Materials That Meet the Need

Author
By: Dental Product Shopper
8/10/2023
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ALISA KAUFFMAN, DMD

Dr. Kauffman completed her undergraduate training at Lehigh University with a bachelor’s degree in biology in 1981 and graduated from the University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine with a Doctor of Dental Medicine degree in 1985. A traveling dentist in Manhattan, NY, she has dedicated her practice to geriatrics since 1995. She is currently the director of geriatric dental care at 3 local nursing homes, and she founded the Dental LIFE program at the University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing. Dr. Kauffman is a lecturer for VOCO and also frequently lectures on geriatrics worldwide.

 

Expertly formulated VOCO materials ensure comfort, biocompatibility, and long-lasting results—especially for patients receiving house-call dental care

 

When it comes to traveling professions, dentistry doesn't usually top the list. But it does for Dr. Alisa Kauffman, who took her practice on the road 30 years ago to provide better care for New York City's underserved senior population. Patience is a key item in her treatment toolkit, as well as several tried-and-true products from VOCO. Here, she explains how these unique biocompatible materials help her provide quality oral care to her elderly and homebound patients—day in and day out.

 

I’ve always had a passion for treating the under-served senior population, and after realizing how difficult it was for those aged 65 and older to get to a dental office, I decided to take my New York City practice on the road and treat these elderly patients in the comfort of their own homes.

 

Unique Patient Challenges

 

Geriatric patients face many challenges when it comes to accessing and receiving dental care. Besides facing multiple health issues, many are unable to travel to the dental office, walk up steps to get inside, or transfer into a dental chair. Some patients require more treatment time because they are unable to keep their mouths open for long procedures

 

I've found that when treating patients with these challenges, patience is a virtue. In my experience, the key to fostering more patience is having the flexibility to treat patients in their own home, as well as making it a priority to find quality dental products that help speed up procedures while producing predictable, long-lasting results.

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Ufi Gel SC

 

One of these products is VOCO’s Ufi Gel SC, which I use to provide the most comfortable and reliable denture relines. It is the best one-visit, permanently soft reline product on the market. It does not delaminate and lasts longer than the other products I have used in the past.

 

If a patient complains about an ill-fitting denture, the ideal treatment plan would be to immediately fabricate new dentures. However, insurance does not always recognize the need to remake dentures, nor does it value house-call dentistry in reimbursement or payment models.

 

In other cases where the patient may be frail, in hospice, or have some form of dementia, new dentures may be too much for them to handle, so a soft reline is often the only sensible solution.

 

 Made with a durable, top-quality silicone that does not irritate the tissues, I use Ufi Gel SC on both partial and complete dentures. Also available in a hard formulation (Ufi Gel hard C), both products will not wear down from denture cleaners, which is important for longevity.

 

Best of all, Ufi Gel SC looks great in the mouth and has a durable elasticity and high resilience. I have honestly had the best success using this product to provide quality oral care to my patients.

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Profluorid L

 

Poor brushing technique and frequency are the main causes of erosion, which are very common in the geriatric population. Profluorid L is one of the greatest tools in my travel suitcase for the treatment of hypersensitive teeth, especially on the root surfaces, which is seen every day in my practice. I probably use it 2 to 3 times daily.

 

Patients have immediate relief on the first application of Profluorid L. Its formula offers double protection by combining 5% sodium fluoride, which starts working immediately, with calcium deposits that store and release fluoride over time. This doubling effect makes it the perfect long-term solution for sensitive teeth.

 

The resin used in Profluorid L does not interfere with bleaching results, making it a win-win for patients bleaching their teeth.

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Remin Pro

 

I use Remin Pro with patients who have sensitivity because it helps strengthen enamel, especially for those who struggle with brushing due to dexterity issues. It contains fluoride, nanohydroxyapatite, and xylitol for effective "triple" protection, but the star ingredient is nanohydroxyapatite, which helps fill small irregularities in tooth structure caused by erosion.

 

 

Remin Pro works with saliva in just 3 minutes to control hypersensitivity while restoring proper mineral balance. It is best to let Remin Pro sit on the teeth as long as possible; I do this by having the patient spit out residual paste and saliva without rinsing for optimal results. My patients love the strawberry flavor!

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Admira Protect

 

VOCO cares about the biocompatibility of all its products, which is very important to me because I treat patients who may not be able to voice their concerns if they feel any side effects. I want to be certain that the products I'm using are 100% safe and will not cause an immune response within the body.

 

VOCO has taken extreme testing measures to ensure its ORMOCER (Organically Modified Ceramic) matrix, a key component in its Admira Protect desensitizer, exhibits superior biocompatibility with virtually no side effects.

 

 

Thanks to Admira Protect's reliable adhesion, I can permanently eliminate hypersensitivity at the CEJ and crown margins by using a 2-step technique and a curing light. It has had a tremendous effect on my patients when it comes to sensitivity relief. This 2-step treatment can last up to 2 years, but I found that it can last much longer, which makes all the difference for my homebound patients. 

Compassionate Care

 

 

When they're not able to get to a dental office, patients can't receive regular oral care until emergency strikes. I have effectively solved this issue through my house-call practice, and these exceptional, dependable products from VOCO have allowed me to keep doing that. 

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