The Simple Way to Maintain a Dry Field
Simple to install and comfortable for patients, DryShield protects the airway while keeping working areas clean, dry, and visible
Most dental instruments and equipment can be divided into 2 categories—those that make workflows more efficient and those that make the patient experience more comfortable. It’s rare when a product benefits both sides of the chair, but DryShield wins in both of those categories.
A hands-free, continuous high-suction evacuator that’s also a bite block, tongue guard, cheek retractor, and oral pathway protector, DryShield, from Solmetex, is an isolation device that protects airways and keeps working areas clean, dry, and visible.
Scott Waletzko, DDS, in Oak Harbor, WA, used rubber dams before transitioning to DryShield over 4 years ago. Today, he uses DryShield for composite restorations, most crown preps, and any procedure that calls for tissue retraction to keep patients safe.
“It's efficient, predictable, and economical.”
—Scott Waletzko, DDS
Fast & Easy Installation
“I was skeptical initially about switching from something so foundational, because there’s a reason we all learn how to do rubber dams in dental school!” he shared. “But rubber dams are challenging for some staff members, and this alleviates that concern and provides the isolation I need. Countless cheeks and tongues have emerged unscathed from my operatories thanks to DryShield’s retraction capabilities—it's efficient, predictable, and economical.”
DryShield attaches directly to the HVE and doesn’t require additional equipment, which means a fast and simple installation. In addition, the portability between operatories is a plus for workflow efficiency. Clinicians can choose from either a cost-effective autoclavable mouthpiece or a single-use option. Made with a soft, flexible material that contours to the patient’s mouth, each mouthpiece size includes a matching bite block, which gives patients a perfectly sized, comfortable, and fi rm place to rest their mouth during treatment.
“Patients tell me they prefer DryShield because they say there is less of a claustrophobic feeling,” Dr. Waletzko said.
Hands-Free Dentistry
DryShield allows clinicians to perform 2-quadrant dentistry and frees up assistant time, which in turn, speeds up routine dental procedures. “DryShield has a friendly learning curve, and I can train anyone to use this device in a few minutes,” Dr. Waletzko said. “Overall, isolation is crucial for technique-sensitive bonding procedures, and our chairtime is more valuable than ever,” he added. “DryShield allows me to attain reliable clinical results in a way that keeps the flow of the day consistent.”
