GingiTrac MiniMix
Centrix
This gingival retraction system sports an ergonomic mechanism and slips out cleanly without trauma or rinsing.
The GingiTrac MiniMix from Centrix is a patented, patient-friendly re-formulated 1:1 astringent, vinyl polysiloxane (VPS) formula. Centrix describes the single-dose GingiTrac MiniMix as easier to express than the automix gun with less waste and a smaller size, which saves valuable chair time and reduces patient stress.
According to the manufacturer, the astringent controls oozing, while the fl owable VPS material opens the sulcus. GingiTrac slips out cleanly without trauma or rinsing and the upcoming impression can be previewed by inspecting on removal. The single-dose starter kit contains 24 cartridges, 24 mixing nozzles, and 1 Snub Nose Snap-Fit Syringe.
Fourteen dentists participated in the evaluation of GingiTrac MiniMix. In addition to an overall satisfaction rating, the evaluators rated the holders on such items as instructions and convenience.
Instructions
Centrix GingiTrac MiniMix retraction system’s packaging contains an 8-step fl yer that demonstrates the retraction technique, complete with hints for use. When asked to rate the instructions of GingiTrac MiniMix, 10 evaluators called it excellent, 1 very good, 1 good, and 2 fair. One evaluator with 36 years in dentistry who gave the instructions an excellent rating commented, “Applying as you would impression material, it required no extra learning curve.” One evaluator disagreed noting, the instructions “for use of the cotton caps were not very clear.”
Convenience and Ease of Use
The evaluators were supplied with the new Snub Nose Snap-Fit Syringe, which features a shorter barrel length, and locks tubes into position. Once the material is delivered, empty tubes are “snapped” out. When evaluating this product’s ease of use, 13 of the 14 evaluators ranked this quality as either excellent or very good. One evaluator ranked this quality as good. An evaluator with 14 years in dentistry said, “I like the ease of using the product. They combined the composite dispenser with this product.... great idea.”
Retraction and Ease of Cleanup
Discussing GingiTrac’s retraction capabilities, 2 evaluators called them excellent, 5 called them very good, 3 called them good, and 4 said they were fair. The set up of the product fared equally well, with 6 evaluators ranking set up as excellent, 3 as very good, 3 as good, and 1 as fair. An evaluator with 6 years in dentistry said that GingiTrac MiniMix delivers “great retraction without trauma to gingiva.” One evaluator said he would like to see even more retraction, if possible. “I would like more retraction when it is used by itself, since I use an Isolite or rubber dam and don’t always want to remove them to have the patient bite down on the compression caps. I would also like the snap-in cartridges to fi t in the gun more snugly and not rotate. Just allow us to bend the tip for placement.”
When discussing overall ease of cleanup, 8 evaluators said this property was excellent, 5 said it was very good, and 1 said it was good.
Overall Satisfaction
Evaluators’ overall satisfaction was gauged at the end of the review period, with 5 rating it excellent, 4 very good, 3 good, and 2 fair. One reviewer said, “I like the fact that the material actually sets up, making cleanup easier and neater. I also like that there is no staining of the tissues whatsoever unlike some other products that turn the tissues green or brown. Also, the mild mint fl avor was appreciated by our patients. Dosing and application was also simple! I also like the fact that one could inspect the prep in the set material.” An evaluator from Hazelwood, MO, said, “the sizes are great for molars and premolars— concept is fantastic. Great for getting awesome impressions without irritating the gum tissue.” An evaluator from Norwell, MA said, “Using the old to improve on the new worked very well in this system. If you can use a composite ‘gun’ and love GingiTrac, this system is great for you. It’s easy to place, mixes very well, and handles superbly.”
