XP Technology Curettes and Scalers
American Eagle Instruments
The patented XP Technology creates an instrument edge that requires no sharpening during its lifetime.
According to American Eagle Instruments, the technology behind XP instruments is what differentiates them from other manufacturers’ instruments. XP Technology is a patented surface engineering process in which the metallurgical composition of the instrument’s surface is enhanced, giving it the properties of a more durable and significantly harder material. This process creates an edge that eliminates the time-consuming and imperfect process of re-sharpening instruments.
Because the blades are designed to not be sharpened, American Eagle manufactures the instruments to be as thin as possible. These thin blades allow for easier access into periodontal pockets and interproximal areas, aiding in patient comfort. The rounded opposing edge reduces tissue trauma.
Beyond improving patient care, XP Technology instruments are designed to be comfortable for the user. The increased sharpness of the blade improves tactile sensitivity, which allows for a light grip. Only a small amount of pressure is needed to remove calculus and tartar.
Thirteen hygienists participated in this Dental Product Shopper evaluation of XP Technology curettes and scalers. They rated and commented on critera such as tactile sensitivity, user comfort, blade sharpness and thickness, and time savings.
Tactile Sensitivity and Comfort
The evaluators were asked to rate XP Technology curettes and scalers on several items related to user comfort. When asked about tactile sensitivity, 8 evaluators rated the instruments as excellent, 4 rated them as very good, and 1 rated them as good. An evaluator from Hope Mills, NC, said, “The tactile sensitivity was amazing.”
When asked to rate the comfort of XP Technology instruments, 11 evaluators rated them as excellent and 2 rated them as very good. One evaluator said, “The amount of pressure needed to remove calculus was so minimal compared to other instruments [I have] used in the past.”
With regard to handle weight and dimension, 10 evaluators rated the instruments as excellent and 3 rated them as very good. An evaluator from Crookston, MN, noted “the light weight design” as one of the things she likes best about the instruments.
Blade Sharpness and Thickness
When asked to rate blade sharpness, 12 evaluators rated the curettes as excellent and 1 rated them as very good. With regard to blade thickness, 9 rated them as excellent, 3 rated them as very good, and 1 rated them as fair.
Ten evaluators named blade sharpness as a favorite feature of the instruments. An evaluator from Kuttawa, KY, said, “Every time I picked up [the curette], I knew it would be sharp.” An evaluator with 12 years of experience said, “The way that these instruments retain their cutting edge is amazing.” This same evaluator described the XP Technology curettes as much better than similar instruments and said she would definitely recommend them to colleagues.
Time Savings
American Eagle Instruments describes the elimination of sharpening of the XP Technology instruments as a time saver for practices. When asked to rate the time savings they experienced with the curettes, 8 rated them as excellent, 4 rated them as very good, and 1 rated them as good. The evaluators were then asked how they used the time gained from not sharpening the XP Technology instruments. Several evaluators mentioned that they were able to incorporate more patient education into their daily routine. One evaluator said, “I am able to complete my other responsibilities without feeling so stressed or not getting them done on time.” Another evaluator said, “I’ve actually been able to leave for lunch on time. I used to save 15 minutes of my lunch break to sharpen [instruments].”
Overall Satisfaction
At the end of the evaluation, the hygienists were asked to give their overall satisfaction rating for the XP Technology instruments. Nine rated them as excellent and 4 rated them as very good. An evaluator from West Nyack, NY, said, “The XP Instruments remove calculus better than any other I’ve used.”
