Ultradent: Products That Enable Outstanding Patient Care
From restorative favorites to preventive game-changers, a wide-ranging group of materials and equipment from Ultradent has won the praise of DPS evaluators
Ultradent has yet another winner to add to its stable of go-to products,” DPS evaluator Michael Szymanski, DDS, proclaimed at the conclusion of a Best Product review. While specifically referring to Thermo Clone VPS impression material, his words sum up Ultradent’s success in the eyes of the dentists and hygienists who volunteer to review products for DPS. In recent years, evaluators have awarded top honors to Ultradent—long known for groundbreaking products in areas such as whitening and curing lights—for a diverse group of restorative and endodontic materials, as well as preventive equipment.
Raul Escalante, DDS, MS, an evaluator with a general practice in San Marcos, CA, has been using Ultradent products for decades. “Over the years, I believe I've tried all of their products, and I can unequivocally state that Ultradent is an excellent company and their restorative products are, in my opinion, at the top tier of the market."While he uses many of the company’s restorative products, Dr. Escalante has been offering whitening products in Ultradent’s Opalescence family for many years. Preferring to use custom trays, he prescribes Opalescence PF take-home gel, which comes in 5 concentrations. “To this date, I have been able to bleach patients’ teeth to their satisfaction and most, if not all, of them continue to bleach with Opalescence.”
“Over the years, I believe I have tried all of their products, and I can unequivocally state that Ultradent is an excellent company and their restorative products are, in my opinion, at the top tier of the market."
- Raul Escalante, DDS, MS; San Marcos, CA
Restorative Gems
Several of Ultradent’s Best Products play pivotal roles in the restorative workflow.
The Gemini 810 + 980 diode laser is “the cream of the crop” when it comes to laser dentistry, according to Dr. Irene Ren-ieris. The laser has allowed her to control hemostasis, eliminate cord packing, and obtain accurate visible margins during scanning. Gemini features 20 watts of peak super-pulsed power, which 
means faster, smoother cutting with less tissue tagging. “Gemini allows me to cut with precision, with much less tissue tagging and really great tissue resolution,” said Dr. Alexander Vizcarra, who lauded the laser’s presets for automatic adjustment to the best power and pulse for common procedures.
When it comes to achieving accurate impressions, Thermo Clone VPS impression material quickly became a favorite of DPS evaluators. Specially engineered to create precise, consistent impressions, the VPS material begins setting when it is placed in the patient’s mouth for a faster working time and to help prevent distortion. Abraham Jaskiel, DMD, who takes an average of 60 impressions per month, said he took two impressions on a patient—one with a very expensive material and the other with Thermo Clone VPS, which he said was “by far” the more accurate impression. “Thermo Clone VPS is, as of now, the best material I have ever used in 18 years, with not much effort and fast working time if you need it,” he said.
Designed to mimic the esthetics and function of natural dentition, ExperTemp is a bis-acryl composite provisional mate-rial used to fabricate temporary crowns, bridges, inlays, and onlays, as well as long-term temporaries. The product became Dr. Escalante’s go-to for temporaries because it is quick and produces great-looking results. “Patients like the way they look, especially on anterior teeth,” he said. “I think this is a better temp all around when compared to the old-school way of using powder and liquid monomer.”
For adjusting and polishing any ceramic material to achieve a truly smooth surface with a natural-looking finish, the Jiffy Universal System served evaluators well. “I like the fact that it is a ‘system,’ so it is very clear which grit serves which function. It has allowed me to better streamline my zirconia crown deliveries when adjustments are needed,” said Dr. Debra Haselton. The specially formulated diamond grits provide optimal smoothness and outstanding polishing results, while still being gentle on processed materials. “The product provides a finish that rivals oven glazing in much less time,”
reported Dr. Steven Oliver.
Sweeping Up in Preventive
Advances in the preventive department include the Ultrapro Tx Air handpiece and the Ultrapro Tx Sweep disposable prophy angle, both of which are Best Products.
The lightweight Ultrapro Tx Air is equipped with a 360° swivel for easy rotation and access, and is compatible with nearly all disposable prophy angles. A vibration-free motor minimizes splatter while removing tough stains. Dr. Patrick Tanner described the Ultrapro Tx Air as easier to use, smoother, and quieter than the handpiece his team had been using. “It not only works and sounds great, it also looks more up to date and modern,” he said.
The Ultrapro Tx Sweep is designed with an innovative brush guard with flexible bristles that greatly reduces splatter by preventing saliva and paste from collecting and roping around the cup. The polishing cup, available in a soft or firm design, sweeps the prophy paste back toward the tooth, allowing the user to continue working with fewer stops for paste refills.
“It’s amazing how splatter was basically reduced to zero,” said Monica Rogers, RDH. “In my opinion, this is the most innovative angle to come onto the market since I began practicing 20 years ago.”
Ultra-Reliable Products
Dr. Denise Habjan uses Ultradent products at her practice in Santa Ana, CA. “I really like Ultradent products and have used them for years,” she said. At the end of the day, it’s about pleasing the patient with long-lasting results.
For more information visit www.ultradent.com
