Australasian Dentist Issue 93

CATEGORY AUSTRALASIAN DENTIST 59 movements are utilized in a controlled fashion. It is also important to note the IPR strip should be tight in the holder which can be adjusted by the colored portion of the handle. For spaces larger than .15mm, the clinician has a choice to decide if they wish to complete the required IPR with hand instruments like the FitStrip or move to rotary instruments or high-speed burs. Hand instrumentationwith theFitStrips can also be accomplished if the clinician does not want to utilize rotary instrumentation. FitStrips are available in either a single sided or double sided option and can range in size from .08mm to .5mm. Clinicians should also note the grit transitions from super fine to medium as the thickness of the strip also increases (Figs 5 and 6). Clinicians can avoid potential hand fatigue with hand instrumentation by utilizing the handle provided in the starter kit. (Fig 7) I find that I will alternate using the handle attached to the FitStrips depending on the angulation of the required spacing and my ability to negotiate the reduction safely for the patient’s surrounding tissues and lips. After reduction is completed per the provided instructions from the clear aligner company, I often go back to the spaces once more with the appropriately sized FitStrip double sided hand instrument to make finishing adjustments and smooth any sharp angles that have resulted from the reduction. A clinician can also use the FitStrip fine grit in .15mm to smooth the interproximal sides of the teeth to allow for more ideal approximation during movement. Finally, verify the reduction is completed adequately by using appropriately sized gauge which should slide between the teeth passively indicating the correct reduction has been made. (Fig 8). This process is repeated as needed throughout the case in specified intervals depending on the orthodontic plan. Garrison’s FitStrip system has several advantages over other IPR systems on the market today. Their strips are autoclavable and designed to be used for 20-30 spaces (or approximately 4-6 cases). Our office will take the IPR strips after autoclaving and store them with that patient’s case file. This allows us to continue to use their designated strips throughout their treatment decreasing our overhead on IPR consumables. The FitStrips can also be used to break contacts when cementing veneers and to finish proximal boxes with Class II composites. The ergonomic design of the handle to aid in handling the FitStrip is yet another advantage this system has over many other IPR strips I have tried in my practice. Protocol Synopsis: 1. FitStrip Gray .05mm to break contact 2. FitStrip Yellow .11mm and Red .15mm double sided 3. FitStrip Blue/Green/Black to finish reduction with hand instruments OR 4. Rotary IPR system to open contacts by .2mm – .5mm 5. FitStripof appropriate size for reduction to finish the spacing 6. FitStrip IPR gauge to ensure reduction is complete 7. FitStrip Yellow fine grit to smooth the spaces u About the author A native North Carolinian, Dr. Jennifer Bell earned her undergraduate and doctoral degrees at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. She currently owns two practices in the Raleigh, NC area where she practices full time. Dr. Bell is a graduate of the Kois Continuum and a fellow in both the Academy of General Dentistry and International College of Dentists. Dr. Bell is active in the Academy of General Dentistry where she serves on the Dental Practice Council, Government Evaluation and Review Committee, and as a National Spokesperson. When not practicing dentistry, Dr. Bell is busy raising three kids with her husband Brian. Figure 6 Figure 7 Figure 8 LINICAL new Product C M Y CM MY CY CMY K Advert 2 Clinicare Instru ent Cleaner.pdf 1 20/4/2565 9:59:54