Ivoclar Vivadent OptraDam Plus - Manual (Page 2)

1. Select the appropriate sized OptraDam Plus. The size
(R for regular or S for small) is indicated on the
packaging and on the back of the latex bag.
2. The rubber dam punch is used to make the appropriate
holes, depending on the teeth to be exposed. Check the
quality of your rubber dam punch regularly. Blunt
punches perforate the latex only incompletely, which
results in the latex material tearing and thus in
insufficient isolation of the teeth.
3. OptraDam Plus may be inserted from both the
12 o’clock position with the patient lying down, or from
the 8 o’clock position with the patient sitting upright
(or the 4 o’clock position if the clinician is left-handed).
4. To ease placement, the operator should grasp the
intraoral ring by reaching through the outer ring. The
intraoral ring should be held between the thumb and
middle finger and pressed together slightly (see Figure 2).
When grasping the intraoral ring, make sure that it is
not completely pulled out of the latex bag.
When grasping the intraoral ring, make sure that it is
not completely pulled out of the latex bag.
Fig 2: Correct hold on the inner ring with thumb and middle
finger. The ring is slightly compressed in the process.
5. The slightly compressed intraoral ring is then inserted
into the buccal corridor on one side, so that the elastic
component embraces the corner of the mouth and the
outer ring is still located extraorally (see Figure 2).
6. As soon as OptraDam Plus is securely in place on one
side, the intraoral ring is inserted in the same manner
on the other side by slightly bending it (see Figure 2).
Fig 3: After having positioned the inner ring behind the corners
of the mouth, it is pushed behind the lower and upper lip.
7. Subsequently, the inner ring is placed behind the lower
and upper lips and thus the OptraDam Plus assumes its
final, stable position (see Figure 3).
The intraoral ring can be inserted with more ease if the
patient’s mouth is relaxed. If, in individual cases, the
intraoral ring should show a tendency to slip out of the
mouth when the mouth is closed completely,
positioning of the intraoral ring deeper inside the
vestibule is usually sufficient to solve the problem.
Sometimes, the use of the other size may also be a
solution.
8. The dam is secured around the teeth by fitting the
septum of the dam interproximally and in the sulcus
using dental floss.
9. The securely positioned OptraDam Plus improves the
overall view and accessibility of the working field. The
saliva ejector is introduced below the integrated frame
and positioned in the corner of the mouth. Lateral
movements of the mandible and opening of the mouth
to various degrees may provide additional space and
access to the treatment area. If the interproximal
spaces are large and retention of the rubber dam is
insufficient, a ligature of dental floss or Wedjets
® * or a
rubber dam clamp may be used additionally to hold the
latex bag in place.
* Wedjets ® is a registered trademark of Coltène/Whaledent
10. Before the dam is removed, each septum is carefully
cut. Using a paper towel, grasp the outer ring in the
lower area and lift it slightly so that the intraoral ring is
loosened from the lower gingivobuccal fold. The