of time, and are extremely long-lasting; most LED bulbs provide up to 50,000 hours of use.

 

While the initial cost of a handpiece with a built-in light may be a bit higher, you may find that your investment pays off in the long run.

Cleaning and Maintenance

In order to keep your hygiene handpiece in ideal operating condition, it is important to ensure that you are properly cleaning and maintaining it.

 

All handpieces come with a set of instructions for proper maintenance and cleaning. Be sure to check out these instructions and ensure that you and your team can adhere to them to keep your handpieces in top operating shape.

Prophy Supplies

Disposable prophy angles and prophy paste are two types of dental hygiene supplies that are absolutely essential for the prophylaxis cleaning process.

 

When choosing a single-use prophy angle, keep the following in mind:

  • Ergonomics
  • Angle type (contra vs straight)
  • Gears (high sound levels can be unpleasant for patients)
  • Cup design (webbed, spiral, or ribbed)
  • Grip

When choosing prophy paste, it is a good idea to consider the following:

  • Available flavors (most adults tend to choose mint or cherry, while most children prefer bubble gum, chocolate, or blueberry)
  • Grit size
  • Reduced splatter
  • Easy handling

Ultrasonic Scalers and Inserts

Ultrasonic scalers are crucial for successful periodontal treatment application. While calculus removal was done manually in years past, ultrasonic scaling machines completely automate the process, improving the overall experience both for the dental professional and the patient alike.

 

When choosing an ultrasonic scaler, consider the following aspects to find the ultrasonic unit that best suits your practice:

  • Water supply
  • Ergonomics
  • Noise level during operation
  • Operating frequency

Ultrasonic scaler inserts are not universal; there are various different sizes, lengths, and shapes to help you get the job done. When choosing ultrasonic inserts, it is important to consider the following:

  • Location
  • Tooth anatomy
  • Deposit type/amount of deposits
  • Gingival conditions
  • Preferred grip/handle style
  • Preferred water delivery method

Choosing the correct type of ultrasonic insert will help ensure that you are able to provide maximum deposit removal for your patients.

Dental Sealants

Sealants have been examined to provide a roughly 80% reduction in caries two years after placement. They are ideal for the protection of approximal and occlusal surfaces.

 

When selecting the types of dental sealants that will be used in your practice, consider the following:

  • Resin-based vs glass ionomer
  • Self-etching vs manual acid etch application
  • Hydrophilic material vs hydrophobic
  • Flow ability
  • Retention and integrity over time
  • Longevity after placement
  • Tooth location
  • Age of patient

Glass Ionomer Dental Sealants

Commonly referred to as GICs, this type of dental sealant is made up of aluminosilicate glass and polymeric water-soluble acid. These two solutions are mixed to produce a viscous paste, and operates on an acid-base reaction.

 

GICs may be favored for sealant placement on posterior teeth, as they are hydrophilic and fast-setting. They act as a fluoride reservoir and are excellent for protection against future decay.

 

Resin-Based Dental Sealants

Resin-based sealants do not require acid-base bonding; instead, they operate on polymerization. They are hydrophobic, which may not make them an ideal choice for posterior placements, though they are typically quite successful for anterior placements.

 

They typically provide less fluoride release, higher tensile strength, and less expansion after contact with water.

 

Safco Dental: Best Online Dental Supply Company

The materials and supplies that are used have a direct effect on the efficacy of treatment, as well as the comfort and satisfaction of your patients. With the information you have learned here, you will be able to take an informed approach to choosing the best hygiene products and supplies for your practice.

 

Here at Safco Dental, we are dedicated to providing the equipment and supplies you need to provide your patients with the top-tier care that they deserve.

 

For high-quality dental supplies, place your trust in Safco Dental. In addition to a wide range of hygiene products, we proudly boast a massive inventory of essentials for general dentistry, pediatric dentistry, surgical dentistry, and more.

Do you have questions about the dental hygiene supplies that we have to offer? Looking for some assistance in choosing the supplies that will best serve both your patients and your hygiene staff? Feel free to contact us anytime.

 

Be sure to check out our Blog page for more informative dental blogs.

 

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