The ShortCut

Using retraction cord in a bottle comes with some notorious hassles that include cord slipping back into the bottle, cord getting tangled, inaccurate lengths and infection control issues. These are just some of the concerns dentists and assistants mentioned during recent research on their use of retraction cord.

While retraction cord in a bottle has been available for more than 50 years, there hasn’t been any revolutionary improvement on the system, unlike other areas of dentistry where automix syringes and cartridges have replaced tedious delivery and dispensing methods.

Enter a simple yet innovative new product from DUX Dental. Introduced during the recent ADA meeting in Orlando, ShortCut is a solution to the problems and concerns dentists and assistants face when using retraction cord in a bottle. ShortCut offers a convenient, all-in-one delivery system for retraction cord.

With ShortCut, the cutter is built-in so there is no need for sterile scissors to be handy. In addition, the same amount of cord dispenses each time with a simple “click,” easing communication between the dentist and assistant when the need for cord unexpectedly arises during a procedure.

Many of the dentists and assistants polled on their use of cord in a bottle related issues with communication during a procedure over the length of the cord and having to re-cut or toss out pre-cut cord. With ShortCut, the dentist and assistant have the ability to use the “clicks” to ease communication.

Three to four clicks would provide the perfect length for most anterior restorations, and four to five clicks would work for posteriors. Furthermore, because the cord is encased and the end is unexposed, infection control issues are avoided.

Available in cord sizes 0, 1 or 2, ShortCut is pre-loaded with DUX Dental’s GingiBRAID+ retraction cord. The cord can be ordered impregnated with either epinephrine/alum 87 or aluminum potassium sulfate medicaments. It’s also available as a non-impregnated cord.

GingiBRAID is a popular braided cord that has less memory than traditional braided cords and is easily placed into the gingival sulcus without causing gingival bleeding and soft-tissue damage. GingiBRAID works best when it is wet or soaked in a hemostatic agent.

Because the bottom line, which depends on efficiency and value, is more important than ever, ShortCut will increase procedural efficiency on many levels. Visit the DUX Dental website www.duxdental.com for a virtual tour of ShortCut or contact DUX Dental with any questions at (800) 833-8267.