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To the powder, get set, go – a new prophylaxis trio

With the slogan “Proxeo – prophy for professionals”, W&H presents its expanded portfolio for automatic plaque removal. Proxeo supports the complete preventive workflow on the basis of scientific recommendations for each patient and each indication. T

The Proxeo Aura air polishing system has been part of the W&H prophylaxis range since this year's International Dental Show (Fig. 1). The system concept that characterises all W&H product groups is also provided, so that the powders, handpieces and spray heads are ideally compatible and ensure thorough and gentle cleaning – supragingival and subgingival.

Integrated systems

When it comes to devices and accessories, prophylaxis teams are often faced with the question of whether each handpiece is compatible with all of the powders on the market and thus whether it can be used at the team's discretion. The answer to this is clearly no, which is why the Proxeo Aura air polishing handpiece and associated powders were developed as a compatible system in order to achieve the best possible results and to guarantee maximum reliability. Increased abrasiveness, blockages and reduced efficiency are only some examples of the effects that can occur due to an incorrect match between the device and powder.

Usability and comfort

Before using the system, a decision should always be made, based on the clinical findings, about which powders should be used in which order and which indications should be covered (Fig. 2). Experience shows that the easier and more reliable a device is to use, the more frequently it will ultimately be used in practice. A special feature of the Proxeo Aura handpiece is that the working pressure for supragingival or subgingival work can be changed in seconds using the adjustment ring and thus all indications can be conveniently covered. The transparent powder chamber with a side opening makes it convenient to refill and easy to check the powder level.

Sounding out air polishing

Air polishing is the process of cleaning and polishing teeth and dental prostheses using a device that mixes air and water pressure with an abrasive substance.1 In addition to the device used1, the outcome of the air polishing2 is predominantly affected by the abrasion potential of the powder.1,2 This is determined by:

Hardness, particle size and powder particle shape

Contact time of the powder spray with the tooth surface

Spray pressure

Powder concentration and quantity

Impact angle

Powder type1,2

Correct technique for successful treatment

Aside from selecting the right powder, the correct technique is also crucial for healthy, happy patients in the long term and minimal aerosol load in the room. Hand position, duration and tips for air polishing are covered below. The optimal impact angle of the spray jet onto the tooth surface depends on the powder used and whether the treatment is supragingival or subgingival. An impact angle of 90 degrees should only be implemented to deep clean the occlusal surfaces prior to a fissure sealing.3 When using sodium bicarbonate powders, the spray jet must never be at a right angle to the tooth surface and should be directed away from the gingival margin.2 When using a glycine powder, the powder-water spray jet can be targeted directly at the sulcus if the pockets are shallow (up to approximately 3 mm)2, e.g. using appropriate spray heads. In any event, the instructions for use from the appropriate manufacturer must be adhered to when using the powder.

The opening of the spray head should be approximately 3-4 mm away from the tooth surface.2-4 The spray jet is generally applied in brushing or circular movements from the tooth neck to the occlusal surface – from red to white. Data from the literature and studies on the adequate treatment duration of a tooth surface range from a maximum of two3 to a maximum of five seconds.4-6 It must also be ensured that the suction technique is carried out in such a way that as much of the spray aerosol is suctioned as possible. Practitioners and patients should wear eye and face protection.3

Easy Prophylaxis Guide: An overview of the indications and powders.

Details

  • Ignaz-Glaser-Straße 53, 5111 Bürmoos, Austria
  • W&H Dentalwerk Bürmoos GmbH