Precision Attachments
The Locator Root Attachment Kit features patented dual-retention in the only self-aligning precision attachment.
With Locator Root Attachments, Zest Anchors has introduced the only selfaligning precision attachment. This innovation, says the manufacturer, allows patients to easily seat overdentures without the need for accurate alignment of the attachment components.
Unlike other attachments, in which misalignment can lead to wear, Locator’s resilient overdenture support comes not just from the root, but from surrounding tissue as well. Locator’s pivoting denture component creates a patented, inside-outside dual-retention feature with greater retention surface area. According to Zest, durability tests have proven Locator’s wear resistance and long-lasting performance (110,000+ insertion cycles).
Fit and Size
According to the manufacturer, Locator’s supraradicular design provides the choice of a straight post and 2 angles (10 and 20 degrees) to accommodate divergent roots, as well as a cast-to version. Three color-coded retentive males enable selection of regular-, light-, or extra-light retention. The 9 dentists who participated in the evaluation based their ratings on the Locator Root Attachment Mix Kit (two 0- degree as well as 2 angles [one 10-degree and one 20- degree post] to accommodate divergent roots).
Three evaluators rated correct fit of the Locator in the root canal (for proper cementing) as excellent, 5 rated it as very good, and 1 rated it as good. One evaluator called exact fit “hard to accomplish,” another was “able to fit them securely,” and a third called the fit “very precise.”
The diameter and length of the attachment post for cuspid-size teeth was rated as excellent by 3 evaluators and as very good by 6. One evaluator described these dimensions as “very adequate” and another said the manufacturer “could make them longer and we could trim as needed.”
Retention
The Locator male pivots in its permanent housing, providing a resilient prosthesis connection. While static contact is maintained between the retentive nylon male and the female socket, the metal denture cap has full range of rotational movement over the male. This “pivoting male” design produces a resilient connection without resulting in loss of retention.
When asked about secure retention of the cemented post in the root canal, 1 evaluator reported “no problems” and another said it “depends on what you start with; wider widths would be nice.” This feature was rated as excellent by 4 evaluators, as very good by 4, and as good by 1.
Core and Post Preparation Tools
Ease of use of the Locator Core Tool for placement of attachments and implant abutments was rated as excellent by 3 evaluators, as very good by 5, and as good by 1. One evaluator called it “easy to use.”
Sharpness/effectiveness of the Locator Pilot Drill post preparation was rated as excellent by 3 evaluators and as very good by 6. One evaluator said it “worked well” and another said efficiency “wasn’t very good by the fourth root. I wasn’t sure how many [roots] could be prepped with each carbide.”
White Block-Out Spacer
Locator’s soft, Teflon Block-Out Spacer is designed to block out undercuts during acrylic pickup of the metal denture cap more effectively than block-out material alone. The Block- Out Spacer’s effectiveness was rated as excellent by 4 evaluators, as very good by 4, and as fair by 1. One evaluator called it “a great tool.”
Overall Satisfaction
Overall satisfaction with the Locator Root Attachment Kit was rated as excellent by 5 evaluators and as very good by 4. When asked if they would purchase the kit, 6 evaluators said definitely and 3 said probably. Seven evaluators would definitely recommend it to colleagues, and 2 said they probably would.
