An easy and effective tool to identify contact points for indirect restorations
Determining and checking the proximal contacts when seating a crown can be challenging for any clinician. An inaccurate assessment can lead to excessive adjustment or too large a contact point. To overcome this challenge, Directa Dental developed the SpotIt crown and bridge contact finder, describing it as an easy and effective tool for identifying contact points for indirect restorations.
We asked a group of dentists to try SpotIt in their practices for this Dental Product Shopper evaluation. The clinicians were eager to find out if the contact finder would be helpful in accurately indicating where an adjustment is needed for a perfect contact point.
Ease of Handling and Ease of Access
The SpotIt tool is designed to allow a practitioner to seat a restoration without assistance, holding the crown with one hand and the marker with the other hand. Calling it a good tool for one person seating a crown, Dr. Helen Lester shared, “The product allows you to have one finger on the crown while your other hand is holding the spot checker. Without the spot checker, you need both hands to hold the floss.” She pointed out that the tool was sometimes difficult to remove after inserting to check for proximal contact.
When asked what they liked best about SpotIt, several dentists said they liked the ease of handling, with Dr. Kenneth Ingber adding that he enjoyed the same ease of use and good result every time he used it. Though it is available with a straight or angled handle for easy access, a couple dentists recommended a longer handle to reach posterior teeth. Dr. Geoffry Hallstead appreciated that “it had good tensile strength and didn’t tear going through,” and Dr. Kari Haganman called SpotIt durable and appreciated that it could be used for multiple crowns on a given patient.
Accuracy of Markings
As a colored marker that traverses the contact between the prosthetic element and the adjacent tooth, SpotIt leaves a clear and accurate indication of the adjustment needed for a perfect contact point. For Dr. Haganman, who was looking for a product to confirm the contact location on crowns she designs and mills with CEREC, SpotIt confirmed where the contact was and if it was heavy or light, and it marked well on the surface of the crown. “It left a mark showing the contact for removal,” Dr. Hallstead shared, and “when the contacts were only slightly tight, it showed the spot nicely.” After beginning refinement of the contact, Dr. Hallstead said the mark wasn’t as clear, but added that it worked well for most contacts.
Noting that SpotIt “easily marks and demonstrates contact areas,” Dr. H.E. Henry said the color visibility was good, and concluded that SpotIt allows easy marking of interproximal adjustment points for easier seating of crowns and bridges. Dr. Ingber, who said it made tight contact areas more easily determined, summed up his thoughts by declaring, “Plain and simple. It works.”
Improved Efficiency and Patient Comfort
Calling SpotIt an excellent product with no learning curve, Dr. Harold Biller said it lessens the time necessary for trying in crowns and also makes the process less stressful. He explained, “Previously I had to try and hold a small piece of articulating paper around the crown as I tried it in. Frequently, this technique led to my dropping the crown as I attempted to try it in. SpotIt allows me to seat the crown and then mark the tight contact.” For Dr. Ingber, using SpotIt simplified his crown delivery and allowed for “smoother delivery of crowns and inlays.” He added, “[It’s a] great addition to our armamentarium.” Because SpotIt can be used with one person, Dr. Lester found that it makes it easier to seat or check a crown when working alone.
Regarding the patient experience, Dr. Gary Dong said it reduced chair time in some cases, and Dr. Lester recommended that the floss remain more taut. She explained, “When the floss loosens, you have to tug more to remove it from the contact, and this can seem a bit startling to the patient.” Dr. Gerald Rampton found that SpotIt made it easier to maintain the desired results, and Dr. Biller shared, “I can securely position the crown and mark the contact without dropping the crown in the patient’s mouth.”
Overall Satisfaction
Earning the designation of a DPS Recommended Product, SpotIt is an “informative tool to use,” according to Dr. Haganman, who said she would recommend it to colleagues because she likes getting clinical feedback on the CEREC-designed crowns she makes in her office. For Dr. Amir Noori, SpotIt streamlined the cementation process, making it simple to gloss, mark, and adjust. He concluded, “It is a clean way to mark the spot to adjust interproximally,” and added, “Absolutely a great idea.”
