In the realm of dentistry, precision is paramount. Every procedure demands meticulous attention to detail, and articulating paper has become an indispensable tool in this pursuit of perfection. These thin, coated strips play a crucial role in ensuring proper occlusion and bite alignment, contributing to patients’ overall oral health and comfort.
Understanding Articulating Paper
Articulating paper serves as a diagnostic tool, highlighting contact points between upper and lower teeth. By placing these strips between teeth during a bite, dentists can identify:
- High spots
- Uneven areas
- Potential interferences
This information is vital for maintaining proper occlusion and preventing issues such as:
- Excessive tooth wear
- Increased risk of decay and gum disease
- Jaw joint disorders
- Headaches or migraines
Top 10 Articulating Paper Suppliers
- Bausch Articulating Papers, Inc.
- Founded: 1998 (U.S. branch of Dr. Jean Bausch GMBH & Co.)
- Location: Nashua, New Hampshire
- Known for: Progressive Color Transfer technology
- Key products: Arti-Check Micro-Thin, PROGRESS 100 lines
- Features: Varying thicknesses and color intensities
- Innovation: OccluSense® handheld unit for masticatory force recording
- Keystone Industries
- Focus: High-quality dental products with emphasis on user experience
- Standout qualities: Softness, smoothness, non-sticking properties
- Options: Regular and horseshoe-shaped
- Advantage: Precise marking for unilateral bites
- Integra Miltex
- Renowned for: Exceptional durability and tear resistance
- Offerings: Straight and curved strips
- Benefit: Adaptable to various clinical scenarios
- Crosstex
- Highlights: Superior manufacturing, rigorous quality control
- Features: Color-coded packaging, clear marking in wet/dry environments
- Advantage: Easy product identification, enhancing workflow efficiency
- Kulzer
- Focus: Precision-engineered products for dental applications
- Key feature: Seamless adaptation to occlusal surfaces
- Benefit: Reliable contact point identification for quality occlusal adjustments
- Dexiter
- Known for: Consistent performance across product range
- Advantage: Distinct markings for accurate occlusal assessments
- AccuFilm
- Innovation: Double-sided occlusal marking film
- Feature: Pre-cut strips for simultaneous arch marking
- Benefit: Streamlined, efficient occlusion assessment process
- House Brand
- Selling point: Cost-effective without compromising quality
- Options: Various thicknesses and color combinations
- Advantage: Appeals to practices seeking reliable, affordable options
- TrollFoil
- Unique feature: Individual, stacked piece delivery system
- Benefit: Prevents ink transfer to gloves or clothing, enhancing cleanliness
- Note: Swedish company celebrating 20th anniversary
- Additional benefit: Marks accurately on both wet and dry surfaces
- PD Dental
- Focus: Convenience-oriented products for enhanced efficiency
- Options: Double-sided for simultaneous arch recording
- Advantage: Range of thicknesses and shapes for various clinical scenarios
Choosing the Right Articulating Paper
Consider these factors when selecting articulating paper:
- Thickness
- Thicker (red): Higher bite force, suitable for larger adjustments
- Thinner (blue): More sensitive, ideal for fine-tuning
- Color Intensity
- Darker colors (red): Stronger intensity, easier to identify
- Lighter colors (blue): Better for detecting subtle markings
- Shape
- Straight/curved strips: Versatile for general assessments
- Horseshoe-shaped: Useful for unilateral bites or full arch assessments
- Pressure Sensitivity
- Higher sensitivity: Precise marking of slight contacts
- Brand Reputation
- Opt for reputable brands with proven track records
Impact on Dental Health
Regular use of articulating paper helps dentists:
- Prevent excessive wear
- Protect jaw joints
- Facilitate proper chewing and digestion
- Identify and address discomfort
By incorporating articulating paper in routine check-ups, dentists can reinforce the importance of proper bite alignment alongside daily hygiene practices.
Conclusion
Articulating paper is a simple yet powerful tool in dental care. By choosing the right supplier and product, dentists can ensure accurate occlusal assessments, precise adjustments, and improved patient outcomes. As you explore these top suppliers, consider your specific clinical needs and patient demographics to find the perfect match for your practice.
Remember, exceptional dental care is built on attention to detail, and articulating paper is your trusted companion on the journey towards precision, comfort, and lasting smiles.
Patterson Dental, Best Buy Dental, and Safco Dental Supply are known for their extensive selection of articulating paper, catering to various dental needs. They offer different colors, thicknesses, and forms, including strips, sheets, and rolls, to suit specific clinical preferences and patient requirements.
Prices for articulating paper can vary depending on the supplier, brand, quantity, and type of paper. It’s important to compare prices from multiple suppliers to find the best deals. Some suppliers may offer discounts for bulk purchases or special promotions.
When selecting an articulating paper supplier, consider factors such as product quality, variety of options, customer service, and shipping policies. Look for suppliers that offer high-quality products from reputable brands, a wide range of choices to meet different needs, responsive customer support, and reliable shipping options.
Articulating paper is a thin, coated paper used to mark contact points between teeth, while articulating foil is a thin, metallic material used for more precise occlusal adjustments. Foil is typically thinner than paper and can help identify lighter contact points.
The choice of thickness depends on your preference and the clinical situation. Thinner papers (e.g., 40 microns) are more sensitive and can help identify lighter contact points, while thicker papers (e.g., 200 microns) are more durable and can provide clearer markings. Many dentists use a combination of thicknesses for different purposes.
It is not recommended to reuse articulating paper as it may lead to inaccurate markings and cross-contamination between patients. Always use a new piece of paper for each patient and procedure.
Store articulating paper in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and moisture. Keep the papers in their original packaging or a sealed container to prevent damage and contamination.
Yes, articulating paper can be used on implants, crowns, bridges, and other dental restorations to check the occlusion and contact points. However, be gentle when using the paper on these surfaces to avoid damaging the materials.
