Zirc Crystal HD Mouth Mirror

Zirc's Crystal HD mirror combines outstanding brightness and color accuracy with scratch-resistance and a lightweight, comfortable design.

Zirc's new Crystal HD mouth mirror is 40% brighter than rhodium and has a 99% reflection factor, providing 'previously unavailable brilliance and color.' The autoclavable mirror, with plastic head and scratch-resistant lens, and the handle are Microban-protected.

A combination of 12 hygienists and dentists participated in this Hygiene Product Shopper evaluation of the Zirc Crystal HD, rating features including lens brightness reflection, ergonomics, and scratch-resistance.

Lens Brightness Reflection and Eye Strain Reduction
Compared to other mirrors, Zirc Crystal HD's lens brightness reflection was rated as excellent by 10 evaluators and as very good by 2. Comments ranged from 'slightly better' to 'great field illumination,' 'superior,' 'amazing how much brighter it is,' and 'colors seem true to life'more brilliant.' One dentist, whose hygienist has difficulty getting enough light, said 'she loves it. She'll never use anything else.' Another evaluator said 'brightness and clarity made it easy to see the smallest details.' Eleven evaluators rated eye strain reduction'7 as excellent and 4 as very good. One evaluator 'didn't notice a difference.' Others said 'noticeable reduction,' 'no fogging issues,' and 'less eye strain with the bright view.'

Plastic Head versus Stainless Steel (Patient Comfort)
Eleven evaluators rated the Crystal HD's plastic head for patient comfort; 5 rated it as excellent, 5 rated it as very good, and 1 rated it as good. Remarks ranged from 'no patient feedback' to 'without a doubt, much more comfortable,' 'bumping the teeth wasn't as big an issue,' and 'I felt a difference in my own mouth.' When 1 evaluator asked patients to compare it to a stainless-steel mirror, '90% found the plastic more comfortable and not cold.'

Size and Weight, Ergonomics
Size and weight was rated as excellent by 6 evaluators and as very good by 6. One evaluator said it 'kept a 'super tongue' at bay'very lightweight, yet sturdy enough for powerful retraction.' Eleven evaluators assessed ergonomics' 8 as excellent and 3 as very good. Three evaluators said 'very comfortable' and 1 'liked the thicker, ribbed plastic handle.' One evaluator felt that the 'the plastic doesn't glide smoothly over oral tissues.' Another evaluator graded the mirror's ergonomics 'A+++!'

Ease of Cleaning (No Gap Between Head and Lens)
Eleven evaluators rated ease of cleaning the Zirc Crystal HD'8 as excellent and 3 as very good. Comments included 'no difference short-term,' 'super'no more post-ultrasound gap scrubbing,' 'no dried film around edges,' and 'no gunk/rust build-up.'

Usefulness of Colors and Microban
Usefulness of colors (coding) of the Crystal HD was rated as excellent by 4 evaluators and as very good or good by 6 (2 didn't comment). Observations included 'excellent for grabbing from the tray more quickly and easily' and 'good for multiple hygienists, and great color assortment!' Assessed by 11 evaluators, antimicrobial inclusion (mirror and handle) was rated as excellent by 2, as very good or good by 8, and as fair by 1. Evaluators said 'great idea; plastic might be more susceptible' and 'idea seems wonderful, but I haven't seen literature to support lasting effect after multiple sterilizations.'

Lens Scratch Resistance
Scratch resistance of the Crystal HD lens was rated as excellent by 6 evaluators, as very good by 4, and as good by 2. Comments ranged from 'scratched like any other' to 'one of their best features' looks as new as when we first used them' and 'no others we've used have remained scratch-free like Zirc.' After initially prewrapping for sterilization, one evaluator 'threw them in like the rest. No scratches after 4+ weeks! GREAT!'

Overall Satisfaction
Overall satisfaction was rated as excellent by 7 evaluators and as very good by 5. All 12 said they would definitely recommend the Zirc Crystal HD. One evaluator 'thought I had the brightest view possible until I used Zirc! WOW'literally like night and day!' Another said 'due to the light weight and, more importantly, the brightness in vision, an ergonomic triumph!!'