In my experience, BISCO has always produced the best phosphoric etch, which is why I’ve been using their etching materials for over 25 years. The combination of higher viscosity, better visibility with its bluer color, and the availability of benzalkonium chloride as an antimicrobial agent has made my decision to use Select HV Etch an easy one. I use it regularly to condition tooth structure before bonding adhesives, composites, or sealants.
The best thing about Select HV Etch is that it stays put. The fact that it is not runny and stays exactly where it’s placed means my assistant is free to move forward in the procedure instead of having to monitor the etch with a rinse in one hand and suction in the other—and be ready to jump in if the etch starts to run off the patient’s tooth.
The 35% viscosity of Select HV Etch offers a tremendous advantage for all procedures involving phosphoric acid etching. It allows the clinician more precision in the etching step, and all but eliminates the risk of etch flowing onto adjacent tooth structure or soft tissue. I believe its viscosity improves both the predictability and safety of etching procedures.
I have noticed significantly less staining—especially on Class V composites—since I switched to Select HV Etch a number of years ago. I believe this is directly related to the ease in controlling the application of this etch, and how cleanly it rinses off without leaving any residue behind. It eliminates the need for re-rinsing and drying surfaces.
When I look to invest in a new etch, I need something that isn’t runny; is easily visualized and has good color contrast; and rinses easily, leaving no residue behind. The end result should be a predicable etch. Select HV Etch checks all those boxes for me—and then some.
