The Gold Narrow Strip from ContacEZ enables clinicians to easily access and trim away small, hard to reach overhangs after dental restorations, according to the company. It’s also designed to clean out otherwise unreachable cement debris from the interproximal space after definitive crown cementation.
“The most common method of cleaning out cement was to use dental floss and/or an explorer to clean out the debris from crown cementation or composite fillings, but these are often unable to completely and thoroughly remove this leftover material,” said Daniel S. Kim, DDS, CEO and founder of ContacEZ.
“The Gold Narrow Strip is narrow enough to reach the undercut area of the interproximal area and strong enough to completely remove any debris that is free or attached on the root surfaces of teeth,” he said.
Three design features give the Gold Narrow Strip its versatility and effectiveness—and, according to Kim, it is the first product from any company that combines these features. First, its narrow stainless steel strip lets dentists access the subgingival area at the proper angle easily and without damaging the patient’s soft tissues.
“High-quality stainless steel is the industry standard for diamond-coated strips, and it is the ideal material for our purposes,” said Kim. “It is durable enough to resist warping and tearing through proper use, yet flexible enough to conform and preserve the natural contours of patients’ teeth.”
Second, the unique blank central gateway makes entering the interproximal space easy and ensures the abrasive surfaces are only used when necessary. Third, its patented ContacEZ autoclavable strip handle is designed to give clinicians optimal control and comfort.
“Our handle design has been continually tested and refined by a practicing dentist since ContacEZ first opened. The beveled interior surrounding the strip and the grip knobs at both edges give dentists a variety of comfortable, secure positions for holding and usage,” said Kim.
The strip’s built-in flexibility also means dentists don’t have to alter the tension manually, drastically reducing hand fatigue, Kim said. The compact, single-handed design and the central opening between the strip and handle let dentists simultaneously use an additional instrument simply and easily too, he added.
Meanwhile, the company’s Blue Narrow Strip cuts away more prominent overhangs, and the Copper Narrow Strip can be used for final polishing to restore a natural surface. All of the ContacEZ dental strips are autoclavable and reusable.
“Our general recommendation for maximum efficiency is that strips be replaced after 4 to 5 uses based on wear and tear on the diamond grit,” said Kim. “In terms of durability, despite its thin and narrow build, most dentists will wear down the diamond powder through normal use well before any significant warping or breakage occurs with the strip.”
For more information, call 800-537-8765 or visit https://www.contacez.com/subgingival.
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