Gaining access and visibility to working areas using the Free Access ^TM cheek and lip retractor

By Drs. Jeffrey C. Hoos and Johna D. Zitnay
As appeared in Dental Products Report

Free Access II Cheek and Lip Retractor Now Available

The Free Access^TM cheek and lip retractor provides retraction without a second pair of hands to hold the device in place. Intraoral extensions retract buccinator muscles for maximum visibility and access to working areas. Available in two sizes, the retractor is appropriate for use in intraoral photography, charting, tooth preparation, impression taking, air abrasion, oral prophylaxis, and other dental procedures. It withstands dry-heat, autoclave, or chemical sterilization.

Following are various applications for the Free Access^TM cheek and lip retractor as described by Drs. Jeffrey C. Hoos, FAGD, and Johna D. Zitnay, partners in the practice of cosmetic, implant, and general dentistry located in Stratford, Connecticut.

The cheek retractors provide optimal accessibility of the operating field for a variety of dental procedures. This is especially true when working in the anterior area where the use of the retractor provides for a significant increase in visibility. It provides an unobstructed view during occlusal analysis (Figure 1), light curing (Figures 2 and 3), bleaching, porcelain veneer try-in, denture try-in (Figure 4), crown and bridge impressions, tooth preparation and metal try-in (Figure 5). It also provides optimal retraction while taking 35-mm photos and in addition, allows the doctor to clearly view the oral cavity while using an intraoral camera (Figures 6 and 7).

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Maintaining accessibility during air-abrasion cavity preparation is very helpful. The retractor enhances the ability of an assistant to remove airborne particles thereby increasing patient comfort and facilitating the completion of the procedure (Figure 8). The Free Access^TM retractors can also play an important role in the popular closed-mouth impression technique using the Premier Triple Tray. A common problem associated with this procedure is getting the patient to bite into maximum intercuspation (MI). With the cheek and lip retractor, the patient can readily bite into MI. The retractor "fools" the stretch receptors of the facial muscles, allowing the patient to bite into MI without interference (Figures 9 and 10).

Figure 8

Figure 9

Figure 10

The retractor can also be a useful tool for the hygienist during oral prophylaxis and periodontal charting as well as during scaling and root planing procedures. It can help prevent hand and arm fatigue caused by continuous cheek retraction.

Cheek retractors may be helpful in decreasing working time while performing procedures in particularly hard-to-reach areas. This is especially true during procedures requiring a completely dry field, such as sealant application. The retractor can almost act as a "third hand," making this procedure less stressful (Figures 11, 12, and 13).

Figure 11

Figure 12

Figure 13

Using the retractor affords a combination of patient comfort and working-area accessibility. The retractor is automatically held in place, which allows the assistant to concentrate on patient comfort without "fighting" with the patient's lips and cheeks while treatment is delivered.

Low-tech devices have high-tech impact on procedures

The dental profession is continually bombarded with new high-tech devices. Often forgotten is the equally significant impact of low-tech devices that also make procedures more convenient. Consider the mirror, the explorer, the cotton pick-ups, or a simple pair of scissors.

The Free Access^TM cheek and lip retractor is another such low-tech device, which makes dental procedures easier by holding the cheeks out of the way (Figures 14 and 15). The ability to see the operating field reduces stress and ensures the procedure goes smoothly.

Figure 14

Figure 15

A less stressful day yields more productivity and a more pleasant day for the doctor, staff, and, above all, for the patients being treated. With the use of cheek and lip retractors, the operating field is more accessible to provide care and patient comfort, and to help keep the operating field clear.

While it is generally accepted that rubber dam is the optimal device for maintaining a dry and accessible field, many restorative procedures do not readily accommodate its use. In these cases the operator still needs to maintain a dry field and wants to be able to move the lips and cheeks out of the way for increased accessibility. Free Access^TM cheek and lip retractors offer an easy way to retract the lips and cheeks without tying up the hands of the doctor and/or dental assistant.

Free Access II Cheek and Lip Retractor Now Available

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