Sometimes, you don’t know what you’re missing until you try something new. That’s certainly the case for hygienist Jessica Raymond- Allbritten, who had used the same prophy angles for 10 years and hadn’t really considered switching to a different brand. However, that all changed when she tried Pac-Dent’s AntiSplatr Flex Ergo Slim prophy angle, which is now her “new favorite dental product.”
“I just can’t believe how innovative this product is,” shared Raymond-Allbritten, who has a long list of reasons why AntiSplatr “beats out all its competitors and is one of the top 3 dental products I have ever used.” That list includes “a soft cup that adapts to the tooth perfectly, excellent interproximal stain removal, reduced prophy paste splatter, great access throughout the oral cavity, and easy-to-open packaging.” In addition, she said the AntiSplatr brand is less expensive than other prophy angles.
“I don’t think I can go back to using any other prophy angle after this,” declared Raymond- Allbritten, which is why AntiSplatr Flex Slim and Flex Ergo Slim are now permanent fixtures in her practice.
Cup Adaptation & Cleaning Ability
AntiSplatr Flex Slim (90-degree) and Flex Ergo Slim (Ergo version) feature Pac-Dent’s Smart Flex Technology—flexible cups that easily adapt to the contours of teeth for thorough interproximal cleaning. An upgraded cup lip and flare allow easy access to subgingival areas, while external ridges enhance interproximal polishing.
“I like that the flexible material can reach into the interproximal space to provide a great level of cleaning and polishing, leaving teeth with a smooth and shiny surface,” shared Jill Massey, a dental program director at a community college, who called AntiSplatr “a strong choice for our school.” Calling “the flexibility and flare of the cup very helpful while cleaning around crowded teeth and reaching interproximal areas,” hygienist Amber Bonanni said, “It was easy to maneuver and quickly adapted to the tooth surface. The ridges on the sides were helpful in removing lingual stain.”
“It made polishing easy, with excellent adaptation and better reach to the linguals of anterior teeth,” said Jennifer Porter, RDH. “It was soft and pliable and hugged the tooth wonderfully to help remove bacteria and extrinsic stains better,” noted hygienist Maryann Olmsted.
Calling the cup “firm yet soft enough to flare to reach interproximal stain,” Cheri Lindstrom introduced AntiSplatr to her clinical dental hygiene students, and it quickly became their favorite prophy angle. “Students were amazed at the differences small changes in products like this make in their ability to treat their patients better.”
Cup Design, Access, & Visibility
With a 42% smaller body and neck design than the original AntiSplatr prophy angles, AntiSplatr Flex Slim and Flex Ergo Slim enhance access and visibility for clinicians. “I love the small head, design, and angle of AntiSplatr Flex Ergo Slim,” shared Kim Williams, RDH. “They made polishing easy and thorough, especially for patients with a small tight mouth with poor access to 2nd molars.” For hygienist Malee Wong, “The fender and slim design improved visibility,” and Lindstrom said, “The compact design definitely made an impact. I love it!”
The flexible cup helps reduce excessive wrist movement, minimizes slipping during procedures, and optimizies paste spread and retention, according to Pac-Dent.
“I love the slim head and contra angle design, which make them ergonomically comfortable to use,” stated Wong, who “thoroughly enjoyed the flex of the cup” but suggested a firm cup option for those who prefer it. “The size and flare of the cup offer good flexibility, improving comfort,” agreed Massey. Tammy Sjurseth “loved the angulation” but said the gearing slipped on a few of the angles.
Splatter Reduction & Paste Retention
A unique AntiSplatr fender design helps prevent saliva, blood, and paste from accumulating on the cup’s exterior, while spiral blades allow for optimum paste retention. “It effectively removes stain and is truly anti-splatter, even with various brands of prophy paste,” said Raymond- Allbritten. “The design of the ‘flap’ is more like a snake’s tongue, which differs from other anti-splatter angles,” she added.
“The total splatter reduction worked beautifully,” said Lindstrom, and Wong said the fender helped catch a lot of saliva. “AntiSplatr reduced saliva and paste splatter exceptionally well, resulting in quicker polishing,” shared Bonanni.
Overall Satisfaction
AntiSplatr Flex Slim and Flex Ergo Slim “were a pleasure for me to use each and every time,” shared Olmsted. And Massey concluded, “This product enhanced my chairside experience by providing effective cleaning, reducing wrist strain, and producing less splatter, making for a smoother, more comfortable workflow.”
