A Review of the Top Dental Rubber Dam Brands on the Market

A dental rubber dam is a thin sheet of latex or non-latex material that is used to isolate one or more teeth from the rest of the mouth during a dental procedure. It helps to prevent contamination, improve visibility, and enhance patient comfort and safety. Dental rubber dams come in different sizes, thicknesses, colors, and scents, and they can be used with various accessories such as clamps, frames, or syringes. In this article, you will learn:

• What are the benefits and drawbacks of using dental rubber dams?
• What are the main types and ingredients of dental rubber dams?
• What are the top dental rubber dam brands on the market?
• How to choose and use dental rubber dams properly?
• How to care for your teeth and gums after using dental rubber dams?

What are the Benefits and Drawbacks of Using Dental Rubber Dams?

Using dental rubber dams can have both advantages and disadvantages for your oral health and experience. Some of the benefits are:

• They can prevent bacteria, saliva, blood, or debris from entering the tooth or the root canal during endodontic or restorative procedures. This can reduce the risk of infection, inflammation, or failure of the treatment.
• They can provide a dry and clean field for the dentist to work on. This can improve the quality and durability of the dental materials and the outcome of the procedure.
• They can protect your tongue, lips, cheeks, and throat from injury or irritation caused by dental instruments, materials, or chemicals. This can also prevent accidental swallowing or aspiration of foreign objects.
• They can reduce or eliminate unpleasant tastes, smells, or noises during the procedure. This can enhance your comfort and satisfaction.
• They can create a psychological distance between you and the treatment. This can help you relax and cope better with anxiety or fear.

Some of the drawbacks are:

• They can cause discomfort or pain in your teeth or gums due to pressure from the clamp or frame. This can also affect your bite or jaw alignment temporarily.
• They can cause allergic reactions or sensitivity in some people who are allergic or intolerant to latex or other ingredients in the rubber dam. This can manifest as itching, swelling, redness, or rash in your mouth or skin.
• They can interfere with your breathing, swallowing, or speaking during the procedure. This can make you feel claustrophobic, suffocated, or gagged.
• They can have aesthetic issues such as color mismatch, staining, or odor. This can affect your appearance and confidence.

What are the Main Types and Ingredients of Dental Rubber Dams?

There are two main types of dental rubber dams: latex and non-latex. Latex rubber dams are made from natural rubber latex derived from the sap of rubber trees. Non-latex rubber dams are made from synthetic materials such as polyisoprene, polyurethane, nitrile, or vinyl. Both types have similar properties and functions, but they differ in some aspects such as:

• Allergy potential: Latex rubber dams have a higher risk of causing allergic reactions in people who are sensitive to latex proteins. Non-latex rubber dams are safer for people with latex allergies, but they may still cause reactions in people who are sensitive to other ingredients.
• Strength: Latex rubber dams have higher tensile strength and elasticity than non-latex rubber dams. This means they can stretch more without breaking or tearing. However, this also means they may be harder to apply or remove.
• Cost: Latex rubber dams are cheaper than non-latex rubber dams. This is because natural rubber latex is more abundant and easier to produce than synthetic materials.

Dental rubber dams also come in different sizes, thicknesses, colors, and scents. The size of the rubber dam depends on the number and size of the teeth that need to be isolated. The standard size is 6 x 6 inches (15 x 15 cm), but there are also smaller (5 x 5 inches) or larger (10 x 10 inches) sizes available. The thickness of the rubber dam affects its flexibility and durability. The standard thickness is 0.008 inches (0.2 mm), but there are also thinner (0.006 inches) or thicker (0.01 inches) options available. The color of the rubber dam affects its visibility and contrast with the tooth. The most common colors are green, blue, purple, black, pink, or clear. The scent of the rubber dam affects its odor and flavor. Some rubber dams have added scents such as mint, fruit, vanilla, chocolate, or coffee.

What are the Top Dental Rubber Dam Brands on the Market?

