How many times can I use a single DryShield mouthpiece? According to the manufacturer the answer is about 50 times, which equates to 50 cents per use ($25/50 = $0.50). Well, I wanted to test that number, so I went beyond 50 times to see what would happen. The photos below show two medium DryShield mouthpieces side by side. The one on the left (both photos) has been used 3 times. The one on the right (both photos) has been used about 100 times. You can see the obvious color change, but the most common question is, how has the actual performance been affected? The suction power seems to be about the same, but the ability to retract has been noticeably diminished. Over time, the mouthpiece gets softer, which affects the ability of the mouthpiece to retract. The mouthpiece on the right still performs somewhat, and I plan to keep using it just to see how far I can take this experiment, but technically it’s probably time to throw it out. At 100 uses the per use cost is only 25 cents, which is pretty damn good, if you can take it that far. I think the key to making them last is to not let debris sit in the mouthpiece. Personally, I immediately brush and rinse the mouthpiece in the lab once I’m done with the patient. That’s obviously not practical for most people, so I would highly recommend to at least rinse out the mouthpiece at the chair while it’s still attached to vacuum before tossing it on the tray. If you have any questions or want to share your experience with the DryShield mouthpieces please comment below.
Links
DryShield.com
KonaAdapter.wordpress.com
Mark Frias. RDH
When calcium builds up in the adapters I soak them in vinegar or citric acid solution after cleaning. The acid does not seem to affect pliability but it is too early to tell. But the isolators come out squeaky clean after the soaking.
Correction: I did not mean “adapters”. I meant the whole Dryshield mouthpiece is soaked in a non toxic mild acid solution to remove scale.
Hi Mark,
I am looking at getting a dryshield and wondered which mouthpiece sizes you use the most, for adults and kids. Do you find that you have use for the large or the x-pedo sizes?
Many thanks!
I would recommend getting all sizes. For adults and teenagers I mostly use medium, but the large will be needed. For kids I use both small and pedo equally. As a hygienist I don’t use the product on kids 5 and under (no six molars to seal), but for dentists, especially if you treat young kids, then get the x-pedo too.
Thanks for the advice! Much appreciated
Does anyone know how to obtain Dryshield and Krona adapters in the UK? I wrote to distributors Germany 3/52 (who are supposedly Europe distributors) but no response received. I did phone them also? They asked me send a email. Wrote to Dryshield in the USA. No response either. Clearly they cannot cope with the demand?
Dr. Vasant,
You can order the Kona Adapters from me at http://KonaAdapter.com. As far as the DryShield mouthpieces, I know of at least one UK customer who got them from a German distributor.
Hi good afternoon does anybody know if there’s a distributor in Mexico?
Are you referring to the DryShield or the Kona adapter?