How to Choose the Best Rubber Dams For Your Practice
Dental rubber dams, besides being used as an STD preventative, can help achieve isolation in dental procedures. When performing dental procedures, isolations can create a dry field for better access, which is critical for successful outcomes. Dental dams act as a barrier, and the systems you use to work with your patients should be easy and comfortable. To help narrow down your search, there are some key terms you should know about the products you use.
According to The Hygenic Corporation, a manufacturer of natural and synthetic rubber latex, the terms latex, natural rubber, and latex all have their own unique definitions. While dental dam products use the terms “latex-free”, “non-latex” and “rubber” interchangeably, Hygenic defines these terms in the following ways:
- Latex – Latex can be described as any polymer in a viscous state, and latex does not have to contain natural rubber latex to be considered latex.
- Natural Rubber Latex – Natural rubber latex refers a specific form of latex that comes from the white sap from the hevea bransiliensis tree, which can be refined down and processed into products such as tubing, sheeting, and dental dams. It appears as a liquid form, making it more mold-able.
- Natural Rubber – Dry natural rubber latex that can be transported and stored. Natural rubber differs from natural rubber latex by its processing and compounding cycles, even while they appear similar. Natural rubber refers to its solid physical properties, rather than its makeup, and can be used for more precise profiles.
So, when a dental rubber dam product states that it’s “latex-free,” its technically incorrect. All rubber products go through an extrusion process and come from the same tree, and latex does not always have to contain rubber to be considered latex. Because of these confusions, the FDA has required certain labeling statements on medical devices to be made to avoid misinformation about these terms.
Where does that leave you, especially for patients with latex allergies? Offering both synthetic and natural rubber latex is your solution, and you can clarify this information with your patients to create a compassionate, trustworthy practice.
We searched through the top recommended dental catalogs, including Henry Schein, Pearson Dental, and Net32 to give you the best evaluation on these products. The order listed is based on our personal preferences, and below you can find the top five dental rubber dams for dentists.
1. Coltene HYGENIC® Dental Dam Standard Size
Amazon Ratings: 4.6 out of 5 stars
Net32 Ratings: 4.4 out of 5 stars
The Hygenic Corporation, now known as Coltene, has led the dental industry as a global leader for dental treatment applications. The Hygenic dental dam is their standard issue, made of pure, natural rubber latex, making them hard to tear and easy to place on any dental clamp frame. The Hygenic dental dam is manufactured through a latex casting technique for uniform thickness and high tolerance. When packaged, the Hygenic Dental Dam contains cornstarch powder to help preserve the elasticity and strength of the latex, which if needed can easily be washed off. This even surface allows for you to easily clasp onto and punch holes in the latex materials, and the sturdy material allows patients to keep their open and tongue out of the way during any dental procedures you need to complete.
Containing no scents, the Hygenic Dental Dam comes in a wide variety of thicknesses, ranging from thin to heavy, and have a standard size of 6”x 6”. All boxes contain 36 pieces. Customers reviewed this product as a highly reliable dental dam, with claims stating that the dental dam contains a solid mixture between thinness and strength.
2. Cranberry USA Carbon Latex Dental Dam
Another competitor among the dental industry, Cranberry USA specializes in developing protective infection control solutions, manufacturing and designing standard medical and dental equipment such as gloves, masks, dental dams with a focus on minimal exposure. Cranberry USA has developed First Touch® protocols, packaging their products with zero direct contact exposure, meaning when you open a package of their dental dams, you can be assured that their sterile and safe from human skin contact.
The Carbon Latex Dental Dam is their standard issue, made with tear resistance and tensile strength to produce low modulus elasticity. These dental dams are made with 80% less powder, 98% less protein, and have a 950% elongation resistance, removing the risk of patients developing a protein and latex allergy, and preventing accidents during procedures. All Carbon dental dams contain a two-sided matte finishing for easy grip, and their dark shades allow for distinct photography outcomes that cast no reflection. The Carbon brand comes in both latex and non-latex, and contain a medium gauge thickness. Each box contains 36 sheets, with a size measurement of 6” x 6”.
3. Coltene HYGENIC® Fiesta® Dental Dam Standard Size
Net32 Ratings: 5 out of 5 Stars
As an upgraded version of the Hygenic Dental Dam, the Fiesta Dental Dam brings the same benefits but contains fruit scents and different colors for enhancing the patient’s experience and comfort during the procedure. As an excellent choice for pediatric dental clinics, the Fiesta dental dams aim to reduce microbial contamination by up to 99% and maintain a non-contaminated field that’s free of any saliva and blood. These dental dams are made with natural rubber latex, contain no powders, no offensive latex odors, and have excellent recovery properties that focus solely on isolation. With both adult and children sizes, the Fiesta dental dams come in an assortment of colors, and range in thickness, and can come in both 5 x 5” and 6 x 6”.
Net32: https://www.net32.com/ec/hygenic-fiesta-5-x-medium-latex-dam-d-11742
4. Cranberry USA SmartDam Non-Latex Dental Dam
Amazon Ratings: 3.9 out of 5 stars
Net32 Ratings: 4.5 out of 5 stars
Cranberry USA also takes the ideas of Coltene’s Fiesta dental dams and puts them into effect with their SmartDam, offering high contrast colors for optimal visual acuity and scents such as spearmint and lavender for patient comfort. The Smart Dam contains all of the essentials that Cranberry’s Carbon Dental Dams, including a 98% less latex protein residue, 80% less powder, and a 950% elongation break. Available in both latex and non-latex, the SmartDam contains the two-sided matte finish for easy grip, and according to users on Net32, the overall impressions of the product are positive. The SmartDam dental dams are available in a variety of sizes and sheets, including both 5”x5” and 6”x6” with up to 52 sheets per box.
5. Coltene Hygenic® Framed Non-Latex Flexi Dam®
Net32 Ratings: 5 out of 5 stars
Awards: A Editor’s Choice 4 ½ star rating from Dental Advisor
Lastly, Coltene takes on a unique approach to dental procedures by building a frame within their Hygenic Framed FlexiDam dental dams. With a 95% overall rating from Dental Advisor, a dental data and review company, the framed FlexiDam incorporates a highly elastic natural rubber that’s tear resistant and easy placement. By building the frame within the dental dam, it removes sensitive time from prepping, allowing patients to feel secure and comfortable. The dam material has a workable area of 100 x 105 mm, is powder-free, and odorless. As an excellent choice for endodontic surgery, the Hygenic Framed Non-Latex Flexi Dam provide quality without the costs, and is an excellent addition for smooth dental procedures.
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