[Editor's Note: This topic keeps coming up on the Spear Review and is consistently one of the most popular.]

One of my dental colleagues recently asked me about Teflon Tape and its use in adhesive dentistry. I've used it almost every day when bonding in a restoration where I don't have to place a rubber dam for isolation. There are times I want to see the adjacent teeth (like seating a single central incisor) and a rubber dam eliminates that possibility.

I buy the tape (plumber's tape) at a home improvement store. It's probably the least expensive item you will ever purchase for dentistry at about $1!

I cut a small piece and then stretch it over the proximals of the adjacent teeth to the one I am bonding to. It's so easy to apply (although with latex gloves on it may take a little bit of practice getting used to). It slides through interproximals and once placed, it doesn't move. I can floss the restoration after the initial gel set and the tape doesn't move.

Once my restoration(s) are seated and cured any cement that has collected in that gingival proximal region is easily removed when I pull the tape out.

If you haven't begun using it you should give it a try because it eases the removal of cement that can both adhere to an adjacent restoration or collect in places difficult to remove.

Mary Anne Salcetti, DDS, PC, Spear Education Visiting Faculty. [ www.maryannesalcettidds.com ]


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Comments

Commenter's Profile Image Rex Baumgartner
December 20th, 2013
It also works as a replacement for cotton covering implant screws
Commenter's Profile Image Bridgette Thatcher
January 12th, 2014
We use it as a replacement for cotton to cover implant screws as well.
Commenter's Profile Image Dale Smith
January 20th, 2014
Does it interfere with the seating of the restoration at the contacts?
Commenter's Profile Image Dale Smith
January 20th, 2014
Does it interfere with the placement of the restoration at the contacts?
Commenter's Profile Image Peter Murchie
January 20th, 2014
Teflon tape is great for resin diastema closure, implant screw closure, using for veneer/crown temps to separate bisacryl, replacing cotton pellets in endo access. It is thinner and more flexible than mylar strips.
Commenter's Profile Image Dr. Charles LoGiudice
January 21st, 2014
I have considered trying this but have been concerned that it would be difficult to remove once the restoration is bonded in place or that it would interfere with seating the restoration, especially inlays.
Commenter's Profile Image Amy Guthrie
February 14th, 2014
I have been using Teflon tape for years. It stretches very thin and smooth, and does not interfere with restoration seating. I use two layers for diastema closure - one layer leaves the contact too tight.