Product Evaluation

ULTRADENT

Ultra-Etch

With an ideal viscosity for precise placement, a self-limiting depth of etch, and easy removal, this 35% phosphoric acid solution predictably etches dentin or enamel

In 2003, Dr. Hatt graduated from Aarhus University in Aarhus, Denmark. From 2007 to 2019, he and his wife, Helle Hatt, DDS, had their own fee-forservice practice focusing on comprehensive dentistry. In 2019 they founded AlignerService. com where their team of dentists work as in-house aligner experts online and serve customers in more than 12 different countries. Their services cover all aspects related to clear aligners and, in doing so, they were able to reduce clear ali After 40 years of practice and using seemingly almost every etchant under the sun, Dr. Thomas Walker has “wondered for years why all etchants run and slump,” a problem that he says is very aggravating. Fortunately, Ultradent provides a solution with their industry-leading Ultra-Etch, a 35% phosphoric acid solution that etches dentin or enamel to prepare the surface for bonding and has a unique viscosity that Dr. Walker calls “perfect and does not slump or run.”

After trying Ultra-Etch for this DPS evaluation, Dr. Walker said he no longer needs to worry about slumping and running—or anything else for that matter. In fact, he calls Ultra-Etch “by far the best etchant I have ever used” and praised almost every aspect of the product, including its dispensing, placement, viscosity, etching ability, easy cleanup, lack of post-op sensitivity, and even the value compared to other etchants. “It will be my go-to etchant henceforth,” decided Dr. Walker.

Dispensing, Placement & Viscosity

Formulated with a unique viscosity that penetrates the smallest fissures or occlusal surfaces, Ultra-Etch maintains a layer thick enough to prevent it from running on vertical surfaces or drying prematurely, according to Ultradent. “Ultra-Etch is very easy to express accurately from the 1.2-mL syringe and can be used for both total etch and/or selective enamel etching,” said Dr. Kevin Anderson. “The material flowed out of the tip nicely every time, and I was able to control the placement well,” noted Dr. James Cavanaugh, and Dr. Mark Offenback agreed that “Ultra-Etch always flows to where you want it, and when pressure is released [from the syringe], it stops flowing and keeps its shape beautifully.”

Calling Ultra-Etch the best product he has ever tried, Dr. Leonardo Huck said he can dispense just the right amount of material and added, “Extruding and dispensing is better than an A+.” Noting that it’s easy to control placement, Dr. Andre Kanarki said, “The gel has the right consistency; it does not run all over and does not get clumpy.” Appreciating that Ultra-Etch “easily spreads to the desired area,” Dr. Mary Kim suggested “just a bit more viscosity,” and Dr. Anderson said he would like “a larger small syringe so we do not have to fill the smaller syringes as often.”

“Ultra-Etch has perfect viscosity and provides predictable results every time,” declared Dr. Christopher Greenwaldt, who added, “I love that it is not runny and stays where I want it. It has made my selective-etch protocol much more predictable, especially during Class II procedures.” Noting that it handles well without running onto soft tissue, Dr. Mark Cohen called it “the best handling gel I have ever used” and said he would “recommend it without reservation.” Appreciating Ultra-Etch’s uniform thickness and flowability, Dr. Thomas Gilbert said, “It’s not too runny and not too thick that it clogs the syringe. There is nothing to improve; it’s perfect.”

Blue Color for Visualization

“Ultra-Etch has a very defining blue color that allows the operator to see exactly where it is placed,” said Dr. Walker, and Dr. Cohen agreed that “the blue color contrasted well with tooth structure, allowing excellent visualization of the working area.” Dr. Anderson pointed out that “the deep blue color makes it very easy to see if you have completely washed away the etchant before your primer or adhesivegner therapy chair time by up to 95%. placement.” Both Dr. Tanya Brown and Dr. Offenback named the color as a favorite quality, with Dr. Offenback stating that “the marine blue color is stunning.” He determined, “I have used a lot of etch in 37 years, and I feel this is the best etch I have used period.”

“Ultra-Etch has many great clinical qualities…and has one of the best track records of phosphoric acid etchants.”

- Kevin Anderson, DMD

Oakdale, MN

Self-limiting Depth of Etch & Ease of Removal

With a unique chemistry that self-limits the depth of etch, Ultra-Etch reduces the risk of over etching while allowing adhesives to penetrate the surface for increased bond strength and reduced sensitivity, according to Ultradent. “The self-limiting quality of Ultra-Etch is another confidence builder,” declared Dr. Anderson, and Dr. Walker explained, “The self-limiting depth of etch explains its lack of post-op sensitivity.” Dr. Greenwaldt said Ultra-Etch allows him to use “a controllable selective-etch technique that is more predictable” and praised the “increased strength during composite veneer preparation.” Dr. Kim said she noticed “increased retention even with all-in-one bonds.”

When it’s time to clean up, Ultra-Etch “is very easy to rinse off the tooth, leaving no residual etchant behind,” reported Dr. Walker. While Dr. Greenwaldt thought the thicker consistency made it “a little more difficult to completely remove, especially in a deep Class II box,” Dr. Cavanaugh said Ultra-Etch “washed off well,” and Dr. Aamna Nayyar said, “It was easy to wash off using the air-water syringe.”

Overall Satisfaction

“Since etchant is one of the few items we use in our practice for almost every restorative procedure, it must be reliable and able to handle everything clinicians need it to do,” said Dr. Anderson. “Ultra-Etch has many great clinical qualities, is of reasonable cost, and has one of the best track records of phosphoric acid etchants out there,” he concluded.

Takeaways

• A 35% phosphoric acid etchant for use on entin and enamel
• Easy to dispense with 1.2-mL syringe, flowable viscosity stays where it's placed
• Self-limiting depth of etch prevents over etching and allows adhesives to penetrate surface
• Blue color improved visibility
• Easy to rinse off at end of procedure