As any dentist can attest, precision is key to ensuring successful treatments and patient satisfaction. One of the most essential aspects of this precision lies in the accuracy of bite registrations. Affirming that “reliable occlusal marking is critical to almost every restorative procedure we do,” New York dentist Dr. Craig Ratner explained, “Inaccurate marks can lead to improper adjustment, which can lead to bad outcomes like patient discom-fort and/or restoration wear or breakage.”
To avoid complications and obtain optimal accuracy, dentists need products that easily and reliably mark occlusal surfaces, such as Parkell’s AccuFilm family of occlusal articulating films. The AccuFilm line includes single-sided AccuFilm I, double-sided AccuFilm II, and pre-mounted AccuFilm FastCheck. The super-thin film consistently produces precise, sharp, easy-to-interpret marks.
Hoping for “quality, consistent articulating film,” Dr. Ratner tried AccuFilm II and AccuFilm FastCheck in his practice for a few weeks and was pleased to achieve “good quality, reliable contact markings that were distinctive and easy to read on all surfaces.”
Design of Articulating Film
Available in strips and precut sheets, the AccuFilm line includes AccuFilm I, a roll of single-sided, precut strips in black or red. Double-sided AccuFilm II comes in precut rolls or booklets with a choice of red/black, black/black, or red/red strips.
A convenient option is premounted AccuFilm Fast-Check with a built-in frame to facilitate positioning on occlusal surfaces of posterior teeth without using forceps. Its double-sided, blue coating marks both arches simultaneously, and it marks both wet and dry polished metal and ceramic surfaces.
The film’s thin design made the strips especially useful for tight occlusions, said Dr. Abraham Jaskiel. Dr. Nora Donatelli described AccuFilm FastCheck’s built-in frame as very convenient, and Dr. Dennis Cufone said it kept his fingers clean. Once she got used to the removable frame, Dr. Rita Sabaitis decided, “I found it was easier to adapt to the patient’s mouth opening.” Sharing that he hates forceps, Dr. Frank Friedman said he “loved the frame.” Dr. Ratner shared, “The carrier was rigid enough to help transport the paper posteriorly without metal holders but thin and flexible enough to make it comfortable for the patient.”
Distinctive Markings
“The products worked well to provide clearly visible markings that are easy to read, which enabled fewer attempts to get good marks,” said Dr. Frank Siracusa. Dr. Charles Crowl achieved “very clear and sharp markings, which increased my confidence,” and Dr. Julien Zenker found that AccuFilm FastCheck “makes clear occlusal marks on both opposing arches.” Dr. Donatelli said, “I was impressed by the clear markings, which saved me time, and AccuFilm FastCheck worked very well in wet conditions.”
“AccuFilm FastCheck kept marking when wet,” said Dr. Jaskiel, and Dr. James DeFilippo noted, “It left marks in the presence of saliva and water.” Unlike other films he used in the past, “AccuFilm FastCheck clearly and quickly marks on zirconia,” said Dr. Friedman. “I was able to clearly see occlusal markings on polished crowns,” said Dr. Charles Elkington, but he “would like to see better markings on gold surfaces.”
Accuracy of Occlusal Results
Because of the film’s ultrathin design, patients don’t sense anything between their teeth when biting down, and the mandibular reflexes that might skew the bite are not triggered. AccuFilm stretches but does not break, with no snap-back to distort the marks.
During implant procedures, Dr. Jeffrey Brook said, “Smudge-free, consistent registration is essential for preventing pressure necrosis of surrounding bone and, ultimately, implant failure.” After using AccuFilm II and AccuFilm FastCheck for several weeks, Dr. Brook declared, “I will never again buy generic articulating paper.” He explained, “The AccuFilm products were easy to handle, produced a consistent, accurate registration, and facilitated a smooth, efficient visit to what I consider a crucial component of the implant process.”
Reporting “consistent and accurate markings,” Dr. Sabaitis said, “Patients were unaware of having anything between their teeth so the bite could be more natural.” Dr. Elkington said, “The paper is thin and doesn’t interfere with natural occlusion.” Dr. Friedman called it “thin, strong, and accurate on all surfaces, including glazed zirconia,” and Dr. Steven Edelson found it helpful when adjusting crown occlusion.
Overall Satisfaction
“Ease of use and consistent results would by far be the reasons to use these products,” shared Dr. Sabaitis. Eager to recommend AccuFilm II and AccuFilm FastCheck to his colleagues because of their speed, efficiency, and ease of use, Dr. Friedman concluded, “There’s no waste of time from failure to mark.”
