Glass Ionomer vs. Composite Resin: What Dentists Should Know About Using Interdental Brushes in the UK
Every dentist wants to make sure that they do everything they can to maximise patient outcomes.
One of the key areas of discussion right now is how to use interdental brushes in cases where restorative materials have had to be used.
Any dentist looking for a quick refresher or any patient wanting to learn more about the fine details will find the following discussion insightful. We’ll start with a little background recap to make sure we’re all on the same page.
A Recap Of Restorative Materials
Glass Ionomer Cement (GIC) and composite resin have a variety of different properties that allow dental professionals to choose the right material for each patient.
Composite resin is typically used for stress-bearing restorations because of its mechanical strength, renowned durability, and the fact that it can blend with the natural colour of the patient’s teeth.
The use of GICs is much more common in the case of smaller restorations and root surfaces.
This is because it lends itself to minimising potentially problematic issues through a combination of reliable fluoride release and a series of robust bonding properties
The role of interdental brushes
Interdental brushes are an increasingly popular way of effectively removing plaque and food debris that becomes lodged or trapped between neighbouring teeth.
Conventional brushing and flossing, while highly effective, can only achieve so much. Patients who commit to regular interdental brushing cycles as part of their overall oral hygiene routine regularly achieve better results than those who don’t.
Dentists who want to be able to recommend the leading interdental brushes in the UK to their patients are encouraged to connect with a trusted national supplier.
Doing so will enable them to choose from a comprehensive range of metal wire and rubber interdental brushes.
In the case of patients who have sensitive root surfaces that can be aggravated by metal brushing, this choice becomes especially important.
Using interdental brushes with restorative materials
Interdental brushes are suitable for use by patients who have had GIC and composite resin restoration treatments.
There is nothing inherent in the interdental brushing process that compromises the performance of either of these materials.
That said, it’s important to make sure that the patient feels happy with what you are recommending as the chances are they will not be familiar with this more specialist form of brushing.
The key to patient education
Patients need to know that they are doing the right thing and that they are approaching things in the right way.
They come to you because they trust you to put things right, and that includes any follow-up or home-based work they need to carry out themselves.
Some patients will take the new type of brushing in their stride and diligently practice it on a daily basis, while others will need more encouragement.
Letting them know that by spending as little as a couple of minutes extra per day they can significantly reduce the likelihood of another restorative treatment often serves as great motivation.
You may also want to consider investing in a set of enlarged demo teeth so that you can demonstrate the correct interdental brushing technique at the end of the appointment.
The importance of brush size
Interdental brush sizes are something that the vast majority of patients will not be familiar with. Many of them will assume that there is only one size, just like with conventional toothbrushes.
The key here is to offer a range of choices in your practice so that patients always leave with the right size for their interdental spaces.
Having a range of interdental brushes that are clearly displayed on the reception desk or in the waiting room can solve this problem quickly and efficiently.
If you source a comprehensive range of interdental brush sizes from an established national supplier, you will also be able to secure a consistent stream of additional revenue.
Ideal when you want to be able to boost your business while also increasing patient outcomes.
Conclusion
Taking your time to review and think through the points and arguments made above can help you improve patient outcomes.
Being able to find the time and space in your busy schedule can make all the difference when you want to be able to stay on top of the latest developments in your profession.
Patients who like to dive into the details may also find this guide helpful as it provides plenty of background.
