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Newsletter • 1st Quarter, 2002
How to Make an Optimal Stent
By the Numbers...Step-by-Step
| 1. |
Document the patient’s initial tooth coloring. Take a photo that includes the shade guide and record the shade number to establish a baseline. This will provide both you and your patient with a good point of reference. |
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| 2. |
Fill the impression tray with impression material. The material should come to the top anterior of the impression tray. Use an impression material dispenser or mix as directed by the material’s directions. |
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| Note: |
Do not use block-out or die-spacer to ensure a tighter seal. Instead, allow maximum whitening per unit dose, and minimize the swallowing of gel. |
| 3. |
Take the impression -- Push the impression tray over the teeth until the material is covering the full depth of the teeth. |  |
| Hold it carefully without movement for 30-50 seconds to allow the material to set. Remove the tray carefully by leveraging it off the molars first. Rinse and wrap the impression in a damp paper towel. Let it set until it becomes firm. |
| 4. |
Mix the stone and pour the cast -- Moisten the impression with water and then shake it off. Carefully flow a small amount of stone into the tooth indentations using a dental spatula. Use a vibrator to work the bubbles out of the impression material and ensure bubble-free margins. Allow the stone to harden. |
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| 5. |
Prepare the model – Soak the model in water for easiest separation. Remove the stone model from the impression. Grind down the base of the model so the central incisors are pointing upward in a 90° angle from the floor of the vacuum machine. |
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| 6. |
Put the model onto the vacuum machine. Both arch models can fit, but you may choose to do just one at a time. |
| Tip: |
Dampen the model before placing it on the vacuum. This will make it easier to remove the EVA from the model. |
| 7. |
Select the EVA and insert the sheet into the vacuum machine -- .040 is the standard -- or use .080 for bruxers. Clamp the sheet down. |
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| 8. |
Engage the vacuum machine heater to heat the EVA. Allow the EVA to sag a minimum of 2 inches. The lower the sag, the thinner the tray. Lower the EVA onto the model until the EVA bracket is fully down into place. |
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| 9. |
Engage the suction for 15-20 seconds to ensure a good form. Push the heating element aside and, with moistened, gloved fingers, immediately apply labial lingual pressure three times from cuspid, lateral, central, lateral, and cuspid. |
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| 10. |
Turn off vacuum and heat. Allow the tray to sit on the vacuum machine for a few minutes to cool. Then remove model and stent. |
| 11. |
Trim away the excess EVA. |
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| 12. |
Use a ballpoint pen to trace a solid line along the gingival margin as a guide for trimming. |
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| 13. |
Trim the tray with a pair of small curved crown and bridge scissors to insure that the tray will not overlap the soft tissue. |
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| Optional: |
Flame the EVA lightly with a laboratory torch to remove any rough edges. |
| 14. |
Run the stent under cold water using your fingers and fingernails to rub off the pen ink. |
| 15. |
Once the tray is trimmed, check the fit by re-applying the tray to the model. |
| A Tech. Tip: |
If a stent sags open and fails to close with a tight fit, you’ll be glad to know that there’s an easy fix:
- Hold the stent under hot tap water for 5-10 seconds to make the material pliable.
- Squeeze the stent between your thumb and second finger. Use your index finger to push the middle of the stent into place.
- Holding it in place, run cold tap water over the stent for 15-20 seconds.
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More Information
Check out these links for further information about these subjects:
Also in this issue:
Reference Guide Introduction
At-Home Whitening 2002 - Whitening has come a long way
In-Office Whitening - Accelerated with NO Lights and NO Heat
Stent Fabrication - A Step-By-Step Illustrated Guide
Sensitivity Chart - Symptoms, Causes, & Solutions
Oral Health - The Next Step in At-Home Treatment
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