by Ivoclar Vivadent
OptraDam Plus is natural rubber latex, double ring framed dental dam that does not generally require conventional rubber dam clamps. The metal-free, dual ring frame design allows the dam to be placed intraorally. The inner ring is placed in the vestibule area, while the outer ring fits extraorally against the patient’s face. With redesigned rings, this second version claims to offer more patient comfort than the original OptraDam. This ocean blue dam includes a mapping of both arches with printed dots, representing where to punch holes for the teeth, in addition to a cross design to represent quadrants of the mouth. Optradam Plus can be used for single, multiple or dual arch tooth isolation.
Packaging
OptraDam Plus is individually packaged to prevent cross contamination. Each Intro Kit contains 25 small and 25 regular sizes; refills contain 50 packages of either small or regular size. Most clinicians said they kept six in their patient rooms and the remainder in the supply closet.
Manufacturers Instructions
The manufacturer’s instructions were very accurate and understandable. Some Evaluators had problems with the first attempt at placement, but found using a mirror handle as demonstrated in the video made it easier. Without watching the video, the pinch techniques would have been hard to describe.
Comfort of the new design
Most evaluators felt the change in the ring design and the ability to place a saliva ejector in the center of the dam, made it more comfortable than the previous version. Some evaluators said their patients felt the Optradam relieved pressure from the patient’s jaw rather than just holding it open without isolation. During Endodontic procedures, taking radiographs seemed difficult and uncomfortable.
Time allowed for Placement
Majority of the evaluators said placement of the OptraDam took an average of 2 to 4 minutes.
Isolation
Anterior Isolation was easier than posterior isolation. Most evaluators used clamps for the posterior teeth, but none of the evaluators needed clamps for the anterior teeth. The evaluation team felt that the dam was marked for perfect spacing and formed a perfect seal around each isolated tooth.
Evaluation Team Feedback
Anterior Isolation was easier than posterior isolation. Most evaluators used clamps for the posterior teeth, but none of the evaluators needed clamps for the anterior teeth. The evaluation team felt that the dam was marked for perfect spacing and formed a perfect seal around each isolated tooth.
Using OptraDam Plus by Ivoclar Vivadent
With a clean rubber dam punch, perforate the OptraDam Plus.
Stretching the dam, make sure every punch is clean.
Grasp OptraDam Plus from the back with your left hand.
Reach through the outer ring with your right hand. Grasp the inner ring, but do not pull it out completely. Place the OptraDam Plus in the right corner of the mouth then the left.
Position the Dam in the lower vestibular and upper. Having the patient to close their mouth helps in placement.
The individually punched holes ensure that the dame is stretched for proper isolation. Proceed from the mesial to distal.
Use waxed dental floss to go between ever contact point. Remember to floss down and pull through.
Floss between again every contact point to a through placement.
With a IPC instrument, tuck the OptraDam Plus into the gingival sulcus.
