Ideal Saliva Absorption for Efficient Procedures
Colorado-based dental hygienist Malee Wong relies on NeoDrys from Microcopy for optimal performance and patient comfort
When she was a dental hygiene student, Malee Wong, RDH, recalls, her school had only the highest-quality supplies—from the materials and instruments used in procedures to the PPE—all handpicked by the instructors. Starting out with “the best of the best,” as she describes it, set the standard as she embarked on a career in preventive care that would take her across several states and practices.
Ever since those school days, one product Wong has always insisted on has been NeoDrys saliva absorbents from Microcopy. In her experience, no other product can accomplish the essential task of keeping a dry field so efficiently.
“It’s the combination of isolation, retraction, and patient acceptance that makes this product No. 1 for me,” she said. “I have experimented with other products, but they do not keep the tooth dry enough, forcing me to sometimes need to start over, which ends up taking even more time.”
NeoDrys are designed with a super absorbent core—its acrylate polymer traps moisture as a gel when in contact with saliva—ensuring continued dryness. They also provide ideal cheek retraction and protection, so dental professionals have enough room to accomplish what’s needed in close quarters. To brighten up the oral cavity, NeoDrys also have a reflective backing option for those users seeking further illumination.
Patient comfort is another key attribute. NeoDrys’ medical-grade poly netting adheres gently to the tissue, and the edge is soft and flexible with no sharp corners.
Having practiced in Texas, Wyoming, and now Colorado, Wong has used NeoDrys whenever she needs a dry field. When applying sealants, she places one buccally and another lingually to isolate the area. “After I am done placing the sealant, I simply remove them,” she said. “Sometimes the NeoDry works so well that they adhere to the buccal tissues and/or the tongue. Simply spraying a little bit of water on the NeoDry helps to gently release it.”
NeoDrys, which come in large and small sizes to accommodate any size mouth, have also been a staple in her dental teams’ setup tubs for procedures including crowns, composite restorations, core buildups, and endo. “They help us with efficiency during the procedures in which we need a dry field. They also allow the dentist to do some tasks without needing the assistant in the operatory, which allows the assistant to go do something else—and we all know that there is a never-ending
list of things to do in a dental office,” Wong said.
What is her advice to other dental professionals who may think all saliva absorbents are created equal?
“I would definitely tell them that they can be more efficient if they use NeoDrys. I understand that there are less costly items out there, but they are not the same! There is always an aspect of convenience that is missing.” She adds with a laugh, “I would also tell them that if they decide they don’t like them for any reason, I will be more than happy to take them off their hands so that I never run out.”
