Product Review
The hygienists who participated in this evaluation
received an array of instruments based on their preferences.
The instruments they received included
Gracey Curettes, Scaler S/6 S/7, Scaler 204S, McCall
Scalers, Columbia Curettes, Jacquette Scalers, and
Towner Scalers. The evaluators used the instruments
in their practices for about 4 weeks and then completed
the Dental Product Shopper evaluation form.
Handle Size and Weight
According to J & J Instruments, the Silk scalers
and curettes are 9.5 mm in diameter for easy handling.
In addition, the overall weight is approximately
20 grams to help ease hand fatigue. The 8 hygienists
who participated in this evaluation were asked
about the importance of handle size (diameter) and
weight when purchasing scalers and curettes. Six
evaluators said handle diameter is very important, 1
said it is important, and 1 said it is somewhat important.
Seven hygienists said handle weight is very
important and 1 said it is important.
When the evaluators were asked to rate the handle
size of Silk scalers and curettes, 7 rated it as
excellent to very good and 1 rated it as good. One
evaluator said the handle is a “good diameter” and
another said, “The handle size is just right.” When
asked to rate handle weight for these instruments, 6
rated it as excellent to very good and 2 rated it as
good. One evaluator commented, “I love how light
the scalers are.”
Blade Sharpness and Thickness
The manufacturer says that the Silk scalers and
curettes are manufactured using high-grade German
440A stainless steel tips. In addition,
the instruments are razor sharp with
durable tips, and they are Rockwell
hardened to 60 HRc. When the evaluators
were asked about the importance
of blade sharpness and thickness when
purchasing scalers and curettes, all 8
said they are very important.
The evaluating hygienists were then
asked to rate the Silk instruments on
blade sharpness and thickness. Four
evaluators rated the sharpness as excellent
to very good, 1 rated it as good,
and 3 rated it as fair. One evaluator
said that she felt the blade “did not
remain as sharp as the ones I’m accustomed
to.” Another evaluator commented
that the blades remained “very
sharp, even after several uses.”
With regard to blade thickness, 5
evaluators rated the instruments as
excellent to very good, 1 rated them as
good, 1 rated them as fair, and 1 rated
them as poor. One evaluator said that
the blade “seemed a little thick, but I
guess all new instruments do.” Another
said that she thought the blade was
“thicker than other products I use.” A
third evaluator said she found the
thickness to be “very nice.” In field
tests conducted by the manufacturer,
some hygienists who originally commented
on the thickness of the Silk
blades later clarified their assessment.
They said that almost all new blades
feel thick when first used, but are then
made thinner with continued use and
sharpening.
Tactile Sensitivity
J & J Instruments describes the in -
stru ment handles as having deep precision
knurling for improved tactile feel.
When the evaluators were asked to rate
the Silk scalers and curettes on tactile
sensitivity, 3 rated them as excellent, 1
rated them as very good, and 4 rated
them as good. One evaluator said, “I
liked the handle. It was easy to grasp
and the texture helped with tactile sensitivity.
I was able to hold it lightly and
still maintain a good hold.”
Overall Satisfaction
At the end of the evaluation, the
evaluators were asked to give their
overall satisfaction rating for the Silk
scalers and curettes. Seven evaluators
rated them as excellent to very good
and 1 rated them as fair. In commenting
on tactile sensitivity, 1 evaluator said,
“Tactile sensitivity is great. I could really
feel the surface of the teeth through
the handle.” Another evaluator
summed it up by saying, “The instruments
are easy to use because of the
light weight, large diameter, and high
tactile sensitivity handles.”
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