There are many dental rubber dam brands on the market, but not all of them have the same quality, safety, effectiveness, or convenience. Some of the top dental rubber dam brands on the market are:

• Hygenic: This is a brand that offers latex and non-latex rubber dams in various sizes, thicknesses, colors, and scents. Their products are made of high-quality materials that are durable, flexible, and resistant to tearing. They also have a smooth and soft texture that is comfortable for the patient and easy for the dentist to manipulate. Their products are also biodegradable and environmentally friendly.
• Coltene: This is a brand that offers latex and non-latex rubber dams in different sizes, thicknesses, colors, and scents. Their products are made of premium materials that are strong, elastic, and stable. They also have a matte and non-reflective surface that provides good contrast and visibility. Their products are also compatible with various accessories such as clamps, frames, or syringes.
• Kerr: This is a brand that offers latex and non-latex rubber dams in different sizes, thicknesses, colors, and scents. Their products are made of superior materials that are reliable, resilient, and adaptable. They also have a smooth and glossy surface that is pleasant for the patient and easy for the dentist to handle. Their products are also sterilized and packaged individually for safety and hygiene.
• Dentsply: This is a brand that offers latex and non-latex rubber dams in different sizes, thicknesses, colors, and scents. Their products are made of excellent materials that are tough, stretchy, and consistent. They also have a fine and uniform surface that provides good clarity and contrast. Their products are also tested and certified for quality and performance.
• Ivoclar Vivadent: This is a brand that offers latex-free rubber dams in different sizes, thicknesses, colors, and scents. Their products are made of synthetic materials that are safe, gentle, and hypoallergenic. They also have a silky and smooth surface that is comfortable for the patient and easy for the dentist to apply. Their products are also odorless and tasteless for patient satisfaction.

How to Choose and Use Dental Rubber Dams Properly?

To choose and use dental rubber dams properly, you need to follow some steps and precautions. Here are some tips on how to choose and use dental rubber dams properly:

• Consult your dentist before using any dental rubber dam. Your dentist can advise you on the best type, brand, size, thickness, color, or scent of dental rubber dam for your needs. Your dentist can also check if you have any allergies or sensitivities to latex or other ingredients in the rubber dam.
• Follow the instructions on the product label or package insert carefully. Different products may have different directions for use, such as how to cut, punch, or mark the rubber dam; how to place the clamp or frame on the tooth; how to apply or remove the rubber dam; etc. Do not deviate from the recommended procedure or technique.
• Use a rubber dam that fits your mouth properly. A rubber dam that is too big or too small can cause discomfort or leakage of saliva or blood. You can use a universal rubber dam that comes with some products or get a custom-made rubber dam from your dentist or online.
• Avoid using a rubber dam that is damaged or expired. A rubber dam that is torn, punctured, stained, or discolored can compromise its quality and effectiveness. A rubber dam that is past its shelf life can lose its strength and elasticity. Check the product for any signs of damage or expiration before using it.
• Store your rubber dam in a cool and dry place. Exposure to heat, moisture, light, or air can degrade the rubber dam and affect its properties. Keep your rubber dam in its original packaging or container until you need to use it.

How to Care for Your Teeth and Gums After Using Dental Rubber Dams?

To care for your teeth and gums after using dental rubber dams, you need to follow some steps and precautions. Here are some tips on how to care for your teeth and gums after using dental rubber dams:

• Rinse your mouth with water or mouthwash after removing the rubber dam. This can help remove any residue or excess material from your teeth and gums and prevent irritation or infection.
• Brush your teeth gently with a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste after each meal or snack. This can help remove plaque and bacteria that can cause decay or discoloration.
• Floss your teeth once a day with dental floss or an interdental cleaner. This can help remove food debris and plaque that can get stuck between your teeth and cause inflammation or infection.
• Visit your dentist regularly for check-ups and professional cleaning. Your dentist can examine your oral health and determine if you need any additional treatment or maintenance after using the rubber dam. Your dentist can also clean your teeth thoroughly with special tools to remove plaque and tartar that you cannot remove at home.

A dental rubber dam is a thin sheet of latex or non-latex material that is used to isolate one or more teeth from the rest of the mouth during a dental procedure. It helps to prevent contamination, improve visibility, and enhance patient comfort and safety.

There are different types and ingredients of dental rubber dams available on the market, each with its own benefits and drawbacks. There are also different brands of dental rubber dams on the market, each with its own quality, safety, effectiveness, or convenience.

To choose and use dental rubber dams properly, you need to consult your dentist before using any product, follow the instructions on the product label or package insert carefully, use a rubber dam that fits your mouth properly, avoid using a rubber dam that is damaged or expired, and store your rubber dam in a cool and dry place. To care for your teeth and gums after using dental rubber dams, you need to rinse your mouth with water or mouthwash after removing the rubber dam, brush your teeth gently with a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste after each meal or snack, floss your teeth once a day with dental floss or an interdental cleaner, and visit your dentist regularly for check-ups and professional cleaning.