Reducing Aerosols Using OptraDam® Plus by Ivoclar

May 22, 2020 Lee Ann Brady DMD

In light of today’s heightened need to reduce aerosol viruses, weighing the benefit of using a rubber dam may outweigh the challenges of using one. But I have found a barrier solution that is easy to use, highly efficient for isolation and reduction of aerosols, and more patient-friendly. It is actually a rubber dam replacement called OptraDam® Plus from Ivoclar Vivadent.

For some time now it has been part of my restorative toolkit, because the isolation improves restorative outcomes and, once again…it is efficient, easy to use, and patient-friendly. I call it “the friendlier version of a rubber dam.”

OptraDam® Plus comes prepacked in two sizes, regular and small. It has a figure 8 OptraGate for holding the lips out of the way and has a solid rubber dam back that is pre-marked for where to punch the holes. It is easy to insert and more comfortable in place. Because it does not require a lot of retention, I can use it without a clamp. This means I do not have to deliver palatal anesthesia on the maxillary or long buccal anesthesia on the mandibular. This is much kinder and gentler for the patient. It does not come in a Latex-free version, but it is a barrier solution you may want to consider.

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E1: Aesthetic & Functional Treatment Planning

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CE HOURS: 39

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Transform your experience of practicing dentistry, increase predictability, profitability and fulfillment. The Essentials Series is the Key, and Aesthetic and Functional Treatment Planning is where your journey begins.  Following a system of…

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Lee Ann Brady DMD

Dr. Lee Ann Brady is passionate about dentistry, her family and making a difference. She is a general dentist and owns a practice in Glendale, AZ limited to restorative dentistry. Lee’s passion for dental education began as a CE junkie herself, pursuing lots of advanced continuing education focused on Restorative and Occlusion. In 2005, she became a full time resident faculty member for The Pankey Institute, and was promoted to Clinical Director in 2006. Lee joined Spear Education as Executive VP of Education in the fall of 2008 to teach and coordinate the educational curriculum. In June of 2011, she left Spear Education, founded leeannbrady.com and joined the dental practice she now owns as an associate. Today, she teaches at dental meetings and study clubs both nationally and internationally, continues to write for dental journals and her website, sits on the editorial board of the Journal of Cosmetic Dentistry, Inside Dentistry and DentalTown Magazines and is the Director of Education for The Pankey Institute.

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