Product Evaluation

DIRECTADENTALGROUP

A-DAPT by Ronvig

These innovative, nonstick, silicone instruments make it easy to precisely blend, sculpt, and contour composite and glass ionomer restorations

Dentistry is often described as a combination of science and art, which is especially true when creating a direct composite restoration that requires detailed sculpting, layering, blending, and finishing. To assist the clinician in creating a lifelike restoration, DirectaDentalGroup offers A-DAPT by Ronvig, a line of composite instruments with nonstick silicone tips for adapting, modeling, and contouring composite and glass ionomer restorations. Ideal for adaptation in small, thin multiple layers (the stratification method), the instruments are soft, flexible, lightweight, and pencil thin to ensure the best possible tactile feel.

Like many dentists, Dr. Raj Gaur always strives to create lifelike anatomy on direct composite restorations, and he appreciates any instrument or technique that assists with this endeavor. After trying the A-DAPT instruments, Dr. Gaur determined, “The product is simple to use and creates tertiary anatomy flawlessly, and the silicone tip is far superior to a brush head.” Dr. Artin Manoukian agreed that A-DAPT made contouring composites and direct veneers “so much easier” and called it “the greatest tool for sculpting and resin contouring; a must for direct anterior restorations.”

Design: Handles, Tips, & Lack of Sticking

The A-DAPT instruments feature stainless-steel handles that are ultra thin and lightweight for clinician comfort, and the nonstick, soft silicone tips work like a small brush and screw easily onto the handle. The set of instruments includes 1 straight handle with 2 brush-shaped tips and 1 angled (60-degree) handle with 2 conical rounded tips. Both the tips and handles are autoclavable.

“I love the handle, and I love the concept of being able to change the tip of the instrument on the fly if needed,” shared Dr. Peter Dantini, who admitted there is a learning curve to using the instruments. Dr. Aamna Nayyar appreciated the “small handle, flexibility, lightweight, and nonsticky” components of the instruments. “The resin didn’t stick to the instruments,” shared Dr. Robin Henderson, who “liked the easily replaceable, yet durable tips that screw onto the handle.” Agreeing that the silicone tips “kept the composite from sticking or pulling back while placing it,” Dr. Steven LeBeau suggested “a blade that is twisted 90 degrees to make it even better.”

“I really liked the handling of the instrument and the sustainable nature of a reusable product,” noted Dr. Victoria Sullivan, who said her assistants “flash-sterilized the tool so it could be used every time.” Dr. John Leitner, who frequently performs microscopic dentistry, said, “It would be nice if there were smaller sizes to both ends.” Ergonomics & Tactile Sensitivity “The handle and the tactile feel of the instruments and the weight and balance are excellent,” said Dr. Dantini, who suggested stiffer silicone tips. “I liked the lightweight design with silicone tips. It worked like painting on a canvas with a good grip and tactile feel,” shared Dr. Nayyar, who said some serrations on the handle might improve the grip even further. Calling A-DAPT “a high-quality product,” Dr. Henderson said, “I liked the feel of the instrument in my hand.”

“A-DAPT is the greatest tool for sculpting and resin contouring.”
—Artin Manoukian, DDS Montrose, CA

Blending, Sculpting, & Contouring

A-DAPT is ideal for sculpting fi ne details in the anterior and posterior. The flat tip can replace brushes, and the straight and angled handles provide the flexibility needed for multiple indications.

Previously experiencing open and ditched margins from instrument/material pull, Dr. Sullivan said A-DAPT “performed in all ways superior to others. It was especially helpful for trauma cases and poorly accessible posterior restorations, and worked exceptionally well even without heating composite.” It helped Dr. Dantini “shape the occlusal surface of a posterior composite quickly and with excellent marginal adaptation,” and Dr. Nicholas Vece “stretched composite on a molar occlusal so the filling was undetectable, and the anatomy looked natural.” Praising the ability “to stack restorative materials in layers with ease,” Dr. Daniel Hwang said, “The shape and size of the chisel edge are perfect for blending in an anterior esthetic composite along a feather edge bevel, and the silicone’s flexibility made it easy.”

A-DAPT provided “an improved final esthetic result,” shared Dr. Nilay Nanavati. “It easily adapts composite to the tooth and certainly improves the chairside experience.” For Dr. Nayyar, “It was very easy to shape proximal sides, adapt to the restoration’s details, and clean extra composite from the adjacent teeth with a spatula swipe.” Dr. Henderson found the instruments “incredibly helpful” for a large anterior mock-up in the lab and said, “It made the mock-up fun. I will absolutely be using them for this in the future.”

Overall Satisfaction

Praising the “quality materials” and “well-thought-out” instruments, Dr. Robert Friedstat declared, “I’ve used many products in my 46 years of practice, and A-DAPT makes my top 5 list.” Calling it “a great all-around instrument, especially for anterior resin contouring,” Dr. Manoukian concluded, “Every dentist should own this instrument.”

Takeaways

• Precisely blends, sculpts, contours, and models composite and glass ionomer materials with no sticking
• Ideal for adaptation of restorative materials in small, thin multiple layers (stratification method) 
• Autoclavable for reuse, lightweight and thin for the best possible tactile feel
• Stainless-steel handles available in a straight and 60-degree angle configuration  
• Soft silicone tips come in a brush and conical shape