Dr. DiTolla’s Clinical Tips – OptraGate® ExtraSoft
![OptraGate® ExtraSoft Hero Image](/content/glidewell/en/education/chairside-magazine/volume-9-issue-2/dr-ditollas-clinical-tips-the-flexibility-makes-it-easy-for-patients/_jcr_content/root/container/container_467654658/container_1170571169/image.coreimg.jpeg/1678732418114/cm0902-clinical-tip-ivoclar-optragate-retractor-hd.jpeg)
PRODUCT:
OptraGate® ExtraSoft
SOURCE:
Ivoclar Vivadent, Inc.
Amherst, N.Y.
800-533-6825
ivoclarvivadent.us
I began using retractors when I started working at Glidewell Laboratories out of necessity, because we film all the cases I do here and it was the only practical way to create a field of vision without me or my assistant having to dedicate a hand to this task. The issue I have found with many retractors is that they are simply too stiff and have a tendency to pop out of the mouth when patients close. And on top of that, patients tend to get sore with traditional retractors whenever we have a longer appointment. Ivoclar Vivadent’s OptraGate® ExtraSoft solves those issues because of the extra flexibility in the latex-free material. In addition to being easier to place in the patient’s mouth, once seated, patients have worn it for four-plus hours with no signs of soreness afterwards. The flexibility makes it easy for patients to bite down without it interfering or falling out, such as when I am checking the occlusal reduction on a crown prep during a procedure. OptraGate ExtraSoft is available in regular and small sizes.